Foster VC Kids “Homes with Heart” appeals for loving homes

An initiative to garner more families for foster youth in Ventura County has just been announced.
By: Foster VC Kid
 
 
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March 5, 2015 - PRLog -- Amanda and Sean Maxson from Ventura, Calif. became certified foster parents two years ago. Families like the Maxsons are changing lives by opening up their homes and giving unconditional love and support to children in need of a safe and nurturing place to live. At issue here in Ventura County, there aren’t enough fostering families for the 1,000 children in need.

Foster VC Kids, a division of Children and Family Services, announced this week an initiative called “Homes with Heart” which is working to recruit more homes and to help families across the county empathize with the children, youth and teens who hope and want to be a part of a supportive family and safe haven while separated from their parents and homes.

“We hope people will stop for a moment and think about setting another place at the table, for children who need encouragement in school, when they’re sad or afraid and daily affection,” said Elizabeth Thasiah, Foster Home Recruitment, Development& Support Program Manager for VC’s Children and Family Services. “Every child needs a home with heart.”

“As a father, there are of course some tough parts to being a foster parent, just like it is with your own biological children,” says Sean Maxson. “But meeting the kids, letting them know that they are in a safe and loving environment and then seeing them blossom has changed our lives forever. We always reassure every child we care for that we will love them unconditionally and we will support them as they wait to go home. Some kids have never had this.”

Foster VC Kids prides itself of the services and support they offer to foster families. The county works hand-in-hand with potential parents considering helping children, youth and families. From informational meetings, mentoring, respite care and tons of resources - support is given. “Going to meetings and foster parenting classes really opens up your eyes,” explains Amanda Maxson. “If you’ve never seen what these kids go through, and don’t understand the urgency there is for more loving homes, the county’s meetings and classes are both educational and a great place to start. We found there are excellent resources and support, and hope that there are others that will consider helping these innocent children and teens. ”

A former foster youth, Rosalinda Vint is now a key ambassador for Woman in Substance & Men of Honor, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing support to young men and women that have been incarcerated and in the foster care system. Vint has been an advocate to help transitional age youth (TAY) find jobs and stability. “Being a foster child myself, I feel so passionately about helping,” Vint expresses. “No matter the abandonment, the loss of hope, or the abuse that is inflicted on a child; these kids have to know there is potential for a bright future. Being a Home with Heart, it not only can give these children stability and a sense of gratitude, but it can be exhilarating for the parents too.”

Foster VC Kids’ has been working on this initiative through the launch of its new website, social media, events and pink flyers with handprints and stories from the youth. The meetings go over the five steps to becoming a fostering support household, answer questions and an opportunity to meet current and future foster parents.

“We have noticed that families have their reservations to opening up their homes because it’s the unknown,” explains Thasiah. “However, we hear from our foster families how rewarding it is when they help a child through this difficult time in their lives and offer hope and the knowledge that they are not alone. We have also seen examples of birth parents who express tremendous gratitude for the support they have experienced from foster families as they find stability and are reunified with their children. We encourage people to consider becoming a Home with Heart and find out more today.”

About Ventura County Human Services Agency, Foster VC Kids

Ventura County Human Services Agency (VCHSA) strengthens families, supports self-sufficiency and promotes safety, health, and well-being. All of their service areas operate and perform at the highest level to meet the needs of individuals, families, and the community by providing assistance, aid, and protection for foster youth and beyond. VCHSA demonstrates the ability to work in multicultural environments and ensures that policies, programs, and actions communicate respect for the dignity of all people. Visit www.fostervckids.org for more information.

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