Without a doubt, the very best place for a child to be is in a family. Unfortunately, there are many children who cannot safely live with their own family. Children are sent to foster care to be placed in a temporary home. While foster care is intended to be a temporary solution, with the goal of reunifying children with their parents whenever possible, a majority of the children who enter the foster care system do not achieve reunification with their parents.
In the state of Arizona, there are over 12,000 kids in foster care. These children live in foster care until they age out, which is 18 years old. At this time, they are given a black trash bag with their belongings and sent into society.
Partnering with Phoenix First and the Phoenix Dream Center, hope is being restored and options are provided. Here are a couple ways you can partner with us to provide aide to foster care kids and those aging out of the system:
Currently, there are over 600 young people aging out of the system. We are partnering with local organizations to deliver suitcases to young people who are aging out. By bringing suitcase filled with items such as bus passes, toiletries and other necessities, we are able to provide aid.
The suitcases are delivered to the Phoenix Dream Center. They will be located in the Children’s Center Building at the Phoenix Dream Center. A representative from a church, Christian Family Care or CPS / Foster Care system can come to the Phoenix Dream Center at any time, day or night, and request one of the suitcases. The Reception or Security Team will be able get the suitcase(s) for the representative.
The Phoenix Dream Center is opening up 30 beds to help with young people who are aging out. If a young person chooses to, they will be taken directly to the Phoenix Dream Center where they will be provided a bed, food and help to find a job; be equipped to face society.
Chosen provides orientation meetings and licensing classes every couple months for those wanting to become more involved in areas such as mentoring, tutoring, discipleship, foster care or adoption. These meetings go over each area and their level of involvement.
