Did you know that more than 11,000 children in Oregon spent time in foster care last year? In order to meet their needs, and the needs of the families that care for them, it takes a collaborative effort. That’s where Every Child Central Oregon (ECCO) comes in. This unique organization helps to connect foster children and foster parents with resources in the greater community. Brooks Resources is a proud supporter of ECCO, as they work hard to create more opportunities for collaboration to bring care to those impacted by foster care in Oregon.
ECCO has a number of programs to help fulfill its mission, including My NeighbOR. This program is an “emergency response system” that helps connect the most vulnerable children and families to goods and services, such as basic toiletries, educational supplies, food and other necessities. Material donations through this program can help meet the tangible needs of a child entering foster care, as well as helping families provide properly for the children in their care. You can peruse immediate needs and ways to help with this initiative on their website.
Statewide, the organization closely partners with Oregon’s Department of Human Services (ODHS) to aid with any needs of those in the foster care program, and encourages others in the community to do the same. There are many ways to help: being a foster parent is only one. Others who are not in a situation to participate in this way can donate, both cash and needed goods, or volunteer. Volunteers can participate in everything from ODHS appreciation programs to service projects and from giving foster parents a break by babysitting for the children in their care on a consistent basis.
A real differentiator for Every Child is the fact that they bring together so many people and organizations around the state to help “bring love, care, and support to children in foster care and families who previously had nowhere else to turn.”
The larger organization, which encompasses programs in counties across the state, has a fundraising event coming up in the Portland metro area called “Sparking Hope.” This event is a 10th anniversary gala with a goal of raising $160,000 in order to continue serving children and families impacted by foster care across Oregon. Tickets for the May 6 event are available online or you can simply give to help them reach their goal. The celebration will include music, hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, and dancing, plus a paddle raise, fantastic auction items, and a raffle.
