River View students help kids in foster care
River View High School Teen Leadership students recently put together care packages for kids in foster care or those who are in transition or entering into foster care. They delivered the items on March 8 to job and family services. Pictured at far left is Danny Brenneman, executive director of job and family services, and at far right is Jed McCoy assistant job and family services director. (Marianne Austin)
The River View High School Teen Leadership program is made up of junior and senior kids who do positive things in the community. Danny Brenneman executive director of job and family services said, “One of the things they have done in the past is put together care packages for kids who are currently in foster care or are in transition or entering into foster care. They put together packages which include some of the basics that kids might need in transition. Not only is it a nice gesture by the teen leadership group, but it makes a difference for the kids that are coming into custody. At least it gives them something permanent that is theirs even if they do unfortunately have to move to a different location.”
The teens along with advisor Stephanie Snyder presented Coshocton Job and Family Services with packages to give to young people in foster care or transition on March 8.
“We fill the bags with everyday essentials that they will need,” said Brady Winner. “Things like toothbrushes and toothpaste, deodorant for the older kids, hygiene products, crossword puzzles, pens, dental floss and everyday things and the younger ones get puzzles and things to keep them busy. It’s very important to help in the community and someone needs to help these kids.”
Snyder said, “We focus on leadership skills, and we do a lot of community service projects. Seeing these kids being involved in the community means a lot. They’ve already done positive community projects with JFS.”
Kathy Art child welfare admin said, “Little things like this are a big deal to kids that have no deodorant or toothbrush or anything. It is greatly appreciated. It puts a smile on the kid’s faces when we have something to give them. A lot of times they will get a backpack, a blanket or a stuffed animal to take with them. There are 62 children in foster care right now. An important thing for kids transitioning into foster care is that they like to have things that they can call their own.”
Brenneman added, “Sometimes these things happen very quickly, and they may already have these things, but they are not able to bring them along. This allows for that one thing they don’t have to worry about. It is really important what you all do. We appreciate what you do, and we are happy to be the recipients of what you do.”
Category: Education
