The Caregiver Support Project + Sidekicks
At the heart of Southwest Washington's foster care system, the Caregiver Support Project aims to empower caregivers with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to create nurturing environments for our most vulnerable youth.
Our dedicated Caregiver Support Sidekicks are the driving force behind our mission. These highly trained professionals provide invaluable, trauma-informed support directly in the homes of foster families throughout Clark and Cowlitz Counties. They're not just helpers; they're partners. Sidekicks in creating brighter futures.
We offer:
- Trauma-informed, one-on-one support
- Positive behavior strategies and crisis intervention
- Skill development for both caregivers and youth
- Assistance with healthcare access and transportation
- Protective supervision tailored to each child's unique needs
Caring Companions
Our Caring Companions Program is a community of dedicated volunteers partnering with child welfare offices across Washington to provide crucial support for children entering foster care, likely coming from situations of abuse, neglect, and trauma. Our trained volunteers offer more than just basic necessities—they provide emotional support, comfort, and a nurturing environment during a challenging time. From filling empty bellies and supplying essential items to creating trauma-informed spaces and offering a listening ear, we ensure that no child feels alone in the transition into foster care, or for whatever reason they find themselves at the child welfare office.
Caring Companions Locations:
Headquartered in Vancouver, Washington, Caring Companions Programs are located in select locations throughout Washington.
Heart & Home Services
Our Heart + Home Services Program is dedicated to supporting foster youth and caregivers through a comprehensive range of resources and educational opportunities.
We offer:
- Skill-building workshops on crucial topics like ethnic hair care and career readiness
- Caregiver Collective: Regular community meetings for caregivers facilitated by a trauma-informed professional
- Welcome Bags for new foster caregivers, offering essential resources from day one
- Hands-on assistance: Home clean-ups for caregivers and apartment set-ups for transitioning youth
- Confetti Corner: Celebrating milestones with gifts, easing financial burdens on caregivers
Our interconnected services provide the tools, support, and resources needed for foster families to thrive.
Are you interested in volunteering?
Volunteers are an essential part of Fosterful’s success. They contribute thousands of service hours per year by providing a caring presence to children experiencing foster care—both in the home and the child welfare office. They also serve as a resource for Fosterful to call upon for special projects.
If you have some availability on weekdays and you can commit to serving one hour per month on an on-call basis in the child welfare office, our Caring Companions Program is your go-to!
If your availability extends beyond weekdays, you can commit to serving an average of 6 to 10 hours per month, and you’re interested in serving in the homes of one or two foster families on an ongoing basis, our Sidekicks Program might be an excellent fit for you!
Don’t have consistent availability? There’s a spot for you on our Confetti Committee! These are the volunteers we call on for help during events, giveaways, workshops, and Heart & Home projects.