MFPA Programs

Soup Group

Mimi Katz, long time foster parent, hosts "Soup Group" on a regular basis. She provides delicious homemade soups and dessert. Children are welcome. It is held in Mimi Katz’s home in Marinwood. This is a great opportunity to obtain mentoring or make connections with other foster parents. For more information, contact Mimi Katz at 492-0207.

Tutoring Program

The Marin Charitable has funded grants for tutoring and after school enrichment for children in the dependency system. There are some available funds remaining from a grant funded in 2008, and we have received an additional $ 3,500.00 in funding for 2010. This funding is available to assist foster families with tutoring and after school enrichment costs for foster children or children in the dependency system. If you have a child who needs additional academic assistance, please apply for this funding using this application form (fillable pdf).

There is a cap of $500/family per year for this funding. If, at the end of the year, there is still funding remaining, families may re apply. This is to assist as many children and families as possible. The goal of this grant is to provide foster children with the extra educational assistance they need to be successful in school and in life. By providing funding to cover the cost of tutoring or other educational after school programs for these children, they will receive the benefit of being able to excel in school while they are a part of the foster care system.

Funding will be distributed to foster families through an application process with the only requirements being the request is for a foster child in need of tutoring or an after school enrichment program. Funding will be granted on a first come first served basis with a combined monthly maximum amount of $400.00 to be distributed amongst all approved applicants. Once your application is received, it will be submitted to the MFPA board at the monthly board meeting for approval.

Once approved, receipts or an invoice for the cost of services must be submitted within one month of application approval. If you can benefit from this financial assistance, we encourage you to apply! If you are interested in applying for this funding, contact Carol Ihlenburg at 507-1822 or by email [

We are excited to offer this assistance to foster families! Funding for Tutoring and After School Enrichment Programs.

Foster Care Supply Exchange Program

If you have or know anyone who has children's clothing, toys, or equipment to donate to the Foster Care Supply Exchange Program, please contact Carol Ihlenburg at 507-1822. She has volunteered her home to house donations and coordinate exchanges.

Partnerships:

Sleep Train’s Foster Kids Program

The Marin Foster Parent Association has partnered with Sleep Train’s Foster Kids Program. We receive donations on a regular basis obtained through this program. They have the following donation drives: PJ Drive (January – February), Shoe Drive (March – May), Clothing Drive (May – July), School Supply Drive (July – September), Coat Drive (September – October) and Toy Drive (November – December).

The Pajama Program

The MFPA also receives regular donations of pajamas and books from the Pajama Program.

K.I.D.S. (Kids In Distressed Situations)

We have recently partnered with K.I.D.S. (Kids In Distressed Situations). We receive donations from Carter's and Osh Kosh on a regular basis.

One Simple Wish

Marin Foster Parent Association is pleased to announce we are now partnered with One Simple Wish. One Simple Wish has been making small miracles happen for foster children and vulnerable families since December 2008. They offer everyone a glimpse into the life of a child in the foster care system or a family in need. Their goal is to connect people, one to one, to create rewarding, meaningful relationships between the giver and recipient.

If there is something your foster child "wishes" for that is outside of your financial abilities, consider submitting the wish, via MFPA, to One Simple Wish. Examples of wishes include but are not limited to:

• Gift Cards (grocery stores, book stores, electronics, hair care services, restaurants)
• Tickets & Day Trips (movies, plays, concerts, museums, amusement parks including transportation fees)
• Event Attendance (prom tickets, military balls, graduation ceremonies, recitals)
• Lessons (music, art, photography, computer, driving, dance, swimming)
• Small appliances & furnishings (microwaves, irons, lamps, area rugs)
• Clothing (specialty or everyday)
• Toys & Games
• Memberships (Boys & Girls Clubs, gyms, recreational facilities)
• Services (hair care, dental, vision, heating & A/C, plumbing)
• Personal Care Items (Toothpaste/toothbrushes, paper goods, feminine hygiene products, make-up)
• Baby Items (blankets, diapers, wipes, food, car seats, strollers)

Wishes should not exceed $500 and must be made on behalf of an actual child, young adult or family. You can find out more about One Simple Wish at www.onesimplewish.org .

My Stuff Bags

Often, when a child enters foster care, he or she has very little or nothing. The My Stuff Bag Foundation has provided the MFPA with a small supply of duffle bags containing a handmade blanket, a couple of toys and a hygiene bag. If you have a foster child/ren and would like to receive a My Stuff bag please contact Carol Ihlenburg at (415) 507-1822.

Local Business Discounts

The following local businesses offer discounts to foster parents:

Butterfly Tots To Tweens
51 Bolinas Road
Fairfax
Telephone: 454-2509
Butterflytots2tweens.com
20% Discount

Hippo Kisses
1026 Machin Avenue
Novato
Telephone: 878-0177
10% Discount

Marin Kids and Maternity Consignment
814 West Francisco Blvd.
San Rafael
Telephone: 456-4943
MarinKidsConsignment.com
10% Discount

Outgrown
1417 Fourth Street
San Rafael
Telephone: 457-2219
10% Discount  

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