thank you, canobie lake park!

NH DCYF’s Foster, Adoptive And Relative Resource Care NewsCONNECTOR

NH Department of Health and Human Services — Division for Children, Youth and Families Fall 2017

Families Honored at 2017 Adoption Day Celebration

DCYF Welcomes a New Director

On November 13th, a standing room only crowd gathered at the NH State House to celebrate the finalization of 107 DCYF foster care adoptions which occurred between October 2016 and September 2017.

The event was part of a collective national effort to raise awareness of the more than 110,000 children in US foster care waiting to find permanent, loving families. The Executive Council Chambers

was filled with adoptive families, policy makers, DCYF staff and administration, as well as many other champions for children.

Governor Sununu greeted the crowd energetically and thanked the adoptive parents in the room for their unwavering commitment to their children. He expressed his belief that in the State of NH there are exceptional families who have the courage and kindness to continue to open their hearts to waiting children so that every child can find a forever family.

The families in attendance included those who are awaiting an adoption date, those who have recently adopted children, and those who have a long standing history of expanding their families through adoption. During the celebration, Governor Sununu signed a

The

proclamation declaring November 18, 2017 as “Adoption Awareness Day” in the State of NH.

Governor Sununu also issued a citation to Attorney James Bianco on behalf of the Adoptive Families for Children Foundation for its commitment to increasing public awareness of children in foster

Adoption Daycontinued on page 3

Joe Ribsamcontinued on page 4

We are pleased to welcome our new DCYF Director, Joseph E. Ribsam Jr., who joined us in October.

Joe comes to DCYF from New Jersey, where he served as Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Children and Families (DCF.)Since his arrival, Joe said he has received a warm welcome from both staff and community partners.

“I’ve been fortunate to visit a few DCYF District Offices already, and I am continually impressed with the compassion and professionalism of our workforce,” he said. “One of my first official duties as Director was to speak at the recent adoption celebration, and it was a perfect example of the commitment our staff has to the families we serve.”

The Connector: DCYF’s Foster, Adoptive, and Relative Resource Care News Fall 2017

NH Department of Health and Human Services Division of Children, Youth and Families2

Today I am reminiscing about this year’s celebration of NH’s foster and adoptive families held at the NH State House. I thought it was a remarkable tribute to you all and I thank Governor Sununu, Commissioner Myers, Director Ribsam and JD Bartkovich for their thoughtful, kind and encouraging words. This group of speakers certainly delivered a call to action. Congratulations to Adoptive Families for Children for receiving a citation from Governor Sununu for their work in the development of NH’s first and only adoption resource exchange.

I was reluctant to share information regarding my job change at the time because I did not want to take any of the focus off of the event of the day – the celebration of the families that have provided unconditional love for our children. It was humbling to see so many children in the audience. As I looked out, I wondered about each of the stories that they have to tell.

This month I will start a new job as the NH Department of Health and Human Services as the first Prevention and Community Programs Administrator. I am excited about this opportunity. I look forward to continuing to build community based capacity that supports families and prevents child maltreatment which ultimately prevents the removal of a child from their family and community. As you all know and because you

A Message from Eileen Mullen

have experienced it first hand, safe, stable and nurturing relationships between children and their caregivers are critical to ensuring child safety. It is only through my work with all of you that I have become more passionate and committed to ensuring that ALL children have permanency. Working on this project at the department level will allow me to take a more comprehensive systems approach to the elimination of child abuse and neglect.

As I leave this position I want you to know that I am proud of our accomplishments that we have achieved through working together as a community of professionals and caregivers. We know that by working together, hand in hand, that we can change the world for a multitude of children. We have created incredible and sustainable partnerships in the business and media communities and we will continue to work with you all to create the strongest child welfare system in the country.

