Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition

FACC is an incredible nonprofit organization. It's allowed me to flourish professionally through the support given and it has shown me the promotional opportunities that can occur through hard work and dedication. FACC has challenged me to be the very best professional I can be and inspired me to be the best life calls me to be, all at the same time. I've been able to achieve established goals through the ongoing collaboration and strength-based team approaches used while at FACC. The rewards have been ongoing, as I have been able to see the impact FACC has made for Child Welfare through the ongoing support and advocacy efforts made for our families. FACC has relentlessly lived up to the task given by helping to change the narrative of Child Welfare in a positive way. Overall, I am beyond grateful to work for such an amazing non-profit that takes pride in creating miracles daily for the employees, children, and families we serve.

I have absolutely loved working with this organization. This organization makes it easy to learn and grow. There is a positive team atmosphere. The best part is seeing how hard the organization works to make sure that youth get presents for the holidays. It is often we see many foster youth not getting gifts/feeling forgotten. The Foster and Adoptive Coalition truly make the year special by assuring all the kids feel special and thought of during what may be a difficult time for them.

I've worked in Child Welfare for 20 years and have always been familiar with the incredible work that occurs at the Coalition. In 2020 I became a member of this wonderful team. I am so grateful for the opportunity to do some much more than what I have been able to do in this field before. This is a supportive, encouraging and inclusive work environment, unlike I have seen anywhere else.

Edna Green has been an exceptional asset to the cases that she and I have been collaborating on. She is professional, passionate, and knowledgeable in her field. She has helped my foster families and children jump over hurdles while guiding them to stability. Edan had helped me by assisting me with referrals and services to help me provide for my family and children. She has been a joy to work with and I look forward to working with her again.

I worked with Ms Edna as my Foster Care support person. I would like to recognize her and the organization that she works for for her outstanding commitment to working with foster care families. She was always available to help me with any needs and I always got the results I was expecting. She is the person for the job. She is truly walking in in devine calling.

I have had the pleasure of being involved with the Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition since 2009. My favorite story os when a team of volunteers came together to build a wheelchair ramp to a foster parents home. It took two nights and at dusk on the 2nd day, when the job was complete, one of the foster children came outside with her foster mom. She was blind but began singing “Did you ever know you’re my hero” in the most angelic voice. It was a powerful amount. This is just one of so many amazing stories about this organization’s work.

I've had the opportunity to admire FAC's work from afar, partner with their team and see the direct impact of their work on families and in the broader field of child welfare.

The passion and positivity of the staff is only matched by the creativity and innovation of the leaders. Their reach goes well beyond their direct work in St. Louis, MO. The field of child welfare, across the country, is better due to FAC's innovation and advocacy in their work.

If you are looking for an organization to give of your time, money and resources, there isn't a better way to make those investments--especially if you're wishing to invest in a high impact organization.

As a foster parent, this organization has helped me multiple times research and come up with solutions that other professionals have not been able to provide. They are great about following back, helping you swift through situation quickly to get to resolution, and to connect you to the right resources!

This organization has been a blessing to me and my family In so many ways. Holidays, Birthdays, and several activities has been provided under this organization! I often bring the kids that I foster to shop for clothing, and they are so grateful of the quality of the clothes, the smile on their faces, because they are able to pick out what they want at a minimum cost to myself. The birthday buddy has been such a big help, I’m able to give all 4 kiddos a great celebration that makes their day! Christmas is amazing! What you all provide for them and what I provide, my Christmas always ends with the kiddos saying this is the best Christmas I’ve ever had! Y’all rock! The staff is amazing, on the phone, or in person, or at the store, no one ever make you feel uncomfortable for needing a little assistance, for that I say thank you! May God bless this organization beyond what you will ever need or want!
Thanks Again
Shug & Shug’s crew! ❤️❤️

This is an extraordinary organization that places children with loving parents in forever homes. Foster and Adoptive Care Coalition changes lives: the lives of these children and the lives of those who adopt these children. In a world rife with so much pain, the Foster and Adoptive Care Coaliton is a beacon of love.

