BACKGROUND

The National Foster Parent Association is a non-profit volunteer organization representing thousands of foster families nationwide since 1972. Their current project, “Permanent Homes for American Foster Children,” has been selected to be one of twenty-five participants in the second round of voting for The Members Project by American Express, finishing tenth of 50 competitors in the last round. American Express will donate one dollar for every participant in The Members Project, up to $5 million, to be awarded to the idea receiving the most votes from cardholders.

Children who pass through the foster care system in America without being adopted are statistically more likely to be imprisoned, go homeless, or depend on welfare. Traditional approaches have very limited success. Fifteen years ago in central Illinois, an innovative solution was created; a neighborhood was established for families willing to adopt several kids out of the foster care system. Coupled with neighborhood homes for senior citizens, who discovered a new purpose in their lives as the children’s foster “grandparents,” the program has had great success, enriching the lives of foster children and those around them. With the support of organizations such as the Grange, the program could gain both much-needed funds and notoriety through voting success in The Members Project. With the aid of the winnings from The Members Project and working with national, state, and local organizations, the National Foster Parents Association wishes to promote permanency in ten other states.

GRANGE POLICY

The National Grange has been a long-time supporter of the National Foster Parent Association. The well being of foster children and the dedicated families that accept these children into their lives is important. Children in foster care often come from situations that put them at-risk for falling into a lifestyle that may include drugs, poverty and violent crime. Foster parents are licensed professional caregivers and dedicated volunteers who open their hearts and homes to children in need. The National Grange is dedicated to restoring dignity, raising self-esteem and creating a sense of belonging for all children in foster care and their foster parents through educational efforts, through advocacy, and by upholding family values.

Action Needed

If you are an American Express cardholder, please cast your vote for “Permanent Homes for American Foster Children” at http://www.membersproject.com by July 22. In addition, please forward this Action Alert to interested friends, family, and co-workers who may also be eligible to vote. No monetary contribution is necessary. The top five projects will be announced July 24.

If you have any questions or comments regarding this Action Alert, please consult the National Foster Parents Association at http://www.NFPAinc.org, or contact Bill Steel, President of National Grange by email: bsteel@nationalgrange.org.

Thank you for your grassroots participation in the National Grange Legislative Program.