DCYF and NH Foster and Adoptive Families are a community that cherishes and values all families and children. I believe that we will continue to work together as the Department develops prevention and strategy tools for communities and organizations. It is my goal to overcome some of the barriers and to foster actions that will develop community based frameworks for prevention programing. Working

towards the prevention of adverse childhood experiences is just the right thing to do. When I first started this job with the division, I had a quote hanging on the wall in my office that read:

“In the little world in which children have their existence, whosoever brings them up, there is nothing so finely perceived and so finely felt, as injustice.”

This was written by Charles Dickens and has driven my work over the past 37 years. I can honestly write that there has never been a day in my work that I have not learned something new or enjoyed my job. You have made such a difference in my life and I express my gratitude and thank you from the depths of my heart.

Eileen Mullen Bureau Chief

Community and Family Support



care awaiting adoptive families. The Foundation has secured funding for the State of NH to develop its own on-line photo listing resource exchange website. This website will include photos and descriptions of children and youth who are legally free for adoption and will serve as an excellent recruitment and matching tool.

A second citation was issued to Donna Gaudet Hosmer on behalf of AutoServ Dealerships for their fundraising partnership with the NH Foster and Adoptive Parent Association. AutoServ’s generosity has raised money that will help to meet the individual needs of foster and adoptive families throughout the state. The clear message from all of the speakers, including DHHS

Commissioner Jeffrey Meyers, DCYF Director Joseph Ribsam, and adoptive parent JD Bartkovich, was the importance of community support and collaboration in order to facilitate successful adoptions in the State of NH.

In her remarks, JD noted that she loves her children with her whole heart, but stressed that they need her to be at her best. “And that means that I need a support team too, people who understand this life that I have chosen and who are on the same roller coaster. I need really good, experienced baby sitters that have fun with my kids so that I can have a regular date night or maybe just a quiet hour or two to get my head back in the game. So if I’m allowed one more piece of wisdom before I close, it would be this. This whole parenting gig is a

Adoption Daycontinued from page 1

marathon, not a sprint. Gather your team (those people who make you feel good about yourself and your family), do what it takes to recharge your batteries, because it is too easy to neglect yourself while you are meeting everyone else’s needs, and enjoy the unexpected surprises that are coming your way.”

At the end of the celebration, a slide show presentation depicted images from many of the unique adoption ceremonies held at various court houses throughout the state over the past year. Following the video presentation, the program concluded and children were treated to goodie bags, including teddy bears donated by Annalee and chocolate truffles donated by Lindt. Each family in attendance also received a gift of a photo frame with the inscription “Love Makes a Family.”



Joe Ribsamcontinued from page 1

Joe started his career as a teacher in Trenton, New Jersey before obtaining his law degree from Rutgers School of Law. He worked in private practice, with a focus on family law and related matters. Joe joined DCF in 2008 as counsel in the Office of Legal Affairs, and managed that Department’s legal, legislative, policy development, communications, and licensing efforts before becoming the Department’s Deputy Commissioner in 2014.

“Joe’s knowledge, skills and commitment to the vital mission of promoting a culture of child safety will be an asset to the Department and to our state,” said DHHS Commissioner Jeffrey A. Meyers in a press release.

As the Director of DCYF, Joe will serve under Associate Commissioner Christine Tappan. “I have every confidence that Director Ribsam will support staff and further strengthen our capacity to successfully lead the Division through this period of change and opportunity,” she said.

Joe sees a bright future for DCYF. “As we work together on the transformation of the child welfare system in New Hampshire, I’m encouraged by the level of dedication and commitment I’ve seen in our staff and with our partners. I look forward to developing these partnerships. Building on successful collaborative relationships currently underway will be critical as we continue in our efforts to ensure the health and safety of children and youth in New Hampshire.”

Waiting KidsMeet Carter and Dexter

Carter (8) and Dexter (4) are active brothers who love playing outside and going to the park. The boys are hoping to find an adoptive home where they can grow up together with patient and loving parents to provide them with structure and nurturing.

