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ARMY VETERAN HELPS

FOSTER CHILDREN

BY CHUCK N. BAKER

M ost cities and states • Elevated Community Presence,
as members are recognized in
have chambers of
commerce that
media, outreach, and community
promote, well,
commerce. They events.
work to bring in new business and He is planing several community
help businesses that already exist. events including Pour Into Our Foster
Today in Nevada “chambers,” or Youth: A wellness and giving initiative
at least those that call themselves and water drive; The Village Table: A
chambers, have greatly multiplied. monthly network of change makers
There seems to be a chamber for working together to open doors for
every cause. youth aging out; Promotion on its
website FosterCareChamber.com.
Because of that fact (well, I call it a
fact), I’m writing today about the “But this is bigger than perks,” Cain
newly formed Foster Care Chamber reasons. “This is about showing up
of Commerce. when it matters — before these
youths fall through the cracks. This Congress. The site offers resources
The organization is headed by Hunter is about saying ‘we didn’t wait on child welfare, including prevention
Cain, a 100-percent-rated disabled for backup when the mission was of child abuse and neglect, foster
combat veteran who says is a foster urgent.’” care, and adoption. It also provides
parent to 41 youth. He says his information on relevant laws,
chamber is the first of its kind in the Cain reports that than 20,000 policies, statistics, and family issues,
nation, and is focused on supporting youth age out of care each year, supported by funding from Congress
youth aging out of foster care. which amounts to 55 every day. His and the states. The Gateway serves
chamber aims to help all such youths professionals and the public,
In an email blast, he listed a number in Nevada. disseminating information about
of topics that he said will benefit federal policies and programs like
those who join the chamber. Here are For the record, every May is Foster the Child Abuse Prevention and
a few of them: Care Awareness Month that works to Treatment Act.
educate the public about the realties
• Community Trust = Brand of foster care and the ongoing needs Checking online, there is a myriad
Growth: Our members are for safe, loving homes for children of organizations that promote foster
recognized as youth-friendly, and youth in care. During that month care, but I could not locate any that
mission-driven partners. That more awareness is given to recognize focus on helping foster children who
reputation builds loyalty and foster parents, family members, child age out, such as Cain’s organization is
strengthens your brand. welfare professionals, mentors and attempting to do. The Army veteran
other community members who play is asking individuals and companies
• Exclusive Access to Foster- a vital role in supporting children and to join his organization: https://
Focused Data, Trends and youth in foster care. It is sponsored fostercarechamber.com/become-a-
Reports. by The Child Welfare Information member. He explains, “It’s August
Gateway, the website of the United 1st. A new month. A fresh start. I’m
• Direct Connection to Foster States Children’s Bureau, providing watching to see who answers the
Parents & Aging-Out Youth. information services mandated by call.”