Theresa Saum has had many kids through her home via foster care, four of whom she adopted. She knows firsthand what these kids go through during placement and wanted to make a difference in the lives of children and teens in foster care. This experience inspired her to found Foster the Love Minnesota, a sister organization to Foster the Love Pennsylvania, founded by Katie O’Neil.
Foster the Love Minnesota supports kids in foster care throughout the state. It launched earlier this year and is providing a great service for those kids who often have nothing with them at the time of placement. When a child enters foster care, his or her world has just been turned upside down. Children in foster care need not only personal items, but also a sense that someone out there cares for them.
In October ten churches from Ramsey County joined together to distribute new bags and essentials to children in foster care. The kids were able to pick up socks, underwear, pajamas, personal hygiene items, a book, a stuffed animal, and a blanket. Foster the Love Minnesota is currently accepting donations for their Holiday Bag Drive.
There were approximately 7,460 kids in foster care in Minnesota in 2016. Children spend about 13 months in care.
