Read on to find out about these wonderful programs that embody a saying from Margaret Mead that states, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."

Packs of Hope
Like most great ideas, the Packs of Hopes project was the brainchild of people wanting to make a difference. Foothills Church is a big supporter of kids on the waiting list to be adopted, and first got involved with Children, Youth, and Families by sponsoring the powerful "Portraits of Hope" portrait program which is a traveling photo gallery of the wonderful kids who are in need of adoptive parents. This traveling photo gallery makes its way around the Metro area in order to highlight the needs of these deserving kids. In connection with this project, the church also started a prayer blanket program by making and selling prayer blankets on behalf of kids waiting to be adopted.

The money from the prayer blankets sparked another idea - Packs of Hope. The backpacks are for kids who are involved in child protection cases. In some instances, kids are taken from their homes in the dark of night, without the chance to grab even a toothbrush or beloved toy. The backpacks are filled with essentials like pajamas, underwear and socks, and toiletries as well as comfort items such as books, stuffed animals, or games. These backpacks ease the transition for the child as he or she awaits the result of a child protection case. Korina shared the story of a child who was able to pick out her backpack. Korina said the young girl's whole demeanor shifted from sad and tense to smiling and happy as she chose a backpack for herself.

Kidz Night Out
Another faith-based group in Jefferson County is involved with making life a little easier for foster families, adoptive parents, and kinship caregivers with a simple idea - a kids' night out. The Jefferson County Children, Youth and Families division is fortunate to have 110 foster families who care for children in need of a safe, stable home, and these families need support too.

Jefferson County has a great partner in Light and Life Community Church and together these two organizations put together a kids' night out that serves two purposes: 1) provides a night of rest and relaxation to foster parents who might otherwise be unable to go out for a quiet dinner or catch the latest movie; and 2) allows kids in foster care the chance to hang out with kids who are in the same situation as well as just have fun with activities, games, and free food.

The event is held at the church and is staffed by church volunteers and Jefferson County volunteers. The program is so successful and so appreciated by the foster parents that it has been expanded to include a second location, Foothills Community Church in Arvada. With more venues, it will be easier to serve more families in different parts of the county.

The most recent event was held on May 9, 2008 at the Light and Life Community Church and served 27 kids. The event was a great success. Foster parents appreciate the chance to get a break and the kids enjoy the chance to have fun and connect with other kids who share the same feelings and challenges. At a recent event, an adoptive parent commented that, "It is so encouraging to us as adoptive parents to know that there are people out there supporting us with events like this."

Day of Service
A deck in desperate need of a new coat of stain. A backyard full of weeds. Bushes in dire need of trimming. These are just some of the many projects tackled during the "Day of Service" sponsored by Waterstone Community Church. The congregation has a very hands-on approach to worship and chooses to do community service in lieu of worshiping in the traditional fashion.

The Jefferson County Children, Youth, and Families division has many foster and adoptive families who just do not have the time or resources to take on some of the basic household projects many of us take for granted. The volunteers from Waterstone Community Church step in to fill that void and tackle these projects with joy in their hearts. This event takes place several times throughout the year and is part of the church's overall mission to serve its community in a very hands-on manner.

Hiking Club
In the summer of 2007, Korina Keating, volunteer coordinator for Children, Youth and Families, was approached by a young male volunteer who wanted to get involved. He had signed up for a one-time childcare gig at a foster care event, but felt he wanted to do more. As Korina chatted with this young man, the fact that he liked to hike came up and an idea was born - a hiking club for kids in the Child Welfare system.

The young volunteer recruited another college pal and the two of them took a small group of kids hiking every other weekend throughout the summer. This club offered a great opportunity for the kids to get out in the great Colorado outdoors, something many of them had never done. In addition, these college students served as great role models for boys who may have seen too few of those in their young lives. Finally, the all day hikes provided a break for parents and placement providers who rarely get a full Saturday free.

The program will continue in 2008 with the hope that some girls can get involved. The Hiking Club is a great example of how volunteering can be a way to use a hobby or passion to help others while doing something you love to do and would be doing anyway.

For more information on volunteering in Jefferson County, please contact Korina Keating at kkeating@jeffco.us or at 303.271.4103