I've been a volunteer with Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition since for about 6 years. My first activity with them was the Cinderella Project. When I saw those young ladies in foster care light up seeing themselves in a the prom dress of their dreams, I was hooked. I typically work in the thrift store, assisting customers and in the annual Cinderella Project. The staff and other volunteers are all focused on the well-being of the kids in care. I'm so happy when I can be a small part of making a child's life happier. I know the staff is always working toward that goal!

My husband and I took foster adopt training classes there last year. They were well done. The social worker and foster/adopt volunteer were kind, passionate, and well informed perspective to the classes. The classes helped prepare us for the foster adopt process. We look forward to taking other classes there too.

I started as a donor through the Little Wishes program and became a volunteer because I whole-heartedly believe in the work and mission of the Coalition. The staff works tirelessly to find children their forever families through innovative programs such as Extreme Recruitment and 30 Days to Family. The Coalition also provides a wonderful variety of services and supports such as Parents Day Out, Training Extravaganzas, and support groups for parents and children. As a member agency of the United Way , the Coalition measures and evaluates their programs to ensure time and resources are used effectively. Donors can be sure every dollar they give gets put to good use.

I am proud to support this organization as it celebrates 25 Years and find Families for 2,500 Children!

I'm the parent of a volunteer and have heard wonderful stories of her experiences and the great work the organization does. Our local newspaper has also covered the organization and its intense efforts to find a forever home for each child. Furthermore, as a teacher, I recognize the importance to a child of a stable home environment.

As a professional clinical counselor, i am aware of the long-term adverse impact of a lack of stability in a child's life. The dedication of the Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition to find Forever Homes that will provide this needed stability for children is inspiring beyond words! I have seen first hand how the expertly trained professional staff works tirelessly to protect and advocate for children. FACC is a Gift - to the children, their new families and the community as a whole.

I am a volunteer and donor of the Coalition and quite simply it is an inspiring organization. To me, they achieve two objectives - finding permanent homes for children and providing support to both the foster children and foster families. I can see how an organization might focus on one or the other yet the Coalition does both exceedingly well. From the Extreme Recruitment program to Parents Day Out, the Coalition has an amazing variety of programs yet at the same time they don't duplicate work other organizations are doing for these kids. The Coalition is not just about passion and enthusiasm however, although that is overflowing & downright contagious, the Coalition also measures and evaluates their programs to ensure limited time and resources are used wisely. (Example: I was part of the college mentor program which had exciting potential, however when the program didn't achieve its goals the Coalition ended it, which was the right decision to prevent inefficient use of time and resources.) Because of this good stewardship, donors can be sure every dollar they give gets put to good use. When I became less available to volunteer, I was thankful I could become a donor in a small way and I have never for a second questioned that every dollar I've given directly supports the children the Coalition serves. So.... Efficient. Passionate. Effective. Inspiring. I'm not sure what more anyone could ask from a nonprofit.

This is a terrific organization that takes its mission of finding forever homes for children VERY seriously. The staff and volunteers are organized, compassionate, dedicated and -- above all -- they all love the children. In every activity we do, we keep the best interests of the children as our paramount goal. I have never volunteered for a better non-profit organization and feel it is a privilege to be able to contribute.

The most important gift we can give our Children is a loving, safe environment in which to live and grow.

People who will spend their lives finding homes for Children in need of this loving, safe environment is one of the greatest gifts God has given us.

The Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition does this in spades. Creating the "Forever Family"...For Every Child… A Place to Call Home.

God Bless them.

I am a Donor and Enthusiastic Backer (capitalized because this should be a Proper Category) of the Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition. A mission to help children, most of whom really don't have someone fighting for them, is as high a calling as I can think of. You meet these kids and hear their stories of joy when that adoption comes through, or Extreme Recruitment has discovered a relative, and you just want it to happen again and again and again. You want to be a part of that happening. The Coalition makes that happen. THAT makes for a fabulous organization.