Carter has experience playing soccer and baseball and team sports seem to be an enjoyable outlet for him. He also loves to ride his bike. Carter is creative, loves coloring, and has also done well in school and is making good progress in his academic learning.

Dexter is a friendly, bright, and social boy who has participated in daycare and enjoys learning. He loves active play and would benefit

from a family willing to engage in active play with him.

These adorable boys have been through a lot of trauma and loss in their young lives and will need a family who is patient and nurturing. The boys will also need a great deal of structure and a consistent routine to be successful in an adoptive home. Both boys have connections with birth family members that are important to them and will need a family willing to support these connections.

For more information, please contact Cindy Lamontagne at:NH Department of Health and Human ServicesDivision for Children, Youth and Families129 Pleasant Street, Concord, NH 03301(603) [email protected]

DexterCarter



Dear Auntie Ann,We’ve been fostering two children for about six months. Visitation between the kids and their mother has always been challenging. She feeds the kids foods that aren’t good for them (especially sugary foods) and often the kids come home with challenging behaviors. Sometimes she changes their clothes and doesn’t send clothing back to us. I’m not sure what good these visits are really doing and wonder why they need to be so frequent.

— Bewildered BonnieDear Bonnie,This is a pretty common concern for foster parents. If visitations are supervised, there should be certain expectations outlined by the case worker. If the food the children are eating is causing behavioral or health issues, this can be addressed. The parents may be feeding the kids what was common in their household, and some support and guidance from the case worker or parent aide may help. In certain circumstances, guidelines for what foods can be provided can be established. Likewise, expectations for returning items to the foster home can be reinforced with the parent aide.

Visitation between a parent and child is an important part of a case plan and provides not only opportunity for bonding, but also parenting education, and feedback to the Division. Throughout the course of the case, changes might be made, however the Division is charged with providing consistent opportunities for parenting time. Hopefully, all team members can work together to make visitations as successful as possible.

Dear Auntie Ann,We’re planning on moving –not only to a new house, but to another area of the state. How will this impact our foster care license and the child placed in our home?

— Curious CarlyDear Carly,First, let your resource worker and the child’s case worker know about your plans prior to making the move. The resource worker will give you new fire and health inspection forms, which will need to be completed within four weeks of you moving into your home. Your foster care file will need to be transferred to the District Office that oversees the town you are moving to. Your information will also be updated in our computer system. Keep in mind, the child’s case will remain in the office from which it originated. If the child in your home has only been with you a short while, and you are moving a significant distance, your move may impact the placement. If the child has been with you a while and permanency is on the horizon, it’s likely that placement with you would continue and the case worker would travel to see you for the monthly home visit.

Dear Auntie Ann,Winter is coming and we’d like to enroll our foster son in our town’s recreational ski program. Can we do this?

— Sporty StanDear Stan,What a great idea! It’s terrific when kids can participate in community activities. Check with the birth parents to make sure they are on board, as they’ll be the ones who will need to sign the permission forms. If they signed a Parental Permission for Children in Care form when their child was placed, they may have already given the okay. If the parents are hesitant, some gentle encouraging can be done by you or the case worker. If there are no safety concerns, the parents might even be able to go and watch their child on the slopes.



Adoption Corner - October 2016 to September 2017

October 2016• Cara and Shelley McClallen adopted Emma, Bree, and Hailey• Tammy and John Grenier adopted Liam• Sharon and Danny Bohannon adopted Jackie• Rachael and Richard Durfee adopted Titus• Jillian and Joseph Call adopted Robert• Lori and Paul LaDuke adopted Isabella

November 2016• James and Anelina Christensen adopted Jarod• Jessica and Richard Mills adopted Nathan and Lois• Chasyty Buschel adopted Leticia and Karina• April and Lawrence Bracken adopted Aubree and Kleo• James Gowell adopted Francis

December 2016• Rebecca and Stephen Orton adopted Makenzy• Sarah and Nathan Roy adopted Kaleb• Jessica and Tammi Berounsky adopted Heartlyn• Sherry and Bruce Watts adopted Alexis and Blake• Deborah and Todd Urbaitis adopted Logan• Kim Doucette adopted Arianna• Jessica and Jacob Thornton adopted Violet

