14 Organizations Supporting Foster Parents in Dayton, Ohio

Nov 12, 2024

Being a foster parent is an incredibly rewarding experience that also comes with unique challenges.

Whether it's the busy task of juggling schedules, helping with homework, or any other factors, these are hurdles that you can overcome - especially with a little help!

Amy Kelley, family evaluation specialist, highlights the help that Mentor Foster Care provides to foster parents:

"We have 24 hour services. So if there's ever a crisis or an emergency, and you need to get in touch with somebody right then and there you will always have access to somebody that's going to be able to support you."

Watch this video from Amy and get her thoughts on what it takes to become a foster parent!

Mentor Foster Care is just one example of an organization supporting foster parents. As a therapeutic foster care provider, we have offices across the state in:

• Akron
• Dayton
• Canfield
• Canton
• Columbus
• Elyria
• Independence
• Warren
• Willoughby Hills

For foster parents in Dayton, Ohio, there are many organizations and services that offer essential support to help you provide a stable and nurturing environment for the children in your care.

From legal assistance to financial support and community resources, these programs are designed to ensure that both foster parents and children in care thrive.

Basic Needs for Foster Families

Caring for children in care comes with financial responsibilities.

Fortunately, there are organizations in Dayton that provide financial assistance and resources to help foster families meet their everyday needs, from utilities to household goods.

Seeds of Hope Ohio

Seeds of Hope Ohio is a nonprofit organization that provides critical resources to foster, kinship, and adoptive families in the Miami Valley.

They offer material goods such as clothing, shoes, baby items, and essential furniture like beds and cribs. With their monthly shop days, foster parents can come in and select items free of charge, ensuring that children in care have access to necessary items without added financial strain on the family.

Seeds of Hope hosts support events that help foster families connect with one another, creating a sense of community and shared understanding. The organization also provides educational programs for foster parents, aimed at helping them navigate the complexities of the foster care system.

Seeds of Hope is a vital resource for foster families looking to ensure their children in care have everything they need to thrive.

For Love of Children (FLOC)

For Love of Children (FLOC) is a Dayton-based organization dedicated to meeting the needs of vulnerable children, including those in foster care.

FLOC's flagship program, Christmas for Kids, ensures that children in care receive gifts during the holiday season, filling an important emotional gap. Beyond holiday support, FLOC offers its Tools for School program, which provides backpacks and school supplies to children in need.

Their programs are designed to give children in care the same opportunities and experiences as their peers and ensure that foster families feel supported year-round.

St. Vincent de Paul Dayton

St. Vincent de Paul Dayton is a well-established organization that provides essential emergency services to families in need, including foster families.

For foster families, St. Vincent de Paul also offers food pantries and clothing. This ensures that children in care have access to the basic necessities required for a comfortable living environment.

Additionally, their family support programs offer case management services to help foster parents navigate the various challenges they may face.

The Salvation Army of Dayton

The Salvation Army of Dayton provides a broad range of support services for families in need, including foster families.

The Salvation Army provides vouchers for clothing and household goods. This allows foster parents to obtain the essentials for their children in care. The organization's goal is to help families build stability and resilience, ensuring that children in care have a safe and supportive home environment.

Childcare and After-School Programs for Foster Families

Foster parents often need reliable childcare and after-school programs that provide a safe and nurturing environment for children in care.

These programs not only offer educational support but also help children in care develop social skills, build confidence, and engage in enriching activities.

YMCA of Greater Dayton

The YMCA of Greater Dayton is committed to fostering the physical, social, and emotional development of children.

Through after-school programs, summer camps, and youth sports, children in care can participate in activities that help them stay active, build friendships, and explore their interests.

Foster parents can take advantage of discounted memberships, giving their children access to enriching programs that promote personal growth and well-being.

Whether it's swimming, team sports, or educational workshops, the YMCA offers a safe and supportive environment where children in care can thrive.

Boys & Girls Club of Dayton

The Boys & Girls Club of Dayton provides a structured and nurturing environment for children in care to grow, both academically and personally.

Through a combination of academic support, mentoring, and recreational activities, the Boys & Girls Club helps children and teens develop important life skills.

Children in care can receive homework help, participate in fun activities, and connect with caring mentors who guide them through challenges and celebrate their successes.

