Michiana Family Center

What is a care team?
A care team is a group of volunteers who come together once a month to bless a family in our community. The care that the team provides could come in any number of forms! It could be a meal, or babysitting, or gifts, or anything else that would encourage that family.

Why Care Teams?
● Children in Foster Care experience high levels of instability, many of them moving homes frequently. One major factor leading to this high rate of turnover is Foster parents feeling overwhelmed and unsupported.● Michiana Care Teams work to reduce these problems by matching foster families to a team of volunteers. These loving community members wrap-around the whole family unit providing hope, stability, support, and connections.

Care Team Basics
● This program requires a 1-year commitment.● Support can look like monthly deliveries, activities, and/or communication. ● Estimated monthly financial commitment depends on the team. Sometimes help just looks like people being around with the kids! You're not required to spend money to bring joy to a family.
● The Care Team leader initiates monthly contact and develops a schedule that works for the Care Team members and the family.● Monthly Care package drop off or activities can be held anywhere (restaurant, park, ice cream shop, your home, etc.), but will normally be at the family's home.● The role of the Care Team is to show the children and caregivers that they are important, seen, and loved, as well as provide support emotionally and financially.

Time or Things?Many families have other needs that don’t fall in material needs realm. We encourage volunteers to consider:
● Paying for an activity, camp, extra-curricular opportunity● Provide babysitting to allow caregivers a break● Bring the child(ren) along on a fun family outing

Birthday Celebration: Let's do birthdays BIG!!!

Birthdays can be hard for many children experiencing Foster Care because they are not with their families or because they have never had resources around them to celebrate. Michiana Care Teams can support families and help them plan for the big day.
Some practical ways this can be done and allow the child to be CELEBRATED:● Buy a cake and make it specialized to the child● Provide party decorations (balloons, streamers, etc.)● Find a location for the party● Show up and celebrate a wonderful child

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Michiana Family Center seeks to collaborate with our community to provide services for Michiana children and families, especially those experiencing Foster Care.

P.O. Box 398, Edwardsburg, MI, 49112

Michiana Family Center

Michiana Family Center seeks to collaborate with our community to provide services for Michiana children and families, especially those experiencing Foster Care.

P.O. Box 398, Edwardsburg, MI, 49112