Voices for Children Foundation
It’s a sobering fact that in Yakima County, there are an average of 700 youth in foster care. Most of these young people have been removed from their homes due to neglect. Thankfully, a group of caring a
dults have formed a foundation, with the goal of being the voices for these children.
dults have formed a foundation, with the goal of being the voices for these children.Anna Martinez leads the Voices for Children Foundation, and all-volunteer501(c)(3). Each year, this group provides more than 300 “Buddy Bags” filled with toiletries, clean clothes and a handmade blanket to children who suddenly find themselves removed from their homes and on their way to a stranger’s house. The volunteers also help youth navigate the legal process, and have launched “Wishes and Needs”, a project that provides special interest items, such as track shoes for a child in foster care who wants to run track at his or her school.
Voices for Children Foundation is also the group behind IDENTITY, a clothing store teens in foster care. Designed to give teens the chance to shop for clothing that they want to wear, IDENTITY offers confidential “shopping”—there is actually no charge—to referred youth.
Many opportunities exist for helping out with Voices for Children Foundation. They operate on a show string budget, so help with spreading the word about them is always appreciated. They are often overwhelmed with donations to IDENTITY, and support with sorting, laundering and hanging of clothing is always needed.
Several Sunrise Rotary members indicated interest with this noble cause. If you would like to participate in a sorting/laundry event, please let me (Christina) know. For more information on the Foundation, visit www.voicesforchildrenyakima.org or call Anna Martinez at 206-940-4363.