This program is designed to boost confidence, build character, and generate a sense of belonging - all while helping children in care thrive in school and beyond!

The Dakota Center

The Dakota Center is a community-focused organization that offers after-school tutoring, homework help, and enrichment programs for children, including those in care.

Foster parents can rely on the Dakota Center to provide a safe, supportive space where children can receive academic guidance and personal growth opportunities.

The center's programs are designed to boost children's confidence and help them build a solid educational foundation.

Mentorship and Support Programs for Youth in Care

Youth in care often face unique challenges that require additional emotional, social, and developmental support.

Mentorship programs provide children in care with positive role models who can guide them through difficult life experiences while offering stability, encouragement, and skill-building opportunities.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Miami Valley

Big Brothers Big Sisters Miami Valley offers personalized mentorship programs that match youth with positive adult role models.

In the community-based program, mentors ("Bigs") and youth ("Littles") engage in one-on-one activities, such as attending sports events, going to museums, or simply spending time together.

These activities help children build confidence, learn new skills, and form positive relationships. The organization also runs a Bigs with Badges program, which pairs youth with police officers. This promotes trust and meaningful connections between young people and law enforcement.

The Victory Project

The Victory Project offers a structured mentorship program for young men, including those in care, who need extra guidance.

The project focuses on three pillars: education, entrepreneurship, and enlightenment. Youth in the program receive weekly tutoring, participate in job-readiness training, and are mentored by positive role models who help them develop skills for the future.

By fostering a sense of discipline and self-worth, the Victory Project encourages kids to overcome challenges and pursue their full potential.

Daybreak Dayton

Daybreak Dayton provides comprehensive support for homeless and at-risk youth, including mentorship opportunities. The organization offers life skills training, job placement assistance, and mental health services for youth aged 18 to 24.

By providing consistent support and guidance, Daybreak helps youth in care transition into adulthood, equipping them with the skills they need to succeed independently.

Legal and Educational Resources for Foster Families

Navigating the legal aspects of fostering can be challenging for many families, and educational support is equally important for the well-being of children in care.

These Dayton-area organizations offer legal services, educational resources, and family programs to ensure that foster parents are well-equipped to handle their responsibilities.

Dayton Metro Library

The Dayton Metro Library offers a wide range of educational resources for foster families, including story time, homework help, and educational workshops. Foster parents can access parenting resources and materials to support the development of the children in their care.

The library serves as a welcoming community space where children in care can explore, learn, and grow.

Legal Aid of Western Ohio

Legal matters can be a challenge for foster families, especially when dealing with custody arrangements or guardianship.

Legal Aid of Western Ohio offers free or low-cost legal services to help foster parents navigate these complexities. From custody disputes to understanding foster care laws, this organization ensures that foster families have access to legal guidance needed to protect the well-being of children in their care.

Health and Mental Health Services for Foster Families

Children in foster care may need specialized health services to address both physical and emotional challenges.

These organizations in Dayton provide health care and mental health services that foster parents can rely on to meet the needs of their children.

Dayton Children's Hospital - Foster and Kinship Care Program

Dayton Children's Hospital provides comprehensive medical care specifically tailored to the needs of children in foster and kinship care.

The hospital's program acts as a "medical home" for children in care, offering access to pediatric specialists, mental health services, and other essential care.

The Mental Health Resource Connection at Dayton Children's is particularly valuable. They connect foster families with community-based mental health resources tailored to children's emotional and psychological needs, including therapy and psychiatric care.

CareSource Dayton

CareSource is a Medicaid-managed care provider in Ohio. They offer comprehensive health care coverage, including pediatric and mental health services.

While CareSource does not specifically cater to children in care, they do provide Medicaid plans that cover the health care needs of children in foster care through Medicaid. This includes access to pediatricians, dental care, and mental health services, which are often essential for children in care.

Get Fast Answers to All Your Foster Parenting Questions

When deciding to become a foster parent, no question is too big or too small.

Get answers specific to you and your life circumstances: Talk to a foster care expert for personalized insights, next steps, and what you can expect when starting the foster parenting process.

They can also point you toward more support options in your area!

You don't need to be a superhero - just someone willing to provide the love and care a child needs.

Foster Care