I don't know where my family would be today if it wasn't for the Coalition; they have been with us since the beginning of our adoption journey - navigating the process, answering our questions (when no one else would!). Our adoption was finalized several years ago - I had no idea that our family would have such a long lasting and supportive relationship with this agency. As our kids became older, we struggled with several issues - managing our daughter's behavior took a tremendous toll on my husband and I - we didn't know what to do - we were physically and mentally exhausted. Thankfully, we reengaged with the Coalition, started attending parent support groups, and, utilized the services of an educational advocate. Our life has changed - our kids are having success in school, and, we have a supportive network of adoptive parents and professionals at the Coalition!

I am so impressed by the ongoing measurements used by the Foster Care Coalition. This is what evidenced based practice at its best looks like! I also appreciate how they fill the gaps left by other children and family service organizations rather than duplicating services. I'm most familiar with the KidStore where I get to see the difference low cost clothing and baby supplies make for foster and adoptive families. Their appreciation is heart warming, especially because they are the ones doing the truly hard work!

I have been a foster mom and now an adopted mom and I don't know if I would have been either without Foster Care Coalition. I was a volunteer and was strictly looking for adoption when I had a conversation with Nicki, she got me set up with a different organization then what I was with. From there I became a foster mom, I have only had 6 foster kids, and then I was staffed for my daughter and she moved in. As an organization they are there all the way for you. They have their parents day/night out, to give parents a break. They have their meetings with give both adoptive and foster parents a group of supports that have all been there. Not everyone knows what it is like to be a foster or adoptive parent and having others who are going through or been through what you are doing is so great. It takes a little stress off and reminds you why you are doing it and how to overcome some of those hills. They are also there for the IEPs for the kids/parents in helping the parents get the information and help that the kids need. I feel that they are part of your family team and help get the services and support you need to make sure these kids have every opportunity they deserve.

Although I have not fostered or adopted, I support this agency because I know they really do what they say. They have been recognized nationally for their work, and it seems to me; what could be more important than finding a home for a child? That's what they do, among a lot of other things. Friendly staff, just a great charity to donate to.

The Foster and Adoptive Care is one of the best run groups that I have been involved in. The staff does an exceptional job laying out plans and then executing. They have measurables for all of the programs that they run and exceed the expectations on every one. They hold their staff accountable for results and disciplined in not taking on new programs that will stretch the group too thin or are not in keeping with the mission statement. Melanie Scheetz the Executive director brings tremendous energy to the group and the board is engaged, diverse and dynamic. I feel honored to be a part of the board and contribute to their continued success.

After our adoption was final I had no idea that we would need continued help. At age 5 our son was diagnosed with fetal alcohol syndrome and autism. We have turned to the Foster Care Coalition many times and they have alway been able to serve us. From something as simple as how to sign up for services from the department of mental health to being assigned a educational advocate for my son at his school. They are the first I call when I need any type of help for my son. I'm very grateful for Foster Care Coalition.

I have been involved in many non profit organizations for years, donated time and money. However, this organization has made a special place in my heart. 8 years ago I was introduced to them by a friend who asked me if I liked handbags...what girl doesn't? With that I was quickly put on a committee for a fundraiser called "old bags"! At first it was all about the handbags but then something happened, I started meeting amazing women who had more in common with me then their love of handbags! The handbags party was just the beginning then I became a foster friend and went on to serve as a board member. My parents have always been such an important part of my life, always there when I needed them for anything, to me every child deserves someone they can trust and who will be there for them! FACC helps children find this special bond better than anybody!! Another bonus is I have met some of the best people I know and have made friends for my lifetime that I also know will always be there for me!!

I am an adoptive parent that has been using The Foster and Adoptive Coalition for about 6 years now. It has been an incredible resource for us. I have also volunteered for the little wishes program which has made so many children happy during the holidays. They offer great services to the children and their families. What an AWESOME organization!

The Foster and Adoptive Care Coalition is one of the most amazing non-profits I work with. I started working with them in 2002. We partnered on an adoption project called A Place to Call Home. Our goal was to find forever families for children living in foster care. We have almost a 60% success rate... which is unmatched to any other program in the country. We feature hard to place children due to their age or that they are part of a sibling group. Their stories air 4 times a week on the NBC station in St. Louis.

