*** Annual Activities ***

 

Every year, Foster Care Advisory Services participates in a number of special events for the children in our area. If you or your company/organization would like to be a part of these projects either with a donation or in kind contribution, please contact any of our board members or officers. If you have a special project you would like to do that would benefit the kids or caregivers, please contact us as we are always open to suggestions. At present, our projects include:

THANKSGIVING – If you or your group would like to sponsor a family or families’ Thanksgiving dinner, please contact please contact any Foster Care Advisory Officer or email us at fostercareadvisoryservices@gmail.com.

CHRISTMAS – If you or your organization would like to provide gifts for the children or sponsor a family for a Christmas dinner, you can contact any Foster Care Advisory Officer or email us at fostercareadvisoryservices@gmail.com

EASTER – Easter egg hunts, candy and baskets filled with other surprises are in store for our community’s foster children each Spring!  If you would like to help during this beautiful time of year by donating your time, gifts or even your organization’s venue for an Easter event, please contact any Foster Care Advisory Officer or email us at fostercareadvisoryservices@gmail.com.

 

*** Our Programs ***

General Fund

Foster Care Advisory Services, Inc. will provide funds to cover certain emergencies, including new placements. We understand that often children are removed from the home and placed with a foster family or relative without many of the essentials, such as adequate clothing, toiletries, etc. We have set aside funds to help provide for these needs. This is usually done in the form of local merchant gift cards in the amount of $50 to $100 per child. This fund is intended for the transition period only and is not a long term support program. It is designed to relieve part of the initial financial burden incurred by the care provider. Funds are limited and requests may not always be granted; whenever possible, however, we will try to help. Funds are also available for certain other emergency needs as well.

In addition, General Fund donations may be put towards unique requests that Foster Care Advisory receives that are made on behalf of a foster child who would gain an emotional benefit from a special gift.  Enrollment in a summer camp, a trip to a baseball game or museum, a day at a water park… moments that would bring some joy to the child’s life and provide for beautiful memories.

James P. Benson Gift of Hope

The “James P. Benson Gift of Hope” has been awarded annually since 2004. It was established in memory of James P. Benson – a tireless advocate for children in our society who were not fortunate enough to have the support of loving families. He was especially moved by the plight of those children who were graduating high school, suddenly “aging out” of foster care and facing the world on their own.  This fund was established shortly after Jim’s death and is now awarded to these young adults in our community who best exemplify a giving spirit by assisting others in need and passing along the “Gift of Hope.”  Read more about the James P. Benson Gift of Hope now!

 

You can donate to these programs by sending a check to:

Foster Care Advisory Services, Inc.,
c/o Rena Gezzar, Treasurer
1820 Whitecap Circle
North Fort Myers, Florida 33903

-OR-

Donate on-line now!