This program surrounds a family with a group of people who provide monthly encouragement to that family.
What is a care team?
A care team is a group of volunteers who come together once a month to bless a family in our community. The care that the team provides could come in any number of forms! It could be a meal, or babysitting, or gifts, or anything else that would encourage that family.
Why Care Teams?
● Children in Foster Care experience high levels of instability, many of them moving homes frequently. One major factor leading to this high rate of turnover is Foster parents feeling overwhelmed and unsupported.
● Michiana Care Teams work to reduce these problems by matching foster families to a team of volunteers. These loving community members wrap-around the whole family unit providing hope, stability, support, and connections.
Care Team Basics
● This program requires a 1-year commitment.
● Support can look like monthly deliveries, activities, and/or communication.
● Estimated monthly financial commitment for a care team is around $25-30 per family member served. (Example: family of 4 being served would be around $100/month)
● The Care Team leader initiates monthly contact and develops a schedule that works for the Care Team members and the family.
● Monthly Care package drop off or activities can be held anywhere (restaurant, park, ice cream shop, your home, etc.), but will normally be at the family's home.
● The role of the Care Team is to show the children and caregivers that they are important, seen, and loved, as well as provide support emotionally and financially.
Time or Things?
Many families have other needs that don’t fall in material needs realm. We encourage volunteers to consider:
● Paying for an activity, camp, extra-curricular opportunity
● Provide babysitting to allow caregivers a break
● Bring the child(ren) along on a fun family outing