When I started working with the Coalition, they had 2 full time and 3 part time employees. Now, they have more than 24 full time employees and 5 part time. And why have they grown? Because they are filling gaps in services for children in foster care. They don't duplicate efforts. They find needs and fill them.

But the most important thing about the Coalition, they never take their eyes off the mission: to find children forever families and to keep and retain foster parents. If a project doesn't fit one or the other, they don't do it.

Children in foster care are forgotten children. Just because they have food, shelter and clothes doesn't mean they are "taken care of." The Coalition makes it their mission to find these kids loving, permanent families and a chance at a future. Without them, I know of more than 200 kids that would still be sitting in foster care. You see A Place to Call Home has found forever families for all of those kids. Cycles are broken and lives are put back together.

From Cheryl _STL: There are so many positive things that I can say about this organization Foster Care Coalition, this could go on for hours. ... however, since my Introduction to the various services offered by the Foster Care Coalition of St. Louis in 2011, I have held on tight and have not let go as the benefits of their various services can and have been life changing particularly for me and my family. Our first introduction was for a crisis in my home with two of my Foster children. The crisis worker came right in and worked with us to resolve. This was a good learning process for all of us and extremely insightful, we all felt so very empowered by the process. Through this service we were introduced to Education Advocacy services which we have been utilizing since 2012 and I just can't say enough about my advocate she is amazing, absolutely amazing, she listens to my concerns and she hears me and she has compassionately guided me through the process of getting services in place for my child who has special needs. My advocate was extremely helpful recently in getting my son out of an unaccredited school district where he struggled and into an accredited school district and a better suited school environment. She guided us to a school district that could meet his needs allowing him an opportunity to excel educationally. In essence all of my encounters with this agency have greatly improved our lives in such a positive way, we could not be happier. As a result I am more engaged with this organization and have referred so many people to them for assistance as I am certain that this group will meet any challenge that comes their way in a positive and a proactive manner. I cannot stop singing your praises as long as i have a voice. FOSTER Care Coalition I could not imagine life as an adoptive parent without, thanks so very much for the support

My experience with the coalition is multi-faceted. I am not only a volunteer, I am a client and a partner. From my first experience with the coalition as a volunteer I was astounded by the deep and personal caring that each of the members of their team has for every child. They are dedicated, caring, considerate and always striving to be better for the kids.

After becoming a foster parent I have turned to many of their programs to help find clothing, resources and much needed guidance to better the lives of my kiddos! I have been able to experience from another side just how needed the programs they provide are and just how much of an impact they make.

As a community employer I have been able to partner and work with the Coalition to provide opportunity to kids aging out of the system and looking to establish themselves. This program has shown me just how committed the Coalition is to full service, broad spectrum programs that leave no child or group of children without valuable programs.

One of the most impressive things about them is there dedication to pushing for the very best for every single kid and they never sit back and think they have done good enough. They always rise to the challenge of saying that they can do better for the sake of each of these kids. It is truly a pleasure to work with them.

I am a Foster/Adopt single parent. The Foster Care Coalition has provided unmeasurable training thru extravaganzas and support groups. Our family is currenly being assisted within our home environment. I, and my children view the coalition as an extension of our family-they are always there to help!

Thank you for the services you provide our community!!!

I worked with the extraordinary Melanie Scheetz and her staff to get Little Wishes Off the Ground. These people can move mountains. Just a couple weeks ago I had a friend in CN who having some issues with the foster program in CN -- I emailed Melanie within an hour a member of her staff sent me a page full of resources We're lucky to have this organization in our community.

Whenever I have items to donate, I prefer to take them to the Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition. I believe in the services they are providing and I'm grateful to those that are able to help with foster care situations!

I am an adoptive mom who relies on the Coalition for support and always gets it. Currently, my daughter is working with an amazing art therapist. I have also had the Coalition's educational advocates come to school meetings for my son and daughter. I could not have navigated without them. Additionally, I have had crisis come up and even on the spur of the moment, they are there to help with so much love and a positive attitude. They are an amazing resource to adoptive parents.

