Helping children have a little dignity
There are approximately 440,000 foster Children nationwide in the U.S. and over 13,000 children in foster care in Missouri - Adopt us Kids
Suitcases for New Beginnings is a charity dedicated to giving dufflebags to every child just entering the foster care system.
MOST ARE GIVEN A TRASH BAG TO CARRY THEIR FEW BELONGINGS.
These children have been neglected and often feel like they don’t matter. Some do not own a toothbrush and have never worn a new pair of pajamas.
Unfortunately, Social Services do not have the financial means to purchase suitcases to pack a child’s few belongings before being brought to a foster home. If they do not have any duffle bags donated Social Services must use trash bags. It is horrific enough that a child has been abused or neglected, but then to have all of their belongings placed into a trash bag, which places a feeling of worthlessness on the child. It makes them feel like garbage.
Your donations go to purchase duffle bags and diaper bags as well as everything needed to put in the suitcase.
Suitcases for New Beginnings gives children entering foster care a sense of dignity and hope. They are packed with a stuffed animal to hug, a blanket, a toothbrush, soap, and other personal care items, receiving a duffle bagtells a child, you matter.
Cheryl’s Story
I have dedicated myself to this project because I know how being placed in a foster home feels. Walking in a strange place with people you don’t know with a trash bag carrying some personal items is one of the most scary things that could happen to a child. It also makes you feel unwanted, unloved, and thrown away like garbage. I have been a foster child, a high school graduate, a wife, a mom, a college graduate, a school teacher, and now a South West Missouri Casa Supervisor. Just because you are a foster child doesn’t mean you can’t succeed in life.
We Won NonProfit of the Year
Category Two
Contact
Feel free to contact us with any questions.
Email
cheryl@suitcasesfornewbeginnings.org
Phone
(417)337-0372
We are a 501c3 Nonprofit