
The transition out of an abusive situation is often sudden and unexpected. Rarely is a child able to return home and retrieve belongings prior to their move. Often, children enter foster care or a new living situation with only the clothing they are wearing. Things of My Very Own, Inc. recognizes the need for children to have everything they need from the first moment on. If a child does not have adequate clothing or personal items, the organization will provide a package to sustain the child for at least 48 hours. Emergency food assistance is also available as a part of transitional aide on a limited basis. Various Social Service Agencies and social welfare organizations have chosen to have an on-site transitional aide room to accommodate the number of children needing assistance in their area. The goal of this type of assistance is to provide children with 'things of their very own', even when they are in an unfamiliar setting. Packages provide personal items often forgotten about, thereby lessening foster parent ‘runaround’ and allowing for a more relaxed initial introduction. While a large percentage of our clients are children entering foster care we have provided this service to a number of families including fire victims, those experiencing a medical emergency, and families leaving a domestic violence situation. Transitional Assistance is available on a referral basis within four hours of contact. Packages are age specific, but may include: undergarments/ diapers socks pants/shorts shirts pajamas toothbrush toothpaste coat/jacket gloves, hat, and scarf toy books notebook art kit hygiene products (deodorant, etc) shampoo conditioner lotion infant formula and/or emergency food (based on need and referral) * etc. |


*Transitional Aide packages may also include items to stimulate development and aide creative expression. Developmental encouragement items may include... Items that aide expression especially for children with developmental delays. Items that stimulate tactile, olfactory, and auditory senses. |