The little wishes campaign conducted year round is a chance for people who are not in the market to adopt a child but do want to help a child in need by granting "little wishes" that the child has requested.
This program serves the St. Louis Metro area and it wonderful to be able to help children who cannot help themselves.

Thank You for starting ReFresh!!! I'm a foster care case manager and teenagers at my agency only have $200. per year to spend on clothes. I have one 16 year old in particular that just loves fashion, but feels like she's not able to have fun and be creative with her clothes. She feels like other kids can tell she's in foster care because of the way she dressed. Her 200 dollars a year barely covers her winter coat, shoes and undergarments. Since foster youth get 90% off at ReFresh, she was able to spend $50 and get twice as much as she could usually afford! I can tell she feels more confident and is having fun with her wardrobe. She's even talking about going through the job program at ReFresh now!

Even though I now live far away from St. Louis, I continue to support the Coalition and its mission, to find forever homes for children drifting in the foster care "system. Moving to a more accessible location and opening a resale store were both wonderful strategies to raise awareness and also money! Moving the annual Old Bags event to a new venue last year proved to be a great decision, and this spring's event is highly anticipated. Despite the terrible economy, this agency has positioned itself to move forward with hard work and wise innovations.

This is in regards to the little wishes for Christmas from the channel 5 "a place to call home" program. I intended to give little wishes to a couple of children in the name of people I know. I went through the process for one child age 17 because I know these kids are aged out and thought giving to older children would make them know someone cared.

I then picked another child wanting the same thing, went through the process and was told there were no more of this item available. When I tried to review my donation I found the first child had been deleted and this would go to the second child.

Not only did this mess up my Christmas giving (I didn't know who and if they would get an acknowledgement ) but my heart broke knowing these and probably others would think no one cared enough to pick and get them a gift and not understand it was a lack of resources.

I'm sure a lot goes in to arranging this program, but wanted to let you know so perhaps this disappointment. Thanks, Kathy Burns

Foster and Adoptive Care Coalition is a great organization to be a part of. I've volunteered through their Foster Friends group, and I look forward to continuing to support them. Their mission is truly worthy, and they are doing great things for these kids!

Foster Care Coalition's mission makes St. Louis a better place for everyone with a hardworking, dedicated staff who continually strives to improve their organization.

The Foster Care Coalition of St Louis is an excellent organization. They were instrumental in helping my family reunited with our two adopted sons who by birth are my husband nephews. Their monthly newsletter give us information regarding training and additional resources offered to foster-adoptive parents. Their training clasess are informational and excellent for parents as well as the children. Our adoptive sons attended their youth job training last year and both are working now due to the training they received.

One of the best investments in time and money can be made with this Coalition. The information provided is excellent and the support given is outstanding. From the educational classes to individual one/one support, they provide an interesting and helpful array of support for foster and adoptive families that crosses a wide variety of subjects and expertise. Leslie has made a lifetime of difference for my family through advocating and teaching me how to advocate for my son, Taylor, in the St. Louis School District. The people in this organization truly make a difference to the lives they touch. I thank God for them.

I am a Jr. Board member and a volunteer. I fell in love with this organization over 4 years ago when I volunteered for their annual Old Bags(TM) fundraiser, and I haven't had my heart broken yet.

The staff is so dedicated and motivating. They actual work with children - which is so important and the foundation of their cause, and they never complain about lack of resources. Their positive attitudes make us want to work and do more for them. The Coalition is hands down the BEST charity in St. Louis.

I have been and continue to be a supporter of and cheerleader for the Foster and Adoptive Care Coalition. The 1/10/11 article in Time Magazine lauds the organization's creative and effective approach, referred to as "Extreme Recruitment, to placing hard-to-place kids with adoptive families. The goal is to give them "A place to call home." Every child deserves one.

