Belmont Village Teams Up with Raising Hope for Foster Kids

Belmont Village Senior Living is inviting the public to donate new socks, wrapped underwear packages, new pajamas and gift cards appropriate for foster babies through youth aged 18-years from now until June 1. Anyone wishing to help can come by the community, 3680 North Moorpark Road in Thousand Oaks, between the hours of 8 am to 8 pm and place their items into one of two bassinets located in the front lobby. All donations will go directly to foster children in Ventura County and Conejo Valley via a local non-profit called Raising Hope for Foster Children.

The idea of the fundraiser was inspired by an approaching “due date” for Belmont Village executive director Bradlee Foeschner’s new baby. Some of the staff wanted to participate in a charitable project where they could help other babies. “Being an organization that provides support for seniors we recognize the importance to help those who need assistance,” said Foeschner. “It seems natural for us to offer assistance across generations and we are honored to work with such a deserving partner in Raising Hope.”

Raising Hope’s mission is to offer funding, awareness and advocacy for foster children of all ages. According to Founder and Executive Director Tamalini “Tami” Barnett “The field is full of sadness and unhappy stories that I felt compelled to make a difference. At the end of the day, we know that we are doing something; even in a small way, every little bit helps.” Barnett became aware of the plight of foster youth through her advocacy work as an attorney.

The charity was founded in 2013 after a fundraiser called ‘Hope for Kids Festival and Run’ where they raised money and awareness about the plight of foster kids who are not able to afford necessary items which are not provided in other ways. “Transitioning eighteen-year-olds need help with their first apartment, with college costs and dental work that is not provided by State funding,” said Barnett. “At the other end of the age range, we see relative families who become instant caregivers for babies who may not have anything but the clothes that they are wearing.”

Belmont Village’s partnership with Raising Hope for Foster Kids is a way for the community to give back. “Each foster kid is extremely grateful for the help. And, it is especially meaningful for them to know that there are people in the world who give of their hearts; not just out of obligation,” said Barnett. For more information about the fundraising program, please call 805-496-9301 or visit www.belmontvillage.com/ThousandOaks.

Photo caption: (l-r) Belmont Village community relations associate Angel Carrillo, Raising Hope Founder and Executive Director Tamalini “Tami” Barnett, Belmont Village Executive Director Bradlee Foeschner and community relations associate Christina Ruiz hope that the public will be generous in their support of foster youth by donating new pajamas, underwear and socks for foster kids from babies to 18-years at Belmont Village Senior Living Thousand Oaks from now until June 1.