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Hi, I'm Lydia! I'm relatively new to volunteering with Foster Village. In fact, my connection to the organization stems from being a foster caregiver myself.

Our family was fortunate to receive the very first welcome pack from Foster Village Northeast Kansas (then Foster Village Lawrence) when they launched in 2022. We had just welcomed a newborn into our home, and having two friendly faces (shout out to Jenny and Lori!) show up at our door with essential items for the sweet baby was truly heartwarming. It made us feel, for one of the very first times, like we were part of a community that genuinely cared about this incredible child, their biological family, and us! That sense of gratitude kept us connected to Foster Village and ultimately led me to my role as the Childcare Volunteer Coordinator.

It made us feel, for one of the very first times, like we were part of a community that genuinely cared about this incredible child, their biological family, and us!

One aspect I love most about Foster Village is the variety of events and opportunities we host to help caregivers and families connect, build community, and have fun. One initiative I'm particularly proud of is offering childcare during three of our core events, so caregivers can relax and be fully present, knowing their kids are with kind, caring, and skilled individuals. I like to think of our childcare volunteers as the superheroes of our Village, offering not just care but a true sense of support and comfort to kids and families.

I like to think of our childcare volunteers as the superheroes of our Village, offering not just care but a true sense of support and comfort to kids and families.

On the second Friday of each month, we host a Caregiver Night Out (CNO) event in Lawrence from 5:30-8:00 p.m. During this time, our volunteers care for kids (foster, kinship, or biological) aged birth to 12 years living in homes providing foster or kinship care. The care takes many forms—playing games, making crafts, enjoying toys, unleashing creativity, or simply relaxing when the kids need a break. And, of course, lots of fun!

Additionally, on the second (Lawrence) and third (Topeka) Mondays of each month, we host Moms Support Groups from 6-8 p.m. Here, our volunteers care for the children while moms connect, share experiences, and reflect, knowing their little ones are well cared for.

It truly takes a village to support foster caregivers, and we'd be grateful to have you join our volunteer team. If interested, fill out the Childcare Volunteer Team form and complete the training video. From there, we'll keep you connected about upcoming volunteer opportunities through GroupMe, making it easy to sign up with a click.

Whether you can volunteer once, occasionally, or monthly, we appreciate you! As a foster caregiver, I can assure you that when you volunteer, you make an incredible impact on families seeking community and connection through Foster Village. For that, we are deeply thankful!

➡️ Sign up to join the childcare volunteer team at Foster Village today!