From the moment you step into the Coalition you are surrounded by the sights and sounds of people who truly believe in and love what they do. The energy is infectious and you can't help but be moved to give more than you ever thought that you could. The smiles of the kids they help beam from pictures on the wall and each one of the Coalition members operates every day with the clear understanding that what they do every day is nothing short of saving these kids lives. The greatest thing we all strive for every day is to be loved by someone and the Coalition and its staff and volunteers exude love from floor boards to rafters. Love for their purpose, love for each other, love for their volunteers, love for the community and above all, love for the kids.

As a volunteer I have never felt more like a part of a family then I have during my projects done with the Coalition. Every effort no matter how tiny is fully appreciated by everyone. One of the most impressive things about the Coalition is that they never set out to do anything good enough, they ALWAYS shoot for the best and in the lives of these kids that makes all the difference. As someone who is lucky enough to have a home to go to every night, the Coalition has made me a better person by helping me realize the many blessings we all have that we might take for granted. Many of these kids only wish is to have a home and for many of them the Coalition's support helps them come closer to that dream every day. They certainly all have a home in the hearts of the Coalition members and volunteers and we love to work hard to help find these kids permanent homes.

I am honored to be a volunteer and am so excited to tell other people about the Coalition. You will never meet a more committed, caring, loving, honest and service oriented group of people. I am humbled to be among them and I am truly lucky to be able to support their mission.

This is an amazing organization with a staff that is deeply committed to the children in foster care. I first became aware of the organization when I saw "A Place to Call Home" on KSDK. I was so moved by the young man being interviewed that I immediately called FACC and asked how I could help. Their response was amazing in that they didn't ask for money but they told me of the many, many ways that I could be involved in helping the children (though $$ is always welcomed!). When I met with a group of the staff members it was obvious that they love what they do and they love who they do it for, the children. As I've become more familiar with the staff and board members I can honestly say that I've never been associated with a more dedicated group and I am very proud to be a small part of it, very proud to know that I've played a small role in helping the children that do not have the security of a family.

I first volunteered with FACC to assist in their Little Wishes fundraiser where they obtain Christmas gifts for the local foster children through donations. I can't imagine what it would be like as a foster child not to get any Christmas gifts. With Little Wishes each foster child who participated would get 1-2 gifts. The big goal is to find forever families for these kids. FACC and their Extreme Recruitment team have done a wonderful job and I am very proud to known them. The more money they receive the more permanent homes can be found for the foster kids. Every kid wants a family and a home.

I have been associated with the Foster Care Coalition of Greater St. Louis for over 10 years. As a professional with over 30 years experience working in related helping professions, I feel confident in my ability to evaluate an outstanding agency when I encounter one. FACC is such an agency. Staff members are not just highly skilled but demonstrate compassion & caring when others might have given up. They are tireless in finding creative ways to reach their goal of finding a forever home for each child. (Could there be anything more creative than Extreme Recruitment?). As a volunteer & a donor I could not be more proud of FACC.

Great organization! I've helped out at TE's over the years. They are so great with the kids and give valuable resources to the parents!

Their newsletter has been an invaluable resource. It has informed me about educational happenings for me and fun activities for my kids. I have been able to take advantage of the offerings on a regular basis which has helped me to be a better mom-and hopefully a more insightful, learned, and happier adoptive mom.

I rec'd detailed assistance from the Educational Advocate, Leslie Lewis. I can now go to IEP's with the confidence of knowing what years of Leslie's experience taught me! She is still avaible with any questions or further assistance I might need. My child is diagnosed with Pervasive Development Disorder, ADHD and ODD. As anyone who has a child with special needs knows, getting the school district to do what they are legally required to do can be a challenge.
Understanding the IEP process, and working with the school district has allowed my child to have the resources he needs.

As my husband and I tried to prepare ourselves for adoption, the Coalition provided educational forums with speakers that were invaluable to us. We learned, among other things, how adopted adults felt about being adopted as children and their positive or negative feeelings attached to adoption. We also were able to discuss questions and concerns with other adoptive parents. We learned so much to help us with raising our daughter in the best way possible. Knowledge is a powerful tool to have and the Coaltion provided us with first hand knowledge. In addition, if needed, babysitting was provided making it possible for some people to attend. Everything was done professionally. We were able to hear from psychoogists too. It's a GREAT organiziation.

