Foster and Adoptive Family Resources
Dream Makers Project
We make dreams happen for youth aging out of foster care. Applications are considered for help with education, career goals, independent living, talents or hobbies.
Foster Swell Fund
swellforever.com/pages/foster-swell-foster-care-grants
Our goal is to help make an experience possible for a child who otherwise would not have such an opportunity. Grants are $100 or less depending on available funds and prioritized by need expressed.
Inside/Out Youth Services
Inside/Out Youth Services is the only non-profit organization that serves lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and questioning youth in El Paso County. We serve youth ages 13 to 22 with programs including support and discussion groups, supervised drop-in recreation center, community outings, leadership development opportunities, sexual health education, suicide prevention education, career and financial skills building, counseling referrals, and a food pantry and clothing closet.
Pikes Peak Workforce Center – Young Adult Services
Assists young adults with financial literacy, leadership development, post-secondary preparation, internships and job search assistance. See website for eligibility requirements.
Teens with Promise
Robin Coen, Executive Director
This shop is dedicated to providing teens with clothing, school supplies, sports equipment, medical/dental care & holiday gifts. Application & appointment are required - foster parents complete professionals application online. For immediately clothing needs, please call.
The Hanger, CASA of the Pikes Peak Region
418 S Weber - open every Saturday 1-4 PM
TwoCor
TwoCor is a vocational training program for youth ages 15-19. This is a comprehensive intervention that integrates direction from neuroscience research and trauma-informed therapeutic practices with hands-on vocational training and paid internships.
Youth Advocate Program (YAP)
Raymond Elliot, Director
YAP provides youth ages 13 and older and their families with intensive support in their homes, school and community through our wraparound-advocacy model. Staff meet with youth and families multiple times a week. Individualized service plans and activities with each youth and family vary, but are goal driven and typically include case management, 24/7 crisis intervention services, skill development, educational and vocational work.
Youth Leadership & Advisory Council (YLAC)
anjuli@fosteringhopefoundation.org
www.fosteringhopefoundation.org/our-program/youth-leadership-advisory-board-ylac
YLAC seeks to improve the well-being of all youth in foster care in El Paso County. The board is for youth ages 15–21 with previous or current experience living in the foster care system. They partner with area agencies to improve child welfare and youth corrections system; host social events for the wider youth community; give back to the community by engaging in service projects; plan and implement practice workshops for youth participation; create a supportive environment where youth can share their stories. Foster teens are able to shop for donated clothes and accessories for free. Teens also have the opportunity to help operate the store, providing them with valuable work experience.
Chafee Foster Care Independence Program
Courtney Daugherty, Supervisor
It’s not easy living on your own for the first time. Chafee provides support to foster teens ages 14-21 and to assist them in a successful transition to independent living. Services consist of providing assistance with problem solving, support and an essential connection with another person until they can develop a support system within their community. A referral to this program must be made by the caseworker.
Be The Village
www.facebook.com/bethevillagecs
Be The Village CS is about a community coming together to ensure that foster children and their families have the things they need including clothes, toys, baby items, etc. Join the group on Facebook to make requests.
Colorado State Foster Parent Association – YMCA Benefit
CSFPA and the YMCAs of Colorado have joined to offer this exciting benefit for foster children in placement with CSFPA’s members: 50% off discounts for Y membership, sports/recs programs, and day camps. See website for full details.
Court Care for the Pikes Peak Region
Hours: 7:45 am – 12:15 pm and 1:15 pm – 5:00 pm
Court Care provides free child care for children whose parents or guardians have court related business. The Center serves children ages 6 weeks to 14 years old. Reservations are only required for services over the lunch hour. Court Care upholds strict confidentiality and the Judicial Complex is secure.
The Milton Foster Children’s Fund, CASA of the Pikes Peak Region
Jill Cheetham, Milton Foster Children’s Fund Manager
www.casappr.org/programs/milton-foster-childrens-fund
The Milton Foster Children’s Fund (MFCF) provides foster children in El Paso and Teller Counties with opportunities not funded through existing agencies or programs, allowing them to be nurtured, educated and enriched just like other children, and grow into healthy, contributing adults. MFCF also has funding for summer camp opportunities for kids.
The Resource Exchange (TRE)
TRE is proud to offer a wide variety of supports and services for people of all ages who have intellectual or developmental disabilities
Dolly Parton Imagination Library
Register to receive a free monthly book for children under 5!
KPC Respite Center
www.lfsco.org/prevention-services/kpc-respite-center
KPC Respite Center offers FREE temporary crisis and planned childcare for infants and young children up to age 6 and their siblings up to age 12. There are some restrictions regarding difficult behaviors. Advanced notice is required for foster parents so proper consent can be obtained. This service is available 24 hours a day in the event of a crisis.
Women, Infants & Children (WIC)
www.elpasocountyhealth.org/service/wic
We provide qualifying women and children with supplemental food, education on nutrition and referrals to community programs. Those eligible include foster children under age 5.
Royal Family Kids Camp
coloradosprings.royalfamilykids.org melissa.tenpas@dreamcenterscos.org
RFKC is a week-long camp for foster/adopted/kin-placement children ages 6-12 in El Paso County. The ratio of adults to kids is one-to-one. We spend the week encouraging, affirming, speaking identity, and giving kids a new hope for the future and a Godly plan to follow. There is a $25 application fee; all other costs are covered. RFK also has clubs and mentors who can continue to foster trust and commitment with kids after they have attended camp.
Big Brothers Big Sisters
We match youth between ages of 6 and 12 for one on one mentoring who receive free/educed lunch at school, are living with a single parent or in a kinship/foster care home. Enrolled youth can stay involved with their mentor until age 18 - and longer hopefully! Programs are designed to serve youth by providing them with safe, quality mentoring relationships that help them reach their full potential. Foster/Kinship caregivers must have an established relationship with the youth and have cared for them at least 6 months before applying. Children with special needs are taken on a case by case basis.