Giving a sense of security & dignity
2INgage successfully concluded its Luggage Drive campaign, collecting 391 pieces of luggage for children in foster care, thanks to the community’s generous contributions. The initiative addresses the needs of children in Texas foster care who often lack proper means to transport their belongings during transitions.
The effort received support from individuals, local businesses, and the 2INgage Youth Leadership Council, which consists of youths in foster care who also participated by organizing luggage and writing personalized letters. The campaign’s success highlights the community’s dedication to supporting foster children with dignity and respect, making significant strides toward providing each child with their own luggage.
Eastland County Foster Forum
On March 18, 2023, 2INgage hosted the Foster Forum in Eastland County. The aim of this presentation is to inspire, inform, and engage the community that the children experiencing foster care from Eastland County are the community’s children. There were 31 people from the community in attendance. We have already seen great success from this event and have had some attendees commit to becoming a CASA, joining the Eastland Child Welfare Board, willingness to support foster families through babysitting, and several requests for additional presentations. We look forward to the synergy within Eastland County.
Care Portal Partnership
Care Portal has partnered with 2INgage to help meet needs for children and families in Brown County. Care Portal started accepting request from 2INgage staff on February 5th. When requests are submitted, they are sent out to a network of local churches in an effort to get the needs met and to connect the family with a church for support with future needs.
Chanel Sharp – Kinship Supervisor
Chanel has been announced as this year’s Child Welfare Champion award recipient for the Champion for Children Conference. “She believes that children belong in loving families, honors family as each child defines it, and fights to ensure they are not stuck in Foster Care longer than necessary.” Chanel consistently goes above and beyond what is asked of her. She invests in the growth of her workers by hosting a book club centered on the topic of leadership. She volunteers in community events like Miracle on Vine Street, the Christmas parade, and back to school events. Chanel is a forward thinker, and the anchor of the Kinship Program. Children, Families, and Child Welfare Professionals of the Big Country are blessed to have her in their corner.
Jack Sledge – VP, Permanency
Jack represented us at the TFI event Stand Up For a Cause with a powerful message on the strength of community-based care. Together, we’re on a mission to Inform, Inspire & INgage!
