COLUMBIA, Md., May 21, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- May is the national observance for Foster Care Awareness and KidsPeace Foster Care and Community Programs (FCCP), a community-based therapeutic foster care program in Columbia, MD, will host an open house to showcase ways in which the public may support foster youth. The event will take place May 25, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the FCCP offices, 5575 Sterrett Pl, Suite 200, Columbia.
For local children who have lost their homes, being without a caring family for even a short time can seem like an eternity. Half of the 500,000 children in the foster care system nationwide are 12 or older and need homes, help, and love just as much as younger kids - maybe more, because they've been waiting so much longer.
"The needs of our local foster youth are immense," says Sandy Rappeport, Maryland Program Manager. "Foster youth who age out of the system are faced with staggering realities: only 46 percent complete high school, 40-50 percent are homeless within 18 months, and 25 percent are incarcerated within 24 months."
"We are excited to welcome our community and give them with an opportunity to hear about the myriad of services we are providing to local foster youth, and describe ways in which they can help support ongoing efforts," said Rappeport.
In addition to placing foster youth with families, KidsPeace FCCP provides various services to foster youth. "There are many ways the public can support our youth -- providing homes, becoming a mentor, or by contributing financially to support our programs," says Rappeport. One activity is a mentoring program for children and adolescents in foster care, providing support through group activities and one-on-one relationships. "We are working to build our volunteer mentor program because it effectively helps youth develop a strong sense of self worth and strengthen their ability to interact with others in positive ways," says Gina Seyfried, Volunteer Coordinator. Those interested in more information, may call 1-866-4-KIDSPEACE or visit www.fostercare.com.
About KidsPeace
KidsPeace is a private charity dedicated to serving the behavioral and mental health needs of children, preadolescents and teens. Founded in 1882, KidsPeace provides a unique psychiatric hospital, a comprehensive range of specialized, intensive and therapeutic residential treatment programs, accredited educational services and a variety of community-based treatment programs, foster care and family services to give hope, help and healing to kids facing crisis. Learn more at www.kidspeace.org. KidsPeace offers services in Georgia, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia and the District of Columbia.
Contact: Sharon McCarthy (610) 799-7797 or
Gina Seyfried (410) 964-9329
SOURCE KidsPeace
