Children with disabilities are up to 3.5 times more likely to have experienced abuse or neglect than their non-disabled peers. And those in the child welfare system often endure traumatic situations. Since 1996, the Envision Unlimited foster care program has helped children with disabilities find their “forever home” and provided them with skills and tools that are necessary for an independent and successful life.
At its peak, the foster care program successfully placed about 120 children in homes, thanks to diligent efforts from staff to recruit foster parents, license homes and provide oversight. Nearly 30 years later, our core staff members – Dr. Kourosh Dini, Mary Knox, Adrienne Wilcoxon and Betty Jackson – continue to anchor the team, which has grown to include case managers, supervisors, nurses and a wonderful community of foster parents.
Each year, Envision Unlimited offers multiple initiatives to support our foster care families. As the school year begins, we supply backpacks and other necessities. Around the holidays, we provide toys, gift cards, coats and more. We also host an annual appreciation luncheon/dinner, which took place last month in connection with Foster Parent Appreciation Month.
“The Envision Unlimited foster care program is a phone call away,” one foster parent said. “Any time I need a listening ear, I know who I can count on.”
If you or someone you know has the heart to become a life-changing foster parent, please contact Debra Montgomery, director of Envision Unlimited Child Welfare Services, at dmontgomery@envisionunlimited.org.