Trash Bags Do Not Work For Foster Children On The Move
Nonprofit organization hosts walk in Port Orange to replace trash bags with duffel bags for foster children
Port Orange, FL, April 23, 2015 (Newswire.com) - As the nation prepares to observe National Foster Care Month in May, the Duffels for Kids program will continue its efforts to eliminate the shameful practice of foster children moving from home to home with trash bags. Duffels for Kids will host its third annual Duffels for Kids Walk on Saturday, May 16 at the Kenneth Parker Amphitheater in Port Orange to raise awareness of foster care in Florida and to raise much-needed funds for the program.
Many children have entered care because of abuse or neglect, or because their birth parents were unable to care for them due to unresolved situations. Parents who make the life-changing decision to adopt or foster a child need effective outside support and for many foster and adoptive families throughout Florida, this assistance comes from the Florida State Foster/Adoptive Parent Association (FSFAPA).
Would you want to carry your belongings to someone's house in a trash bag?
T. LaShaun Wallace, Duffels for Kids co-chair
Assistance such as Duffels for Kids, a program of FSFAPA that distributes free duffels to children in Florida's child welfare system. With more than 8,000 children in foster care in Florida, the Duffels for Kids program has undertaken a huge task but continues to maintain true to its mission: To change the culture of foster care, one duffel at a time.
Says T. LaShaun Wallace, Duffels for Kids co-chair: "I always start with one important thought when discussing Duffels for Kids with supporters and the public. 'Would you want to carry your belongings to someone's house in a trash bag?' When people are able to visualize themselves having to go through this degrading practice, it brings the message home."
Participants can register for the Duffels for Kids walk online at www.duffels4kids.org. The walk begins at 9 a.m., with check-in at 8:30 a.m. A water station will be provided along the City Center trail, which provides spectacular views of the lake. Following the event, entertainment will be provided by the NEX GEN band, a group of foster and adopted teen musicians. Volusia County and Flagler County foster parents may also pick up duffels for their foster children after the walk. More information on how to register can be found at www.duffels4kids.org or by emailing duffels4kids@floridafapa.org.
About Florida State Foster/Adoptive Parent Association
The Florida State Foster/Adoptive Parent Association, a 501(c)3 volunteer organization, was established in 1987 to address the needs of foster and adoptive families in Florida. FSFAPA provides supportive services to all caregivers (foster, adoptive, non-relative and kinship), as well as local organizations throughout the state with this population as their members. For more information, visit www.floridafapa.org.
Media Contact:
Trudy Petkovich
Executive Director, FSFAPA
petkovij@me.com
305.213.6627
www.duffels4kids.org
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