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A Story from the Heart
Stacie Mezmar is a long time volunteer of Our Children's Homestead. Stacie is living proof of our mission of One Child One Dream. Stacie became drawn into one of our children and dedicated her time to her. This child had been placed in seven previous foster homes, prior to coming to OCH, and had endured severe physical and sexual abuse all at the tender age of four. This little girl, due to her abuse, had formed a blood clot in her head that ruptured last year while at her current foster home. The little girl was at the hospital for many weeks fighting for her life while undergoing numerous surgeries on her brain. When Stacie learned of this story she immediately took action and wanted to make it her personal mission to help this little girl. Without even knowing the foster family Stacie introduced herself for the first time by bringing over meals and toys for the other children in the home. Once the little girl was out of the hospital Stacie wanted to meet her, instantaneously a bond was formed. She went through the necessary state background checks so that she could spend quality time with this little girl hoping that the time spend would help rehabilitate her. It has now been over a year since her incident and Stacie takes pride in the fact that she played a vital role in her recovery by offering support to the foster family, caring for the little girl and showing her compassion through small acts. Stacie’s own children have gotten involved as well and have learned a good lesson about helping those who are less fortunate. Stacie says, “If you have the time to give it’s so easy, these children need our help.” By volunteering Stacie not only has helped this little girl but many other children. She offers her resources, love and commitment so that these children can continue on in the world with a little more hope.
In What Ways can I Volunteer or get involved at Our Children's Homestead?
Personal Resources and In-Kind gifts - Many people have access to things such as tickets to sporting events, pool passes, gently used clothes and toys, furniture, etc. Our children could use all of these things. We accept donations such as these so that we can accentuate the lives of our children. We also utilize skill sets people may have where they can offer help in the office, at the homes in Crest Hill and many other areas.
First Response Team - Become a member of a team that truly helps children. The first response team is composed of people who are willing to, during a crisis situation, provide items that are requested. If a child is placed in the middle of the night or we get a new child from a residential facility sometimes these children have immediate needs. Some of these things may be diapers, clothing certificates, toiletries, school supplies, etc. In situations like this the first response team is contacted of these needs and uses their resources to attain them.
Financial - The funds we receive from our state contracts cover only 91% of the financial support we need. In order to meet our expenses, we must rely on private donations. Due to further growth of our programs and an increase in children requiring care, we need to further bridge the gap financially so that we meet the needs of all our children. Individual and corporate gifts fill many important day to day needs our children require. As little as a $20 check will get a child a new pair of shoes for winter. We also have fundraising campaigns throughout the year, like our Summer Wish Program, where we ask for donations to fulfill the wishes of children. Every little bit help in the lives of these children.
Mentor Program - Many children in foster care could benefit from a one-on-one mentor. OCH has a volunteer mentor program that provides children with this service. A volunteer mentor can provide a child with positive social interaction, role modeling, recreation activities and support in a non-intrusive, less structured manner than therapy. All these things help our children attain skills they may be lacking elsewhere. Mentors only need to have the willingness to commit to spending 3-4 hours per week with a child and need no formal education or experience in foster care.
Birthday Sponsor - We try and find donors to sponsor each of our children for their Birthdays. We ask that the donor buy the child a gift certificate for somewhere age/gender appropriate and fill a bag with other birthday items like cake mix, frosting, candy, magazines, toys, etc. Anything that would help make a child’s birthday special. This lets each child have a birthday experience that they may not have experienced before.