January 2017• Melissa Heck adopted Jacob• Emily and Gregory Sisk adopted William and Jessica

February 2017• Louise and Bernard Martel adopted Frederick and Alice• Jennifer and Joseph Humphrey adopted Joseph• Trisha and Gregory Farell adopted Alanna and Leighann• Cynthia Kennan adopted Quincey and Stephen• Cyntha and Donald Hutchings adopted Jadon and Baylen

March 2017• Dorrie Marsters adopted Ethan• Jack and Jodie McClay adopted Rhianna’Jo, Everly Elizabeth,

and Vincent• Laurel and Andrea Crommett adopted Noah• Nicole and Jacob Stratton adopted Aric• Shelby and Scott Murphy adopted Skyler• Karen and Heath Savage adopted Isaac

April 2017• Gregory Shepherd and Katherine Hemenway adopted Kyel,

Kodie, and Caidyn• Michael Beaulac adopted Aiden

May 2017• Krista Tessyman adopted Bailey and Cyrus• Angela and Michael Catalonotti adopted Jazmyna• Megan Page adopted Brooke• Jose and Elizabeth Rivera adopted Macyle, Jayvien, and

Channel• Destiny and Aaron Yocum adopted Savanah and Montana• Deborah Mullen adopted Brooklynn, Dante, and Logan• Jessica and Jacob Thornton adopted John• Mary and Mark Guay adopted Mackenzie• Robert Lewis adopted Larissa



Adoption Corner - October 2016 to September 2017 (continued)

June 2017• Marie and Gerald LeBlanc adopted Mya and Meya• Timothy and John Frizell adopted Gabebreil• Jodie and Joseph Arsenault adopted Sandra• Jennifer and Gary Lamontagne adopted Cole• Bradley and Diana Stevens adopted Chase• Mark Bennett adopted Braydon • Wendy and Robert Bennett adopted Colin• Renee and Miguel Batista adopted Gavin, Ella, and Clayton

July 2017• Erin and Edward Hubbard adopted Meason and Skyler• Margaret and Gaetano Greco adopted Sidnee• Arnold and Billie-Jo Brooks adopted Vladamire• Wayne Lambert adopted Exavier• Audra and Courtney Kelly adopted Devon and Lauren• Lisa and William Mannion adopted Christopher

August 2017• Elaine and Robert Palmieri adopted Logan• Milaros and Lyndell Kanhai-Singh adopted Jaidyn• Jessica Sauvageau adopted Elijah and Daizey• Maureen and Paul Chevalier adopted Brody• Jason and Corinne Bugeau-Medas adopted Deshaun• Elizabeth Staples adopted Hilliard• Alana and Danny Ellingwood adopted Skyla, Mayanna,

and Tonya• Ashley Cowette and James Grey adopted Addisyn and Ethan• Fabiana and Harold Johnson adopted Isabella and Joshua

September 2017• Ann and Keith Fontaine adopted Maya and Hannah • Deborah and Stanly Mullen adopted Jeffrey• Marlaina and Etta Jo O'Reilly adopted Caden• Brian and Kristen Johnsen adopted Madison• Hannah and Nicholas Dean adopted Kaylynn• Rhonda and Douglas Downing adopted Serenity and Ian• Jennifer and Erick Padilla adopted Josiah and Xavian• Karie and David Senus adopted Jordan

The Education & Training Partnership with Granite State College offers online training to caregivers in an effort to make classes more accessible and available. If you are concerned with your computer skills, we have staff that will walk you through the particulars of the training either over the phone or at the Granite State College facility closest to you.

Many first time users have reported that it was a wonderful experience and wished they had begun online training much sooner.

Classes are designed to have online communities, similar to a traditional classroom. Discussions are ongoing throughout the week, allowing for an interactive learning experience.

