We are a network of foster and adoptive families in West Michigan, because we are all stronger together!
We believe that a connected foster/adopt community is a stronger foster/adopt community. Families who stay connected to strong support systems are able to foster longer and more positively, which leads to better outcomes for foster kids. Adoptive families with strong supports are better able to care for their kids through the challenges that adoption brings with it, which leads to better outcomes for adopted kids. Our message to foster, adopt, or kinship parents who feel alone is this – get connected!
Through connections Kids Belong is working to build a better, stronger foster care system.
Closets
Kids Belong Foster Care Closets provide clothing, shoes, coats, toys, diapers, etc for free to foster, adoptive, and kinship families.
Family Nights, Parent Nights, and Back To School Events
Family Fun Nights are for the whole family! Foster/Adopt/Kinship families can bring all the kids and have dinner all together while the kids play games, crafts, and other activities. Sometimes there is an extra magic show or petting zoo to make the nights more fun for the kids. Parents have the chance to connect with each other while the kids are having fun.
Parent Nights are a lot like the Family Nights but with one major exception. Whereas family nights are all together, on Parent Nights volunteers take the kids to a separate part of the building for food, games, and activities. The parents have the chance to connect with each other without having to supervise the kids.
The Back To School Open House is our biggest event of the year. Every summer we combine all the fun of a Family Fun Night with a school supplies and backpack giveaway. Families can shop at the closets, kids can pick out their school supplies and backpack, and families can have a good time all together with inflatables, games, and more
Support Groups
One of the best things we can do is be part of a community together for support and encouragement. We host support groups in person as well as online. Get the most up to information about how to connect with support groups here.
Easter Baskets and Christmas Stockings
Kids Belong gathers Easter Baskets and all the stuff that goes in them and makes it all available for parents to come put together baskets for all their kids. This is a drop in kind of event where parents can shop and put together baskets for all their kids at once
Christmas Stockings are provided and put together by volunteers. All a family needs to do is sign up for them, fill out the information, and pick them up from the pick up location.
