UPDATES from Best Foot Forward

How are our kids doing?
Over the past 10 years, your support has helped us implement innovative and impactful programs for foster youth that will change lives for generations to come.

Today, we are facing unprecedented circumstances and lots of uncertainty. Our students are learning to navigate online learning and they still need our help, now more than ever. We can't stop, and we won't stop!

You may be wondering how our kids are doing in the midst of these unparalleled times. We have been working around the clock to ensure that they each have a plan that will keep them on track and in good spirits.

We would like to take a moment to thank you for your continued support and to reassure you that our students are being well taken care of.

Stay safe and well!
Thank you!
Debbie & Donna
HELPING OUR STUDENTS DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME!
Our first priority was to make sure our students, particularly those living alone, had everything they needed. Some of them were worried that they would run out of food and not have enough to eat. We assured them that they would not go hungry, and with the help of some amazing BFFs and our coaches, we are making sure of it!

We asked our students to send us a wish list of the foods they liked and the supplies they needed. We collected the items and delivered it all to them, along with some homemade macaroni and cheese (delicious and easy to freeze) and some Honey Baked hams. Thank you to Laura and Shaw McCutcheon, Liz Dinner and friends, Gigi Tylander, and to everyone who contributed monetary donations. What a team effort!

We are in constant communication with our students and will continue to monitor the situation and their supplies to ensure they will have what they need to keep their minds at ease!
HOW CAN YOU HELP?

Many of you have reached out asking how you can help. We appreciate your kindness! It is remarkable to see so many thinking of our kids at a time when everyone's life has been significantly impacted.

These are difficult times for many of our students, both financially and emotionally. We have sent them supplies and ordered books they need for class, all of which can be delivered. Many of our students have been laid off from their jobs, which is causing them a lot of angst. We made the important decision that we will help them, ensuring their bills do not go unpaid. That is one less thing they need to worry about.

We are currently making a wish list of things our students are running out of and need. It should be complete in the next few days, and we will be sharing it with all of you. Please watch for an email that will provide more details for those of you who would like to support our students with those needs.

For anyone wanting more information about other ways to help, please contact Donna at dbiase@bestfoot.org. Thank you!

ONLINE LEARNING & GRADUATIONS!

We have so many students to worry about, including our high school and college seniors. We are working closely with foster parents, group homes and our students who are over 18 to make sure they have what they need to succeed in school, whether it's a laptop, internet or helping them access their school's online programs.

At this time of year, we are normally ensuring our seniors are earning the credits they need, preparing for graduation and thinking about gifts & celebrations. Not this year. This year, we are trying to reassure them that they will graduate as planned and coming up with innovative ways to be there to support them through this final quarter or semester.

Children in foster care face unique challenges with online learning because they did not grow up using technology like their peers did. It is going to be a struggle for them, but we will help them through it. Our coaches are working tirelessly to develop a good plan for each student to keep them on task!
WE'VE GOT MAIL!

Our elementary school coaches mailed letters to each of their students providing positive thoughts, reminding them to continue reading, and letting them know they are being thought of!

This unexpected time off from school can bring additional uncertainty and worry to our students, who already struggle. The coaches included self-addressed stamped envelopes for the students to write the coaches back, and they did!

TURNING 18 & AGING OUT

Turning 18 is difficult for kids in foster care any time of year, let alone during a global pandemic. We have 4 students who will be turning 18 during these few weeks and they have shared their apprehension with us. We will make sure that they have everything they need to finish the school year successfully, with as little stress and anxiety as possible!
PLEASE NOTE:
We have rescheduled our
BASH: A Decade of Change to
October 23, 2020
6:30PM
Polo Club of Boca Raton
We look forward to celebrating 10 years of changing lives with you and our students at this very important event!
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