Try taking a class. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at the amount of learning that occurs.

~Gail Thomas

Online Training Offered to Caregivers



On October 14, approximately 130 foster and adoptive parents, DCYF staff, and other professionals joined together at the annual NH Foster and Adoptive Parent Association (FAPA) conference. This was the first sold out conference with a waiting list since its inception. Daren Jones and Henry Milton presented for the Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development. They presented some of the guiding principles of Trust Based Relational Intervention (TBRI), including attachment-based and trauma-informed intervention, which is designed to meet the complex needs of vulnerable children. The feedback from those who attended was overwhelmingly positive, with many planning to immediately start using the methodology in their parenting. Questions were addressed and answered, and audience participation made for an engaging and fun learning environment. New Hampshire is vested in this methodology - two staff members have become trainers, and will be bringing TBRI training to our residential and CPSW staff. Thank you to Cindy Lamontagne and Candace Abood.

During breaks, foster and adoptive parents had some time to socialize. Many appreciated the time for

2017 FAPA Conference a Success

networking and meeting others who understand, in a way no one else can, what a day in the life of a foster/adoptive parent is like. Support is an added benefit of the conference. Many took advantage of the opportunity to put faces to names, make connections, and share stories with other parents and caregivers. Our community is strong and vibrant in New Hampshire due to the committed care takers statewide.

It was heartwarming to see the strong representation from DCYF. Staff took time on a Saturday to come and support each person who was able to be at the conference. After some brief opening remarks, Mike O’Connor, DCYF Director of Field Services, spoke of the value that foster/adoptive parents bring to the child welfare system in New Hampshire. He shared his family’s history with adoption, and how he wished that TRBI was available when he was raising his young children. The attendees were also able to view the very generous raffle prizes that were donated by each district office, our child placing agencies, and community partners. The baskets/prizes included holiday decorations, gift cards, crafts, family games, and so much more. Thank you to our supporters. We appreciate all that you do.

This article would not be complete without a sincere thanks to Granite State College. The conference would not be the success that it is and has been, if not for their dedication to ensuring that quality and valuable presenters are recruited and engaged. Granite State College staff and leaders are valuable assets to our team and are instrumental in ensuring every detail is attended to, making the perfect day for all our attendees.

Don’t forget to visit our website or Facebook page for the latest NHFAPA news and upcoming events! If you have a need, please reach out to a board member and we will do what is in our power to support you and your family. This support can range from a shoulder to cry on to connecting you to community resources. I am honored to serve with the rest of the board to be a resource to our care givers in New Hampshire. You all deserve big thanks for all you do. Please enjoy the upcoming holiday season with you families, be safe, and cheers to the year 2018.



If you were a policeman and needed training, would you want to be trained by a plumber? Of course not! You would want to be trained by experienced law enforcement professionals. This is why the Education and Training Partnership continues to utilize the specialized knowledge of foster and adoptive parents.

ETP Foster and Adoptive Care Essentials instructors play a critical role in explaining to prospective foster and adoptive parents what it’s like to be a foster parent. Foster and adoptive parents present a different perspective on parenting, and their personal stories of navigating the child welfare system of New Hampshire help prospective foster and adoptive parents understand what is expected of resource parents. Foster parent instructor Jenn says, “I share my experiences in working with DCYF, birth families, and/or community partners. I talk about what has worked and what doesn’t work.”

Nancy likes to explain the dynamics of bringing a child in care into a home and how it affects all family members. Julie, a foster/adoptive parent who has been fostering for multiple years, has had many children in her home. She describes how children of the same age have individual needs and may be at

different stages of development. Having experienced parents teaching prospective foster parents is a win-win situation. The participants hear real life stories, ask many questions, and develop a better understanding of the work that is required of a foster parent within the child welfare system. Instructors’ stories and experience demystify the process. They share the good and bad without sugar coating real life situations of what it is like to care for a child who has experienced severe trauma, abuse, and neglect.

