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The Reality Facing Children Entering Foster Care
350+
Enter foster care in Baldwin County
50%
Of foster children will drop out of school
80%
Enter foster care with nothing but the clothes on their backs
2 in 5
people experiencing homelessness have been in foster care
meeting basic needs is the first step toward healing and hope.
age 10
“When I was removed, my parents put a few stuffed animals into a trash bag for me and handed them to me in the back of the lady’s car. I knew I wasn't important; the stuffed animals were from court, but now I felt like trash, too. When I got to her office, she handed me two bags. They both were real nice. Inside were so many clothes, new shoes, socks, deodorant, body wash, a blanket, and a new stuffed, very fuzzy bear; it all felt so warm. I changed myself into the clothes, put on the new socks and shoes, then wrapped the blanket around me while squeezing the softest stuffed bear so tight, it was the first time in forever, I didn’t feel like trash!"
age 12
“I came into care after a really bad night. I was dirty, scared, and shaking. I didn’t want anyone to look at me. The Hope Bag had clean clothes, shower products, deodorant, socks, underwear, and the softest blanket. Once I was able to take a shower and use all my new products, I was able to let myself breathe, let go, cry, and process everything. I then put on all my new clothes and looked in the mirror to see someone who was going to be okay."
Foster Parent
“Our foster daughter told us later that the Hope Bag made her feel like someone cared about her before she even walked through our door. That kind of reassurance is priceless.”
AGE 14
“I didn’t cry when they removed me. I didn’t cry in the car. I didn’t cry when they told me I couldn’t go back home. I just shut down. When I got to the foster home, they handed me the Hope Bags. I unzipped it, and the smell of clean clothes and shampoo hit me. I don’t know why, but that smell so simple and clean made me cry for the first time in a long time. Those hope bags didn’t fix everything. But it was the feel of the hope bags like I was going to be alright.”
Age 8
“I was always cold living outside. I didn’t want to say anything because I didn’t want to be a problem. When I was taken and opened the two bags for me, I saw the fuzzy warm blanket, coat, shoes, and socks first. I put them all on and started to cry because I didn’t have to pretend I wasn’t cold anymore.”
Age 6
“I didn’t know where I was going and was very scared. I cried as the worker took me. Then she gave me bags, and I saw the crayons, coloring book, big bear, and unicorn blanket. It made me feel a little less scared and helped me stop crying."
Social Worker
“As a social worker, I’ve seen countless children enter care with nothing but fear and the clothes on their backs. When I hand them a Hope Bag, their shoulders drop. Their breathing slows. It changes the tone of the entire transition. It gives them dignity in a moment that feels out of control.”
Age 9
“When I saw the Hope Bag, I knew someone had made it for kids like me. That made me know I wasn’t the only one this happens to. It made me feel less alone."
Age 15
“I left home with nothing. Not even shoes. I felt so embarrassed and angry. But the Hope Bag had everything I needed, even new shoes. It helped me feel like I could start over without feeling so ashamed.”
Age 14
“I didn’t want anyone to know how nervous I was. But when I opened the Hope Bag and saw everything for me. It made me feel like I could handle what was happening. Like someone believed I could be brave.”
Since launching in Baldwin County, our work has focused on meeting immediate needs with dignity, reaching children and families at critical moments.
570+
Enter foster care in Baldwin County
100
Of foster children will drop out of school
140
Enter foster care with nothing but the clothes on their backs
40+
people experiencing homelessness have been in foster care
meeting basic needs is the first step toward healing and hope.
a community
creating spaces that put children first
In April 2025, our community came together to transform the Baldwin County DHR office into a calmer, more welcoming space for children entering foster care.
Through donated furniture, flooring, and professional labor, local partners helped create an environment that feels safer, more dignified, and more supportive during some of the hardest moments in a child’s life.
This renovation was made possible through in-kind donations and professional services from local businesses.
Want to help create impacts like this?
to strengthen support for foster kids
partner with us
Champion for kids
Program stability, growth & future initiatives.
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Core programs at scale
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Staffing & Operations
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Reporting & Accountability
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Capacity for new initiatives
partner in purpose
Strengthening core support & youth readiness
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Hope Bags & Kinship Care Bags
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Youth Readiness Program Development
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Community engagement
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Program expansion support
community builder
Meeting immediate needs & sustaining programs
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Hope Bags
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Seasonal Supplies
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Youth Milestones
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Volunteer Support
friend of the mission
Supporting continuity of care
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Emergency needs
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Essential supplies
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Hope Bag outreach
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Outreach & awareness
Sponsorship funds support current programs and organizational capacity, allowing
Foster Kids Matter to responsibly grow services based on community need, resources, and partnerships.
Sponsorship levels and investment details are outlined in our partnership packet.
Includes current programs, recognition opportunities, and how sponsorship funds are to be used.
Every partnership helps ensure foster children in Baldwin County are met with
dignity, stability, and care-today and as our work continues to grow.
Community Builder Partners
Organizations who have invested significantly in strengthening support for foster youth in Baldwin County.
how we're growing our impact, responsibly and intentionally
Looking ahead
Hope Bags for Kinship Care
Expanding support beyond traditional foster placements
what's next
Expansion to
Neighboring Counties
Foster care + kinship care beyond Baldwin County
as capacity grows
College & Financial
Aid Guidance
Application and FAFSA
navigation support
A Dedicated Facility for Comprehensive Support
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Storage for Hope Bags & supplies
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Office space for staff & volunteers
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Counseling & meeting rooms
our vision for the future
Expanded Youth
Support Services
Developed based on need, partnerships, and resources
Sustainable growth like this is made possible through strong community partnerships.
BAGS & BINGO
Bags & Bingo Brunch
Bags & Bingo Brunch
Bags & Bingo Brunch
Save the Date
Bingo
Bags
Join us for a brunch fundraiser featuring designer handbag bingo, champagne and mimosas, and delicious bites, all in support of children entering foster care in our community.
Tickets & Sponsorship Opportunities are limited
There are many ways to support foster children in our community-and we'd love to explore what involvement looks like for you.
Ways to Get Involved
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Volunteer with packing events or community initiatives
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Explore corporate or community partnerships
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Help spread the word through your network
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Connect us with speaking opportunities, events, or organizations
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Share professional skills, resources, or in-kind support
We're especially grateful for community members who can help open doors-whether that's inviting us to speak, introducing us to potential partners, or helping amplify our mission.