The North Country Women’s Leadership Initiative (NCWLI) recently presented a check to Fostering Futures of St. Lawrence County, an affiliate program of CHJC. The funds will be used as part of CHJC’s annual Holiday Appeal to purchase pajamas and books for Foster Care youth, distributed by “Santa” at the youth’s annual Holiday Party.

Pictured from left to right: Jaclyn Teriele, NCWLI Member; Malissa Hale, SLC Fostering Futures Manager; Betty Connolly, NCWLI Member; and Lynn Fox, NCWLI Founder.

Fostering Futures provides temporary care for children unable to live with their birth families or guardians. The Program allows children who may have been abused or neglected, and/or have behavioral challenges and special needs, the opportunity to live in a family setting, attend public school and be an active member of the community. To provide support for the needs of the entire family, in addition to 24-hour on-call services and crisis response, extensive training is offered to all Foster Parents. They will work as members of a team of families, social workers, and other professionals to help prepare a child to return to his/her birth family, or to be adopted.