Why Stay Home?

By Ann Abram                                                                                                                                     

Foster Care Worker At Large

Why stay home when you can share your expertise with others and perhaps pick up a pointer or two.  Whether you foster in Berlin or Keene or anywhere in between, there are support groups, trainings, association meetings or activities designed especially for you. 

Some highlights this year include Portsmouth’s bowl-a-thon that may become an event next year in other parts of the state.  This was a great fund raising event enjoyed by all.  Claremont is now a non-profit association and has developed a web page.  This group has grown tremendously over the past couple of years.   Littleton is trying to develop a group and a large group of providers present at a recent training session.  Casey NH has started cluster groups throughout the state to supplement their regular Concord meetings.  Concord had a scrap-booking event and is anxious to increase the number of people who attend.  Nashua has potluck suppers with regular training events.  Conway has a consistent group of people who meet.  Rochester is developing an association.  Manchester, Nashua, and Keene are well-established associations.  Laconia sometimes holds events with Concord. 

So, check out the list in this newsletter and attend any group that is convenient for you.  Do you feel like there is not enough of you from your agency to meet, then meet with the local district office.  They want you to come to their meeting and want you to know that you are welcomed.  It is a great opportunity to acquire training hours for some of these events.  Share your knowledge with others so we can have the best-informed foster parents in the country.