It’s #GivingTuesday: Support kids in foster care

#GivingTuesday is a global day of giving designed to prompt us to take a break from spending money on holiday gifts and instead give money, time and talent to cherished causes.

The FAMILY Fund helps pay for things needed by kids in foster care, things that Hamilton County Job and Family Services generally can’t pay for. Things like paying for foster kids to visit colleges or paying to repair a car so a teen in foster care doesn’t miss work.

Hamilton County’s Board of County Commissioners approved the FAMILY (Friends and Advocates Making Investments in Local Youth) Fund to help the agency cover expenses that are either not permitted under state and federal programs financed by taxpayer contributions or for which there are limited funds.

 

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College visits help foster children choose their future.

Donations are tax-free.

“I think everyone would agree these types of expenses are important and integral to any child having a normal experience in life,” said Hamilton County Commissioner Chris Monzel. “These children come from tough situations; we want to make their lives easier, not harder. We have found a way to help without adding to the taxpayer burden.”

JFS has traditionally declined monetary donations because it is a government agency, but has informally accepted other types of donations, such as toys at the holidays or gift cards for foster children who graduate. The FAMILY Fund now allows the agency to accept cash donations.

A board of community members oversees the fund.

“JFS frequently receives inquiries from members of the public as to how they might help some of the families and children served by our agency,” said Moira Weir, director of JFS. “Whether it be a family in need during the holidays or a foster child attempting to make the transition to adulthood, there are many good people who would like the option of making donations. We are excited they now have that option. It will open up new doors for our children.”

To make a donation today, click the button or send a check to FAMILY Fund, c/o Brian Gregg, 222 E. Central Parkway, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202.