‘Foster Genies’ helps make wishes come true for foster care families
A local organization is helping foster families in ways that existing resources are falling short.
Based out of Cape Coral, Foster Genies was established in June with the mission of supporting and celebrating foster families throughout Southwest Florida. The not-for-profit organization was founded by Jennifer Fischer and husband Craig – a foster family themselves – and a friend, Amy Pankow.
“My experience with the local resources that are available are they are abundantly just for the foster child,” she said, adding that her mixed family of biological and foster children totals out to nine.
For example, her foster children might get in free one day to a museum or other attraction. Fischer, president of the organization, explained that the family then has to pay to cover the rest of the family.
“There just weren’t a lot of resources for us as a family,” she said.
So, Foster Genies was formed.
“We grant family wishes,” Fischer said.
The response from the foster community has been overwhelming.
“We have granted three family trips to Disney, one of them was a family of nine,” she said. “We have paid for, delivered and built two play structures for the backyards of two foster families.”
It granted a family’s wish to go to Universal.
“We have donated diapers for a month to three separate families,” Fischer said.
For the month of November, Foster Genies has secured a photographer for 20 lucky foster families. Each family will take part in a professional photo shoot and receive a Christmas family portrait.
“We’ve been very blessed,” she said of the outpouring of support.
Recently, the organization started sponsoring a “Family of the Month.” Fischer explained that the winning foster family receives a package of diapers, baby wipes, clothing, Publix gift card and such.
“Just to kind of ease their month,” she said.
Foster Genies is comprised of “Genies” and “Little Genies.”
“We call our donors and volunteers Genies,” Fischer said, adding there are about 60 adults.
“They make all these things possible,” she added.
There are nearly 40 Little Genies, ranging in age from 4 to 17.
“In our Little Genies program, we try to teach the art of giving,” Fischer said.
The Little Genies must first complete a challenge to join the program, like collecting a set amount of items to donate, such as hygiene products or pajamas. They might cook a meal for a foster family.
“Just to give them a night off from cooking,” she said.
Once part of the organization, the Little Genies volunteer at events or host donation drives.
“They also meet and talk about the things they want to do,” Fischer said.
“What we do, as adults, is try to facilitate their ideas,” she added.
In January, Foster Genies plans to open the Little Genies Boutique. It will carry clothing, diapers, hygiene items and more for foster families to rely on if they receive a new foster after working hours.
“For them to come and pick up what they need for a new placement,” Fischer said.
In Lee County, the Department of Children and Families services over 1,200 foster children.
“Florida is second in the nation only to Texas with the amount of children needing services,” she said.
“Everybody can do something,” Fischer added.
For more information on how to get involved, or if you are a foster family that would like to have a wish granted, visit online www.fostergenies.org/ or on Facebook at “Foster Genies.”
You can also contact Foster Genies at 239-240-5597.