What makes Rachel Lawson with Smile Foster Closet a good neighbor?

Can the power of ongoing support transform the lives of foster and kinship families? This week's episode of the Good Neighbor Podcast dives into this question with Rachel Lawson, the inspiring Executive Director of Smile Foster Closet. In this insightful episode, Rachel discusses her organization's unique approach to assisting foster, kinship, and at-risk families, and how preventative measures can make a significant difference.

Rachel's journey into the world of foster care is nothing short of remarkable. She shares her personal experiences and demystifies common misconceptions about foster parenting. One major myth she addresses is the belief that foster parents are in it for the money. Rachel explains that the state allotments, known as board payments, are minimal and often insufficient to cover the rising costs of caring for children. This financial challenge is even more pronounced for kinship families, such as grandparents raising their grandchildren, who receive even less support.

Rachel also provides a glimpse into her personal life, sharing her love for family time and the joys of her new puppy. The pandemic has had a profound impact on her career, leading her to close her beloved Kinder Music program and fully commit to her role at Smile Foster Closet. This transition, although challenging, has allowed Rachel to dedicate herself to a cause she is deeply passionate about.

One of the key topics discussed in the episode is the importance of community donations and support. Smile Foster Closet relies heavily on the generosity of the community to continue its mission. Rachel emphasizes that Smile Foster Closet is ever-evolving, continually adapting to better serve the needs of foster and kinship families. The organization's expansion to Johnson City is a testament to its growth and commitment to reaching underserved areas.

The episode also highlights Smile Foster Closet's preventative initiatives. These initiatives aim to address issues early on, providing much-needed support before problems escalate. Rachel shares insights into the significance of these measures and how they can have a lasting positive impact on the community. She also introduces one of the organization's newest programs, Care Portal, an online platform that connects child-serving professionals with churches, businesses, and individuals who want to help.

Care Portal is a groundbreaking initiative that has already made a substantial impact in Sullivan County. Since its launch, the program has served 45 children and generated over $10,000 in economic impact through donated items. This innovative platform allows for real-time responses to the needs of children, making it easier for the community to come together and provide support.

Rachel's dedication to breaking the cycle of poverty-related neglect is evident throughout the episode. She discusses the alarming statistic that 75% of incarcerated adults have spent time in foster care. By addressing the root causes of these issues and providing early support, Rachel hopes to prevent children from entering the foster care system and ultimately reduce the number of adults who end up incarcerated.

Listeners are encouraged to support Smile Foster Closet in any way they can. Whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading the word, every bit of help makes a difference. Rachel also invites listeners to visit the Smile Foster Closet website and follow the organization on social media to stay updated on their latest initiatives and how they can get involved.

In conclusion, this episode of the Good Neighbor Podcast is a heartfelt and inspiring conversation with Rachel Lawson. Her unwavering dedication to helping foster, kinship, and at-risk families is truly commendable. Through Smile Foster Closet, Rachel is making a tangible difference in the community, providing much-needed support and hope to those who need it most. Tune in to this episode to learn more about Rachel's impactful journey and how you can be a part of this incredible mission.

To learn more about Smile Foster Closet go to:

https://smilefostercloset.org/

Smile Foster Closet

(423) 480-1531