FosterAdopt Connect helped by Difference Makers gift

Chris Pruett, publisher of the Daily American Republic (second from left), presents the local chapter of FosterAdopt Connect with a donation of $7,450 from the newspaper, which will help the organization continue its efforts to help area foster families.

DAR/Paul Davis

The foster kids of Poplar Bluff received a boost Thursday in the form of a check from the Daily American Republic.

The local chapter of FosterAdopt Connect received a donation of $7,450, which will help the organization continue its efforts to help area foster families.

It’s that work, DAR Publisher Chris Pruett said, that made the newspaper want to donate to the organization.

“When selecting a recipient for this year’s donation, the newspaper zeroed in on FosterAdopt Connection because of all the great work their employees do with helping families and children,” he said.

The donation was made during the DAR’s third annual Difference Makers banquet, which is about recognizing the work volunteers and groups make in the community.

Mary Haldeman, SEMO program director, said the money would fill in where the organization needs it.

“Most likely, it’ll be used for a variety of places,” she said. “Whatever’s needed at the time.”

The organization is there to address the needs of foster families in the area. That means structured programs, but also jumping in to help where needed.

For example, if a grandparent suddenly needs to care for a grandchild, FosterAdopt might need to help them find a carseat or winter coats.

“Or we may have some families who are struggling with gas getting back and forth to counseling … we could do gas cards,” Haldeman said.

In terms of structured programs, FosterAdopt offers licensing and training for foster families, advocacy on behalf of a child’s best interest and a clothing closet.

For instance, the advocacy program connects foster parents to others who have been in the same position.

“We walk people through hard situations and give them information on how to advocate for the kids in care with whatever difficult situation they’re dealing with at the time,” Haldeman said.

Sammy’s Window Clothing Closet is stocked with clothes, books, toys, baby equipment and school supplies for foster and adopted kids.

Haldeman said one of the greatest needs right now is youth pull-ups

“A lot of times, kids regress, in behaviors and such, once they come into care and a lot of them end up needing to wear pull-ups,” she said. “And then we really like to focus on ethnic haircare products, because of the Black and biracial kids going to white families because we just don’t have an abundance of Black or biracial families in the area that foster.

“So, getting products and items that can help them look their best and stay true to their culture is very important.”

In the end, FosterAdopt attempts to be there for any area foster family in need.

At the first Difference Makers in 2019, the United Gospel Rescue Mission received $3,814.60. The following year, $3,029.26 went to the Bread Shed.

The donation amount is a portion of the proceeds from the event.

Caterer Haffy’s Sports Bar and Grill also donated some of the profits from the cash bar.

“The DAR believes being a good community member is important,” Pruett said. “The newspaper is a major part of our city, county and area, and it’s important we lead by example. Our Difference Maker finalists all show a community spirit that helps so many people, and when we started this program three years ago we wanted to do the same.”