STRIVING TO MEET THE NEEDS OF EVERY CHILD COMING INTO FOSTER CARE
Mo’s Place provides support to the foster youth and their caregivers in the Tri-Cities, Walla Walla and the surrounding areas. Our services are available to all licensed foster homes, suitable others and relatives who care for the children placed in out-of-home foster care. We supply everyday tangible items that help meet the immediate needs of youth coming into care as well as provide emotional and educational support to ensure placement stabilization. Our fierce advocacy begins with each child entering foster care and continues with those caregivers who love them.
Founded, in September 2019, by two foster parents in Tri-Cities, WA, with the goal to fill the gap between caregivers and the child welfare system. In the beginning, the intent of Mo’s Place was to create a “clothing closet” as an emergent response to children being brought into protective custody with nothing. As we continue to grow, working with the foster youth, their caregivers and community resources we have evolved to meet the needs of those we serve. We have gained a deeper understanding of the child welfare system and the limits to their resource capacity… this is where Mo’s Place comes in.
Imagine you are an aunt who receives a call while making supper. Your nephew, who you haven’t seen in two years, has three children under the age of ten. His choices have led to child protective services becoming involved. They are asking for you to care for these children for an undetermined amount of time and advised the children are on their way to your home shortly. You have nothing to care for these kids. It takes a single call or text for the next level of support from Mo’s Place.
We have everything from beds, cribs, bedding and pillows to carseats, diapers, wipes, formula, bottles, hygiene items and size appropriate clothing and shoes for children of all ages; newborn to teens. Our desire is to provide items to assure a child has their immediate needs met in their first week in care.
What starts out as a resource for immediate tangible goods for our caregivers becomes so much more. Friendships are built, support is given, and love is unconditional.
HOw we support our foster community
01.
— We Supply
Upon initial contact, necessities are provided to law enforcement and the Department of Children, Youth and families. Mo’s Place works to ensure that authorities and families have what they need to help a child transition into a foster/relative home as smoothly as possible. Bedding, baby/toddler gear, clothing, shoes, undergarments, school supplies and coats are just a few things available.
02.
— We Build Networks
Being a foster parent/caregiver can be a lonely journey. Mo’s Place works to create a network of foster parents/caregivers in order to provide not only moral support, but to also allow a safe place to communicate their needs to people who ‘get it.’ From offering a sounding board to creating life long friendships, it takes a village to raise children, and support families. Mo’s Place works to facilitate the village.
03.
— We Inspire
With programs that inspire giving, encouragement and support Mo’s Place strives to make kids feel as special as they truly are.
We offer programs such as Kicks for Kids, Cake Coalition, a Back-To-School Event, and a Holly Jolly Christmas Party just to name a few.
04.
— We Educate and Train
Mo’s Place works with the Department of Children, Youth, and Families to provide continuing education for foster families. Training is instrumental to obtain techniques that help assure long success in children. The more we know, the better we can serve the youth of our community. Each year we host a Firm Foundations Caregiver Conference (with childcare) that allows our caregivers to obtain the most amount of hours in one location, while networking and gaining friendships.
05.
— We Provide Care
We have a unique understanding of not only the needs of the children, but also those who come into contact with them. We are not only the founders of Mo’s Place, we are also licensed foster parents in the state of Washington. That means that we continue to provide care to children coming into foster care and therefore have unique experiences that aid us in providing the most thoughtful and comprehensive support.
06.
— We Consult
There are lots of rules for foster families. Have a question about what needs documented? How to write a court report? What about reaching visit supervisors? We have lots of answers! And, if we don’t know the answer, we know who does!
“We do not need to know the beginning of a child’s story to change the ending.”- Fi Newood