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Our Programs
Phase 1 - SIBLING REUNIFICATION
Kids in the Foster Care system need to see their siblings. We offer Foster Parents helpful ways to let the siblings hang out Friday night to Sunday afternoon-AT NO CHARGE TO THE FOSTER FAMILIES!
Respite care is usually deducted from their allowance. This could discourage a regular attendance of the sibling. We want to come alongside the foster families and any struggles they might be having and give them encouragement and some ideas on how to handle the issues they have in their home.
Every time we have the siblings, we have several goals in mind. While being allowed to be a kid, we want to build on a few things:
Family Memories
We create a memory box of their time here. We keep photo albums, a special mug (from the cup wall) and anything that made a difference in their time here.
This hope chest of items are for them to retrieve late in life. Each weekend they are here, we give them copies of the pictures we took from the weekend before.
Skill Sets
What are their interests? What are they capable of? What do they need to find out about themselves?
What we offer here is a good selection of project ideas to brainstorm with their siblings. We create a budget and different roles will be assigned.
Each person will learn their strengths and weaknesses. Presumed "weaknesses" are not bad...they are opportunities to grow through the challenges of learning. We want to give them an opportunity to achieve something new and discover they can do it!
Social Skills
Role Playing is a powerful tool to help build the right response and courage to do something they haven't done before. Simple things...Like make a call, greeting someone at the door, holding a conversation with someone by asking some good questions.
After some time practicing these skills, they will have the opportunity to host here at the ARK. They can invite their families, friends, etc...These skills are valuable in our society as we are often elevated by the social graces.
One, Two and a Few...
Our goal is to change the face of intake. We are launching our One, Two and a Few program. This would allow Police and Dept. Family and Children Services (DFCS) workers to bring kids to us when the child/children enter into the system. While DFCS is looking for placement, the kiddos receive warm meals, clean clothes, minor medical, play therapy games and a good night sleep. We want to give them a sense of safety and preparation for their future placement. DFCS will have 48 hours to find homes for the kids with the hope that more families will be willing to take all the siblings when given more time to consider it. We will continue to come alongside these families offering the every other weekend respite along with any home skills to help them build those relationships.
Volunteer Opportunity Friday evening through Sunday morning..
Volunteers can sign up to help with the children that are in attendance between Friday evening and Sunday morning. You can stay in our overnight accommodations or sign up for 4 hour schedules. We encourage teens and young adults to volunteer too! Background checks and some training is included. Waivers must be signed as well.