Companion

What is a Companion?

A Companion is anyone who wants to support foster/adoptive families by coming alongside them to help complete activities of daily living.  This could be anything from grocery shopping, laundry, cleaning, meals, or just to be an extra pair of hands when needed. Any amount of time given is helpful whether it’s twice a week or once a month.   

Who can be a Companion?

Literally anyone can be a companion.  If you can cook, clean, do laundry, run errands, take unorganized thoughts and make them organized- you can be a companion.  If you are crafty and would like to use your skills to make lifebooks for the foster children in the home, and/or craft with children to give mom a break.  If you have a skill, a foster/adoptive parent can put you to use! If you can fix drywall, you can be a companion! When there are 10 holes in a foster parents wall, they will know who to call!

When is a Companion needed (daily, weekly, monthly)?

This is really at the foster parents and your discretion.  When a foster family takes a new placement is when their needs are the greatest, so they may need someone daily for several days/weeks and then their need for a companion may dwindle down from there.  This often depends on how many children are in the home. If there are a large number of children in the home, a foster family may need a companion more frequently for a longer period of time.

Why should you be a Companion?

This role is crucial.  It helps a foster parent feel as though they can swim instead of just keeping their head above water.  

Why are Companions needed?

If a foster family has just become licensed, they need a companion.  If there is more than one child in the home, they need a companion. Companions are always needed/wanted.  This can especially be true when a child first comes to a home and everyone begins to adjust to the new normal.  Sometimes being a foster parent can also be a lonely road, to have a companion there to help can make all the difference in the world.  

How do I become a Companion?

You do not need any special training to be a companion.  Just express a desire and one of our Open Homes team members will get you connected with the foster parents that need you! Or, if you already know of a foster or adoptive family personally - reach out to them. Ask them how you can help them in their day to day life.