Every human craves connection and love, teens are no different (even if sometimes they think otherwise!). Not everyone is able to become a foster parent, but there are many ways to help.
- Become a mentor
Successful adults that spent time in foster care as a teen often point to one or two people that had a positive influence on them.
Think about your own experience as a teenager, you can likely name a parent, teacher, or coach that had a tremendous influence on you. Kids in foster care are in need of the same thing, and you might be someone to do just that.
- Help with life skills
Many teens in foster care (like every teen) are still learning basic budgeting, how to set up a bank account, or apply for a first job. The difference for a teen in foster care is they may not have a consistent adult in their life to help them navigate these important life skills, and encourage them along the way. In addition, they will be out on their own without a family safety net much earlier in life than the average person.
If this is something you are willing to do, e-mail us at: [email protected] so we can find opportunities to serve with TFI in this way.
- Volunteer with a group home
The state of Massachusetts has been forced to put teens that could thrive in a family in group homes as a result of not having more foster homes willing to welcome a teen.
Having consistent positive adults helping to support a group home can have a positive influence.
At the upcoming event “Demystifying Fostering Teens” on Thursday, July 19th at 7pm at 1150 Hancock St, Quincy, MA, you can learn about ways to help. RSVP here, and bring a friend.
Join us on July 11th to learn more, and join the conversation.