By having had many children in their homes, they can speak with conviction on how something that may have worked with one child may not for another. Foster and adoptive parent instructors bring the curriculum to life.

The ETP is honored to have instructors who are willing to share their expertise. Providing future foster and adoptive parents with an authentic account of how a real family is able to open their hearts and homes to kids in care simultaneously instructs and inspires. Thank you to all of our foster, adoptive, and relative care instructors for sharing your expertise to help others learn how to be caring and nurturing parents of the many children and youth who need a safe and loving home. You bring the Education and Training Partnership to life!

Education and Training Partnership Helps Foster Parents Share Knowledge

Once again, Bethany Christian Services of New Hampshire will be coordinating the Operation Christmas Joy program. This pro-gram reaches out to businesses, churches, organizations and individuals in the communities we serve to provide Christmas presents for children in foster care statewide, based on chil-dren’s wish lists. This program complements the Operation Santa program that meets wish lists for children in state care through September. If you have a child in your home that entered care after September 30, please contact your case worker or your resource worker to see if we can assist with gifts to brighten the child’s holiday.

Operation Christmas Joy

Underway



Ascentria welcomed Dawn Ghiorzi and Erin Connelly to the Therapeutic Family Connections team in October.

Dawn received her Bachelor’s Degree from Marquette University and has been serving children and families since 1996. Dawn has worked in non-profit organizations and residential care facilities connecting children and families with resources and support services to help them progress and thrive. Dawn is looking forward to her new role as Licensing and Recruiting Specialist and is committed to working with families to create safe and healthy home environments. Erin recently relocated to New Hampshire from Massachusetts and is excited to continue her work with youth

and families. Erin graduated from St. Lawrence University with a degree in Performance and Communication Arts and soon after turned her passion for helping and educating children into a career. Erin has experience supporting clients in residential treatment, working with children living outside their family of origin and in community mental health counseling. Erin is dedicated to empowering children to realize and achieve their full potential and helping families overcome life’s obstacles. Her future plans include pursuing a master’s degree in social work. Erin is looking forward to her new role as a Family Specialist with Ascentria.

Welcome to both Dawn and Erin!

Ascentria Care Alliance Staffing Update

Dawn Ghiorzi

Erin Connelly

Child and Family Services has made some changes in its supervisor structure in order to streamline services to partners at DCYF. In the ISO/HBT (Individualized Service Options/Integrated Home Based Program), Caryn Lemay is now the program manager for both programs. Reporting to Caryn are Regional Clinical Coordinators, Emily Hacker, who will supervise Concord/Laconia/northern NH cases, Casey Wortman, who will supervise Manchester/southern NH cases, and Kara Barnes, who will continue to supervise Seacoast areas. Caryn will continue to take referrals and discuss cases with DCYF, while the Regional Clinical Coordinators will provide clinical support to staff. CFS has also made some changes to its Child Health Support unit. Lenny Angove has replaced Maria Berube, and Matt Gross has stepped into Lee Matos’s position. Sharon Harlan remains program supervisor. Additionally, CFS has opened a Day Treatment program in Nashua; Ryan Barrieau is now the manager for both Concord and Nashua programs.

Child and Family Services Staffing UpdateChanges made to improve services to community partners



Independent Services Network (ISN) In July and August, ISN supported City Tennis-NH in its effort to bring tennis to inner city children and children in foster care. City Tennis-NH provides five days of tennis lessons to children and adolescents ages 6-16 in Manchester and Nashua for a fee of only $1. Created in Manchester in 2002 by Certified Tennis Instructor Gustavo Moral, City Tennis-NH’s goal is to provide exposure to the game of tennis to children and adolescents from all walks of life.

Quality services are not possible without competent and committed foster parents willing to play a critical and unique role in a child’s life. On September 8, ISN provided our foster parents with the gift of gas cards as part of Direct Support Professionals Day. ISN wants to thank our foster parents for the high-quality care they provide to the children and adolescents ISN supports.

