Here is a small listing of community resources. You are always invited to let us know of any other resources that you know of that may be helpful to the foster / adoptive families in the Oregon community. Also, if you have had personal experience using any of these resourcs please let us know in the comment section below. Personal feedback is a wonderful way of letting others know the real value of these resources.
PORTLAND CHILDREN'S MUSEUM
Did you know that the Portland Children's Museum has a Family Access Pass that allows a foster family to purchase a year family membership for $10! That's less than a dollar a MONTH. Very few reasons why not to have this invaluable resource.
Don't forget: you will need a copy of your CURRENT foster care license.
Here's the application. I LOVE the Children's Museum. I have children of different age ranges and everyone seems to have a blast!
Here is a link to both an application in English and Spanish:
Download Children's Museum Family Access Application
Download Children's Museum Family Access Application SPANISH
They only have a limited number each month, so you may not get one the first time you apply. Also, these guys are busy, so processing can take several weeks. Apply early. It might be awhile, but totally worth it!
FOSTER CLOSET
This site looks promising. Their site states the following:
The Foster Closet is an all volunteer non-profit organization providing aid to the Foster Care Community by supplying clothing and other items for children in Foster Care.
Here is their web address: http://www.foster-closet.org/Home_Page.html
FOSTER SWAP
Foster Swap is a bit like freecycle. Their site states:
"Do you have a crib your child has outgrown? Is it time for the next size bicycle? More baby clothes than you can shake a stick at? Post them on Foster Swap, and know they'll be put to good use in a foster home."
I checked out their site and Oregon does not have much activity. But, as you know, everything has to have a start. This site appears to be relatively new.
NIKE Play Pass
Definately something to ask your DHS case worker for! These passes are thanks to a collaboration between NIKE and Portland Parks and Recreation. You can request them through your DHS case worker once a quarter.
These passes are used to enroll your foster kiddos in active sports and activities. We have used ours for swimming, pre-ballet and Spring Break camps. These little beauties banish boredom, get the little couch- p'tater-tots of the couch and can even be a way to get a little break for parents. Make sure you are armed with one for Summer!
FREE Admission to Oregon State Parks
The Oregon Parks and Recereation Department offers free camping and day-use to Oregon foster families.
The link below is to a letter that explains the application process. It's pretty simple and was a fairly fast process for us:
Download Oregon State Park and Recreation ltr
We live in such a beautiful region how wonderful it is that we have a free opportunity to see some of the areas most magnificent sites. We're going camping this Summer!
Oregon lawyers volunteer as Problem Solvers to offer free legal information and advice to children. Any young person between the ages of 11 and 17 can call to request a referral to this program. Volunteer attorneys agree to provide a free thirty-minute consultation. There are a limited number of attorneys in the program. Call to find out about availability in your area.
Hours: 8 am to noon and 1 pm to 5 pm Monday-Friday
Phone: 503-684-3763 or toll-free in Oregon at 800-452-7636.
Give Siblings Their Right to Reunite.
