During Foster Care awareness month, we would like to extend a special thank you to foster parents and foster care providers who continue to provide much needed support and stability to vulnerable children and youth during this time of uncertainty and crisis.
We would also like to spotlight our own employees who have all risen to the occasion and adapted to the ever-changing demands and operational challenges presented by COVID-19. We hope you'll join us in thanking an essential worker in human services or a foster parent this month!
The Assessment Center & COVID-19
We have been working with our partners at Prisma Health Children's Hospital to provide expanded medical appointments to meet the needs of children's sexual abuse exams and hospitalization follow-ups. We are thrilled to be able to put our spaces to work in support of our community partners and local children. We also appreciate the donations of masks from several individuals and groups which have helped make these appointments and all agency interactions safer for those involved.
While coordinating services for children entering foster care, the AC team has been incredibly flexible and has adapted to meet the unique needs of each family including some who are dealing with additional COVID-related challenges such as the loss of a job or the shift to working remotely from home. The work of child welfare doesn't stop even in a pandemic!
Smith House & COVID-19
Smith House surged to 100% capacity during the crisis, supporting the residential needs of 10 teenage girls experiencing foster care. Despite the challenges faced by social distancing, staff continue to support residents as they make strides towards both educational and independent living goals. Both residents and staff have maintained positive and upbeat attitudes but one local group, Lights on GVL, helped make their days a bit brighter when several members made direct donations for a pool for the residents! One resident shared that it gives her more encouragement to go outside and that the new pool "makes me feel free and happy."
Youth Resource Center & COVID-19
The Youth Resource Center (YRC) implemented mitigation measures to meet CDC recommendations regarding social distancing including the wearing of masks and the limitation of building occupancy, but staff was still able to provide over 300 services to youth experiencing or at risk of homelessness during the month of April.
One youth shared that the YRC is the first place she has felt safe in a very long time, noting that she feels welcome and cared for by staff.
In addition, we are also excited to share that even with the economic shutdown and additional barriers due to COVID-19, the YRC has helped 8 youth become permanently housed since March 2020! We would like to extend a BIG thank you to a new partner, Engineered Sleep Mattress Company for their donation of 6 beds for youth like these who entered housing as part of our rapid rehousing services.
How Can You Help?
You can help Pendleton Place serve vulnerable children, youth, and families in our Greenville community by making a direct donation to Pendleton Place via our website or purchasing a needed item from one of our Amazon Wish lists!
Smith House Wish List
Youth Resource Center Wish List
We appreciate your continued support!
Please contact us at
[email protected]
if you have any questions or would like to discuss your donation.