ISN would like to welcome Jessica (Jessie) Cote to the position of Clinical Case Manager and Faith Page to the position of Clinical Resource Manager for ISN’s Youth Services Program. Jessie will provide clinical and case management support to ISN’s children and foster parents while Faith will divide her time between clinical case management and recruitment and licensing of new foster homes. Please join ISN in welcoming Jessie and Faith!

News from Around the StateLaconia DOIn Laconia, we’ve been working really hard to hire and train new staff. We are happy to report that we are almost fully staffed, and continue to work on training new staff. We anticipate that in mid-December, Amber LeMien will be officially taking over duties as the Resource Worker. We’ll send out an email introducing her to all of our foster parents once she has moved in to her role. We recently welcomed a veteran foster family who just transferred from another office, Nancy F., and three child-specific foster families: Kathy C; Melanie T. and Tanya M. Three children from our office were adopted in September - Serenity and Ethan were adopted on September 27 by Rhwonda and Doug D; and Caden was adopted on September 12 by Etta and Marlaina O. We have had a total of 12 adoptions this year with one more filed and 3 almost ready for filing. We are currently working on planning for a December Holiday event “Brunch with Santa” in coordination with Spaulding Youth Center.

Southern DOSouthern Foster Parents - save the date for December 18, for our annual Holiday Celebration!!

Concord DOWe are fully staffed in assessment, and have one spot open for family service. Sandy Decato is our new Permanency Worker in Concord.

Sandy came to us as an intern with DCYF, was hired as a Family Service worker and has now moved to permanency. We had a hugely successful foster parent support group meeting in October; those meetings are held every other month on the first Friday at The River Guild in Concord.

We have had some adoptions as well! We continue to build a strong and connected team here in the Concord DO.

Kristin Steel is the new Relative Care Specialist for DCYF. The number of relatives caring for children in New Hampshire is growing rapidly. Staff, please let Kristin know of any new relative placements or if a placement changes or closes. Kristin is available to grandparents and other relatives that have questions or concerns. She can be reached at 271-3009, or by email at [email protected].

DCYF Welcomes New Staff Member



The Pass Along Project is a not-for-profit, 501 (c) (3) sponsored organization that provides a starter wardrobe of new and gently used clothing to children entering into Foster Care -- most of whom would otherwise come with nothing.

The project started in February 2017 after the founder discovered that children who enter Foster Care can arrive with very little notice, and often come with nothing. While foster families can plan ahead for most things a new arrival would need -- such as a toothbrush, for example -- the one thing they can't plan on is clothing. After all, how do you prepare without knowing whether the next child will be a 4

year old boy, or a 12 year old girl? The Pass Along Project addresses this issue by creating pre-made clothing bundles in a specific size and gender that are ready to go on a moments notice. Through a growing network of volunteers and locations, clothing can be delivered to foster parents within only a few hours in most cases.

Pass Along Project Meets Needs of Foster Children

In the past 6 months, the project has provided 56 Clothing Bundles for a total of 390+ outfits! The goal is to increase that number to cover the 1200+ children who enter Foster Care in New Hampshire each year.

Getting Involved:

Start a Location Additional locations are needed Statewide,and it’s easy! Clothing Donations Gently used Clothing Donations are collected only through our scheduled clothing drives. Check our Calendar for an event near you!

New Item Donations We are always accepting donations for diapers, Pull ups, new underwear, new socks, and new pajamas in all sizes throughout the year.

Volunteer Volunteers are needed to help with sorting and bundling at our various clothing drives throughout the year. And, volunteers are needed for our various fundraising events.

Sponsorship Sponsor a bundle for $25 which provides new underwear, new socks, and new pajamas for the particular size in need. 100% of the funds collected go toward the purchase of clothing.

Corporate Sponsorship Your company can show its support through our many corporate sponsorship

opportunities.

thank you, canobie lake park!

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