UCA began a pilot project to help speed up critical action for children with urgent needs in one community. We did this pilot in sponsorship of a foster care agency who was stretched to even begin to meet the demand. The foster care agency partners with school counselors to confidentially identify any child in desperate need of shelter, food, clothing or personal care supplies.
In an old school anonymous process, a simple form is sent by a counselor with the child’s needs specified to the foster agency where it is verified. UCA is contacted and immediately responds by securing items identified. The items are delivered by the foster care agency back to the counselor and then the child usually within a few days. In one case, a 15 year old homeless girl temporarily living with friends had no winter clothing. If she went to school, she arrived cold and unprepared for the day and weather. Her health and education were severely at risk. In less than a week after being identified by the counselor at her school, this girl was equipped with all of the basic clothing needed from head to toe. In another case, a boy in foster care only wished for a warm sweatshirt with a particular university logo. It was of extreme emotional value and physical warmth. His host family was not able to provide the sweatshirt. The process identified the need to UCA and we fulfilled it quickly! It’s the little and big urgent needs that change lives… one life at a time.
In this pilot project, children have been provided warm winter clothes, under garments, feminine care supplies, shoes, toiletries and warm accessories. UCA has also provided bicycles to middle school and high school students who would otherwise miss school due to lacking transportation options.
As part of the C.A.R.E. Program, sponsorship pilot projects like these are building solutions that can be replicated across the communities where UCA members live. If any UCA member wishes to be a Caring Ambassador in their community to stand up and make a difference for children, animals, environment or the elderly, contact your Association and we will stand beside you to take caring action.