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Berkshire Farm Center & Services for Youth has been a long time partner of ours, and a business that we're proud to support. As someone who has always been interested in fostering, I wanted to peel back some of the mystery on the people that are out there every day trying to find homes for children in our community.
Ana Pomales is a home finder for Berkshire Farm Center & Services for Youth and was kind enough to share her perspective.
"The mission of a home finder is to strengthen children and families so they can live safely, independently, and productively within their home communities... I wanted to make a difference and work with an agency that puts children's health and safety first". Berkshire takes steps to educate parents on these points, to strengthen families and ensure a nurturing environment.
Pomales says the best part of the job is seeing a child or group of siblings get adopted. "Last year, 37 children found their forever homes."
37 Children. That number seems so big when you think of little smiling faces, all with individual personalities and hopes and dreams. 37 Children with families and homes of their own.
But the tides are rising. "There are currently 553 children state wide that are trying to be reunited with their families, or to find a home to call their own. We work tirelessly to find forever homes." The agency receives daily calls for children in need of homes.
But here's the good news.
You don't have to be a superhero to make a difference. You don't have to work for an agency to help stem the tides.
All you have to do is take a step.
That step could look like making the call and seeing if fostering is right for you. They can send you information right away, and just ask a few simple questions to find what the right fit might be for you. If you decide fostering fits your family, then you're not in it alone. Berkshire Farm Center & Services for Youth provides classes and orientation to go through the ins and outs of taking a child in.
"We want to make sure our foster parents are well trained to care for our children," says Pomales.
Taking a step might look like something entirely different. "We take all types of donations. Monetary, toys, clothing, food, shoes, books - any type of donation the families and children can use."
Respite care is always an option as well. Respite care offers foster parents a break. Respites are a resource for families and a commitment to care for a child that can last for a day, weekend, or up to a few weeks.
To reach out for more information or to become a foster parent today, you can contact Ana Pomales at 607-772-3123, or email APomales@berkshirefarm.org
Take a step in the right direction today.
Let's all do our part to ensure those 553 children have a home.
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