The H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation presented a $10,000 Impact Grant to Coachella Valley Foster Kids (CVFK) to purchase much-needed beds, which are often the only thing standing in the way of a child being placed in a safe and caring home.
“Every child deserves a bed to sleep in,” said Lauren Budd, CVFK Treasurer. “This grant will allow us to continue addressing the significant gaps in the foster care system.”
Each year, approximately 600 local children enter the foster care system, with an average of 2,500 foster kids in the Coachella Valley at any given time. A child cannot be placed in any living arrangement without a proper sleeping setup. The needs range from biological parents who are approved for reunification to placing children with foster families.
“We were informed that CV Foster Kids was not currently able to keep up with the requirement to have adequate beds for foster children awaiting placement with approved caregivers and families,” said Catharine Reed, Vice President of Charitable Programs for the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation. “This grant will help avoid long, unnecessary delays and get children into homes and into the comfort of a bed they can call their own.”
Foster children are the most vulnerable members of a community’s population. Many are victims of human trafficking, abuse and neglect, substance abuse, gang involvement, incarceration and homelessness. These children often enter the system with nothing, not even the basic items to meet their needs.
After years of interacting with the Child Welfare System, in 2019 a small group of Indio juvenile dependency attorneys formed CVFK. The nonprofit organization operates entirely with volunteers to provide many resources to help foster kids survive. With the help of foster families and other caring members of the community, CVFK maintains a “foster closet” and provides clothing and hygiene care kits for emergency situations. CVFK also provides opportunities for foster kids to attend summer camps, receive mental health referrals and vocational and college mentoring.
“The kids in foster care have ongoing needs, therefore, it is important to spotlight CV Foster Kids so the greater community is aware of the organization that has the connections to make an impact,” said Jerry Upham, General Manager of Gulf California Broadcast Company, which owns and operates KESQ News Channel 3 and KPSP CBS Local 2.
The Berger Foundation presents Impact Grants in partnership with News Channel 3. Impact Grants are awarded on the concept that through service, funding, and awareness, we are “Making a Difference Together.” In addition to the grant, each organization also receives media coverage about its mission across News Channel 3’s various platforms including News at 4 and kesq.com. To learn more about Coachella Valley Foster Kids, call 760-372-6496 or go to www.cvfosterkids.com. For more information about Impact Grants, go to kesq.com/life/impact-grants.