For children in foster care, the simple joys of childhood are often out of reach. Many have never experienced a birthday party, joined a dance class, or gone on a family trip. But with your help, that can change.
We created the Grandparents Club Fund to help provide the “extras” that give kids the chance to be a kid. While the basics like food, shelter, and treatment are covered elsewhere, the Grandparents Club Fund makes it possible for children to enjoy fun activities that show them they are loved and cared for. Not only do these gifts bring a smile to the child’s face, they also make lifelong memories and build hobbies and skills that support their mental health.
Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, foster caregiver, or simply someone who cares deeply about children, your donation can make a difference and bring joy to a child’s life.
Taylor’s Story: A Dream Come True
When she was first placed in foster care, Taylor had no possessions of her own. She felt completely alone in the world. No one was there for her. When she moved into her current CHA foster home, things slowly began to change. She began to open up more because she finally felt safe to be a kid. She always loved dancing and dreamed of twirling onstage with a beautiful tutu, and as she adjusted to her new home, she shared this dream with her foster parents. But the cost of shoes, costumes, and classes is high. There was no way her foster family could afford to send her to dance class.
Luckily, there were funds available through the Grandparents Club Fund, and now, Taylor attends classes three times a week and has her first performance this month! Thanks to generous supporters who keep the Grandparents Club Fund full, Taylor can pursue her passion! She shines with joy and confidence because of the loving care of her foster home. She is no longer alone. And what once was a dream is now a reality!
Why Your Donation Matters
There are over 10,000 children in North Carolina who need foster care, but only about 6,000 foster homes are currently available. That means thousands of children may face longer stays in shelters, group homes, or be placed far from their communities and siblings. These gaps can lead to feelings of instability, isolation, and uncertainty for children who are already experiencing trauma.
We are always working to recruit more foster parents, and part of that effort includes showing them the support they’ll receive, like help from our Grandparents Club Fund. This fund not only eases the financial burden on foster families, but it also ensures that children can receive essentials like clothes and shoes, along with fun and memorable experiences that help them heal and thrive.
“Sometimes kiddos arrive here so small, and you do not realize how small they are because they are nutritionally deficient. And once they start eating and sleeping and getting into a normal environment, they grow so much. Some of the kids will grow through several sizes in a year. Think about that. It is hard to keep clothes on them sometimes, and while it is fine to use your own money and stuff, it is so nice to be able to have that support from GPC funds.” –April H., CHA Foster Parent
What Your Donation Can Do
Every dollar you give to our Grandparents Club goes directly toward creating meaningful experiences for children in foster care. Here are just a few examples of how your donation can make a difference:
- $50 can fund a birthday celebration for a child who might not otherwise get one.
- $75 can provide a YMCA membership
- $100 can cover the cost of dance or piano lessons
- $150 can pay for summer tutoring
- $200 can provide sports gear and registration for a full year
- $400 can send a child to summer camp
- $1,000 can sponsor a full year of fun activities
Every bit of your generosity helps. Your donation ensures kids get to enjoy the kinds of activities that bring them joy and build their confidence. Thank you for helping us support children and foster parents with your gifts!