This Coalition does what I believe in-It serves and protects children who need our support the most. I am a donor and I have also worked with the group to distribute car seats to the foster families. I especially commend their "extreme recruitment" program.

This small non-profit agency finds forever homes for children in foster care, just as the state does, only they do it cheaper, FASTER and with more love and compassion for the children and families. Kudos to this organization and all of its hardworkng staff, board members, and volunteers.

From educational support to crisis management (shout out to dawn m.) this group is GREAT!

Incredible group of hard working people. Whether it is staying up to midnight for multiple nights making sure every child has a gift, to developing Extreme Recruitment so children can find family members, and a new home ! innovative, dedicated and extremely caring, you won't find a better group of children's advocates.

Such an amazing organization and you can tell that the employees of the Coalition really care about the kids they are helping. They are dedicated, hard working individuals with big hearts who do everything within their power to help these kids.

During their Make a Wish drive at Christmas, it is amazing to see what long hours they work with smiles on their faces and their determination to see that every childs wish is granted.

This organization is truly an inspiration and an example for all nonprofits.

An amazing organization providing critical services to area children and families. As a case manager, I have utilized the multiple services and supports available to foster/adoptive parents and clients. I have also attended professional trainings through the Foster Care Coalition which I found to be informative and progressive in the field of child welfare.

The Foster & Adoptive Care Coalition provides support to and recruitment of foster and adoptive families. The Coalition is an agency that meets families where they are and continually reinforces that family belonging is powerful. The Coalition has an amazing group of employees, volunteers and board members that truly believe in the agency's mission and go above and beyond to see that it is put in action everyday.

I have recieved help from this agency since the adoption of my child.
Without this agency assistance, (educational training, support service,
hands on knowledge, and being there to help when I had a hard time with the development of raising a drug exposed child. Being a foster parent you really don't know what you're in for. This agency helps so many peple like myself, and without this organization it would not alow people to foster nor adopt children who enter the forster care system. I would love to see the coalition receive any and all monies needed o continue services to the people who need.

I helped participate in the bike build in December 2010. The amazing feeling of seeing all of the assembled bikes that would soon be given for holiday gifts was eye-opening. I believe we built 150 bikes. In just a few short hours, we took a large pile of boxes and parts and created hope. I would do it again in a heartbeat. Thank you Foster Care Coalition of STL for making my Christmas mean something more than "having to buy presents for people."

I have attended a few of the Coalition's training events and they've all been fantastic! The all day events always are very professionally run and the fact that they offer childcare makes it even better!

Through my volunteer work and through donation, I have gotten to know the passionate workers at FACC. They are dedicated to helping the children of St. Louis and work tirelessly on their behalf. They seek the best, most effective ways to place kids in positive environments. This organization deserves as much support as St. Louis can give them.

I am thankful for The Foster Care Coalition they helped my provide a wonderful Christmas gifts for my amazing teen foster daughters two 16 yr old they are not easy to shop for and the Little Wishes program brought some much excitment and happiness Thank you . I would like to take some of their training courses I have heard how great they are. I like the news letter too.

An amazing organization providing a critical service to area children and families. Little Wishes, A Place to Call Home, Extreme Recruitment...just some of the many ways FACC touches the lives of those they serve.

As a former CASA volunteer, I learned first hand what a helpful and caring organization FACC is. They are a great resource for volunteers as well as foster parents. In my opinion, their mission has been accomplished.

What a wonderful organization. Children are served everday that otherwise would have been left out of the joys of life. They truly touch my heart

I have worked with the FACC for many years through their support groups. I have always been very proud to be affiliated with such an awesome organization. These dynamic group of people genuinely care about children and families who are going through the foster care and adoption process.

The FACC provides quality trainings, resources and support. The successful work that is being done through Extreme Recruitment is connecting children with their birth families and identifying possible placements.

This organization is professional and strives for excellence in the quality of services they provide.

i shop and volunteer and donate to the Foster Care Store. The store is great and it helps to have the reasonably priced items that chidren need.

