Fall Flu Shot Clinic | Chambliss Center for Children

In these uncertain times, many of us are hyper focused on helping those negatively impacted by COVID. One way we can do that is through supporting the health of our neighbors. More than ever before, front-line workers are on our minds. These families are working so hard but unable to make a living wage and might not have health coverage for the flu shot, or transportation to access the flu shot. Our grant this month went to 120 free flu shots to those served by Chambliss Center for Children.

Not familiar with Chambliss Center for Children? They provide early childhood education and childcare for primarily low-income and single-parent families, foster care for children who have been removed from their homes because of abuse and neglect, and transitional living for teens aging out of foster care. The request for funds to do a free flu shot clinic request delivered on three things that are important to the UNFoundation. It made an immediate impact, it supported a vulnerable part of our community that had a big need, and it could be achieved with just $3,000. 120 shots x $25 = $3,000.

Travel Lego Kits for Foster Kids | 16yr old Eagle Scout

A rising Eagle Scout applied for help with his project. His plan, one pretty awesome for a 16 year old kid, was to custom build 100 Lego travel kits for foster kids in the Hamilton and Catoosa County areas.  After studying the details, he was unanimously voted an UNFoundation winner by a group of 100 budding philanthropists.  (That's us in case you were wondering, our 5th birthday party was huge.)

Lego kits can be expensive and kids in troubled situations, along with the adults who take care of them, may not be able to afford them. Our $1,000 grant will purchase lunch boxes and base plates to build on, all legos will be donated through a drive he plans to have at his school. Volunteers (Scouts, Leaders, Friends) will help with sizing the base plates, gluing them to lids and sorting Legos for each kit.  Catoosa and Hamilton County DFCS as well as Catoosa and Hamilton County Police Departments will help distribute the kits as needed. Way to come together, everyone. Go team!
 

Foster Closet

The Foster Closet, brainchild of Chattanooga Area Foster and Adoptive Care Association founders Brett and Amanda Senentz, aims to make foster life a bit easier by putting critical resources at the fingertips of parents and social workers who find themselves in immediate need. Often, when children enter the foster system, they do so suddenly and seriously underprepared. In the rush of packing after a traumatic event, essentials can be left behind, making a fresh start that much more difficult for both parents and children. It's at this point that the Foster Closet is a unique resource—beyond the basics of clothes and shoes, the closet includes toys and books that can create a sense of comfort and familiarity even in transition. 

This month's $2000 grant will help Foster Closet pay rent for the remainder of 2016, with money left over to reach out to area parents and partner organizations to ensure this resource is available to anyone who needs it. Now that's stretching a buck!

Kids Aren't Trash

When children enter the foster system, they do so suddenly. An event triggers intervention and quickly the child is removed from a home where he or she is in danger. There isn't time to prepare, nevermind to pack, and the child's belongings are collected into trash bags. A child who has just experienced significant trauma or neglect is now forced to see her favorite items as trash.

Luckily Partnership for Families, Children, and Adults presented an opportunity to intervene with their Kids Aren't Trash campaign. Our dollars went to prepare suitcase care packages stuffed with a blanket, towel, toiletries, and stuffed animal or game for 40 children entering the foster system in the coming months. These items are theirs to keep and present an opportunity for dignity rather than despair at a time when it's desperately needed.