Many of us have people we can turn to - family, friends, mentors - to help us when we're just starting out on our own. That is not always the case for foster youth. You can be that foundation of support. Ready?

By now, you know that when foster youth come to us looking for a safe home, they often have very little with them. The reality is that what they do have is often stuffed in a backpack and sometimes trash bags. Yes, trash bags.

Removal from foster homes can happen fast (hence why a travel bag isn’t always handy). Placements happen fast. Crisis can happen fast. That alone is an overwhelming experience, regardless of age.

Do you remember when you were just starting out? Leaving home? Going to college? Or starting a new job? Moving into an apartment? Many of us have people we can turn to - family, friends, mentors - to help us out. That is not always the case for foster youth.

Today, we want to invite you to become a member of our Second Home Loyalty Program, ensuring that every foster youth and child has the essentials they need when transitioning to a new home. And, today is the last day to join and receive a special Foster Forward beach towel as a thank you for your generosity. We also want to thank everyone who has already joined our new program (we'll be sending you a welcome message soon!).

Being a part of the Second Home Loyalty Program means that you will be giving to foster youth every month, ensuring that:

Our food pantry is always full so homeless youth have meals
Every foster youth and family has access to necessary toiletries and cleaning supplies
Families with babies and young children have diapers, wipes, sippy cups and other essentials
Every young person has a mattress, fresh linens and towels, pillows and a bed when moving into an apartment of their own
All operating costs at our Community Storefront are met to keep this a FREE resource for the entire foster community in Rhode Island
Foster youth and families have continued access to free clothing, outerwear, books, and toys via our Community Storefront

When you become a Second Home Loyalty Program donor, you will:

Receive a welcome gift from us for joining the program (this summer, for all gifts at the $19+ level, you'll receive a Foster Forward branded beach towel!)
Receive special “insider” Second Home Program messages about how your donations are impacting foster youth and families
Receive a discounted ticket to our Annual Event
Be recognized as a Second Home Program member at our events and on our website
Assure a stable source of on-going funding, so there are no gaps in service to those in need
Feel good about supporting foster youth and families on a regular basis
Spread your generosity and philanthropy out over time