Milton Foster Children's Fund (MFCF)
The Milton Foster Children’s Fund (MFCF) Program provides youth in foster care with enrichment and educational opportunities, typically not available through other agencies, that help them build the self-esteem and resiliency needed to become healthy, contributing adults.
Through years of seeing the needs that local children and teens in foster care have, the program has developed into three parts: MFCF Funding, Teen Programs & Events, and The Hanger. Volunteers and donations, both monetary and in-kind are always needed. Other opportunities include gift cards for the holidays, items for graduation gift baskets, and more. Please contact Jill at mfcf@casappr.org for information on how you can get involved.
The program was named in honor of long-time CASA volunteer, Dick Milton. Read more about Dick's contributions to our community's children here.
MFCF FUNDING
MFCF funding helps youth in foster care where there are gaps in available funding. Requests fall into three categories:
- Educational – tutoring, school trips, graduation items, instruments, etc.
- Skills and Social – lessons, fees, or supplies for classes, activities, hobbies, day or overnight camps, etc.
- Health – items not covered/fully covered by insurance such as dental procedures, sensory or therapeutic items.
Youth ages 0-17 living in out-of-home placement (or 1 funded request if living with biological parent(s)) and currently placed through El Paso or Teller County with an open Dependency & Neglect case are eligible for funding. To apply, click here.
TEEN PROGRAMS
When foster youth turn 18, most age out of the foster care system and enter society as adults. To help them with this transition, MFCF provides multiple opportunities for teens to learn skills that will help them with this change. This includes:
- Back-to-School Event - Teens pick out a backpack and fill it with needed school supplies that reflect their personality.
- Resource Fair - Community agencies including colleges, careers, interests and activities, help and support, and more. Printed information is available at The Hanger and our Resource Page.
- Graduation/GED Gift Baskets - Including a gift card and items selected based on their interests and future goals.
- Holi-Ween party - Part Halloween, part Holiday, this event includes games, crafts, a delicious meal, lots of treats, and meeting new friends.
THE HANGER
Most teens in foster care are only able to take a small bag of belongings with them, if anything, when placed in a new living situation. The Hanger is a free store which gives foster teens the opportunity to shop for clothing, shoes, accessories, jewelry, toiletries, and more. Teens who qualify to shop at The Hanger are also able to work there, earning valuable job experience while earning a gift card of their choice.
Prompted to take action when one foster teen refused to go to school because she only had the clothes on her back, CASA volunteer Jane Hegstrom created the store. Now, nearly 300 teens a year shop to pick out their own clothes to fit their style, which builds self-esteem and confidence. Read about Jane here.
The Hanger operates thanks to generous donations of new and gently used items from the community. Find out more about The Hanger and learn how to donate here.