Top Ten Reasons I Love Foster and Adoptive Care Coalition:
1) They define the term: "out-innovate!"
2) They live their mission. To the core, they embody hope and passion for kids in foster care.
3) They have cool Christmas ornaments
4) They are serious about their work and outcomes, but still laugh a lot.
5) They can turn any nook or cranny into a workstation
6) They never give up
7) They don't believe you are ever too old to find a forever family
8) They are fearless
9) They follow through
10) Their new second-hand, teen clothing boutique is going to restore peace and harmony in my household of daughters

I am a Coalition volunteer and I have had the pleasure of working with the Coalition employees, other volunteers and the foster and adopted kids in the area. The Coalition does so much to support the kids, the foster parents, the adoptive parents. To name a few things: (i) the education and training opportunities for both the parents and kids including the job fair which I participated in and believe was a huge success; (ii) parent's days out events where I get to spend time with the kids - it's so great to see them smiling and having fun; (iii) extensive efforts and time spent finding forever homes for the kids - I can never say enough about the job Extreme Recruitment is doing; and so much more. It's really been a rewarding experience for me to be a part of such a great group of people doing great things.

Each member of this organization is dedicated to improving the lives of the children in the system. Employees approach it with enthusiasm and energy that is admirable in an field where apathy prevails. They inspire me to volunteer because I know it is making a difference.

I am a foster parent and our family and the children in our home have been greatly blessed by this organization! We have received training from this organization that is FREE to us and helps us in better understanding the children we take into our home. Our children have received Christmas gifts from the Little Wishes Program that has really helped us in giving these children a Christmas they deserve. This organization is a GREAT benefit to us foster parents! Thanks for all you do!

FACC offers great support for foster families in St. Louis. They put on tons of enrichment activities as well as educational ones. And they have a great email newsletter - lots more practical information than most charitable groups.

The educational support program at Foster Care Coalition made a huge difference in the life of my special needs foster/adoptive child. Their educational consultant spent many hours on our case. She counseled me on the phone and attended 4 IEP meetings with us. It made it possible for my son to get the supports he needed to be successful at a "normal school."

The Coalition helped make our process of becoming and staying foster parents much easier. They are always informative and helpful. Their programs for foster children make a huge impact on their lives and transition periods. This organization knows what making a difference is all about.

This is an INCREDIBLE organization. I am a foster parent in Warren County 1 hour away, and they allow me to participate in all of their programs and benefits. They put on amazing trainings that are FREE to me and also include babysitting. And the babysitting is not just "babysitting", they do crafts, read books, etc. with the kids. They also provide lunch, snacks, etc. for the kids and grown ups! These trainings are very professioinally run, and I always get alot of great information to use.

Their Little Wishes program runs all year long, as well as a special one at Christmas. I have entered more foster children than I can count in this program and they have received wonderful gifts they many never have gotten. This organization also supported one of our teens on a trip to Washington DC to spend a week at a law firm, in the Supreme Court, participated in a mock CSI investigation, and general site seeing.

The Foster Care Coalition has a email newsletter with all kinds of great information about the community events, training, ideas, and most importantly, stories about children looking for forever homes!

This organization is a true blessing from God!

My husband and I have only wonderful things to say about the Foster Care Coalition of St. Louis. We adopted 4 sibling boys back in 2006. All had learning and behavioral disabilities. Because we were new parents and not familiar with how things worked with Foster/Adoptive children in the school system, we utilized Leslie Lewis who attended our kid's school meetings so that she could 1. Help the school understand our kids needs, 2. Help us ask the right questions and 3. work out what was in the best interest of our children.

We also love the services they offer as far as training. We attend their Training Extravaganzas in order keep up with our foster licensing. We utilize their Parents Day Out events and more.

Every person we have contacted from the Coalition have been helpful and have a genuine interest in our family and children.

Without the help of the Foster Care Coalition of St. Louis, my husband and I would not be getting ready to adopting our 2 beautiful little boys today. I first contacted them in 2005. They have always been there to help and more impressively remembered me throughout my time as a foster parent.