COLLEGE STATION, TX — Brazos County nonprofit, BCS Together, has taken steps to make a difference in the lives of children entered into the foster care system.
When a child is taken into child protective services, the experience can be very difficult for that child to endure. Particularly with the onset of the pandemic, BCS Together observed a rising need among these children, to have a comforting environment to rest their heads while awaiting foster home placement.
"There weren’t enough foster homes available in the [Bryan-College Station] community, so the children were often having to stay at the CPS office overnight, anywhere from a day to two weeks," said Lauren Falcone, director of community partnerships with BCS Together.
So, the nonprofit created, 'The Haven', a modest, but comfortably furnished residence, at a discreet location in Brazos county. It's been in the works for several months and just opened up to receive guests last week.
The home comes equipped with furniture, games, books, snacks, toiletries - all the things a child might need when taken from their family homes.
“Immediately, a child who had been staying at the [Child Protective Services] office, was brought over with their caseworker, and we were told both parties were ecstatic," Falcone said.
"They felt so warm and welcomed. They felt that the community was behind them.” Falcone added.
Every child who passes through the Haven will receive treats, clothes, and toiletries provided by another BCS Together program known as, 'The Closet'. It's all made possible because donors from the local area helped BCS Together bring the project to fruition.
“So many people in the community jumped on board," Falcone commented. "We had a pair of realtors sponsor a room, we had a daycare sponsor a room. We had so many people step up.”Falcone said, adding also, that BCS Together will continue to need donations in order to refill the shelves of the haven. Additionally, volunteers are welcomed to help sort through donated items provided for the Closet.
To learn how to volunteer, or donate, people are encouraged to call at (979)-353-0008, or email at info@bcstogether.org