Fridays Kids.Org

I met with the executive director, Toshiko and volunteer outreach coordinator, Amy yesterday and it was absolutely wonderful. They are amazing women and I feel blessed to have the opportunity to work along side them and help those families who cope with disabilities each and every day. Having Abigail has given me a new appreciation for those families, and especially, mothers who care for Heavenly Father's children who have severe disabilities. Abi's club foot seems pretty insignicant compared to some of the children Fridays Kids provide services for. Here's some quick information for those who haven't had a change to visit their website: www.fridayskids.org

What exactly is Fridays kids? They are a non-profit organization who provides "babysitting" for families who have disabilities that do not qualify for (or are on the waiting list) for help from the state. Once a family recieves respite (2 nights a month) from the state, they no longer recieve services from Fridays Kids. They will take children from age newborn to twenty two years of age.

If families recieve help from the state, why do we need Fridays Kids? Their are approximately 2,000 families on the waiting list to recieve services from the state. If that's not discouraging enough, the average wait is five years. (Please take into account those families who don't even try to apply for services from the state.) That's a lot of families who could use our help.

What's are their biggest needs?
1. Volunteers - Without more volunteers, we are unable to provide service for more families. Each child has to have an adult (16 years or older) to help care for them for the 3 to 3 1/2 hours of respite.
2. Financial Backing - They appreciate any donations you can offer. However, they are in desperate need of companies who are willing to commit to a(n) continual/annual donation.

Upcoming Fundraiser:
May 5th - 10th (the week before mother's day) It will be an online auction where you can purchase gift certificates for anything from Disneyland passes to restaurant certificates. As I gather more information (web site, etc.) I will be sure to post it. I just wanted to make you aware of this so you can keep it in mind when considering a mother's day gift.

Thanks again to each of you for your help and support. If you have any questions or need further information, please don't hesitate to contact me. Also, please pass this blog onto as many of your friends and family as possible. The more people that are made aware of the needs at Fridays Kids, the more success we will have!