The Power of Partnership

“Not everyone can foster or adopt, but everyone can do something.”

This message is at the heart of Foster the Love Louisiana and Louisiana Fosters.

There are nearly 4,000 children in foster care in Louisiana, with only half as many foster homes. Becoming a foster parent is not something that many are called to, but caring for children in foster care is a responsibility we all should carry. For those who call Louisiana home, these children are our children, and we must make sure we give them our best. Though we are not all called to foster or adopt, we each have talents and resources that we can use to “do something” for our children and families in foster care.

Alysson Bourque is a Louisiana native and author of the award-winning children’s book series The Alycat Series. Alysson realized she could use her talents as an author and the resource of her books and following to promote the work being done in our state to serve children and families in foster care. Understanding the existing health risks and the call for citizens to wear masks when possible, Alysson commissioned the production of Alycat children’s masks. She wanted to use the profits of the sale of these masks to make an impact. Wanting to find a way to “do something” for foster care, Alysson Bourque reached out to Louisiana’s First Lady Donna Edwards’ office. Mrs. Edwards’ office directed her to Foster the Love Louisiana, and a beautiful partnership was born!

On June 25th, Foster the Love Louisiana and The Alycat Series co-hosted a Facebook Live fundraising event. During the event, we talked about the challenges of foster care, the need for foster families, and opportunities for community members to get involved. Mrs. Edwards’ participation in our cause by reading The Alycat Series newest book, Alycat and the Tournament Tuesday, was indeed an honor. Alysson used her platform to bring awareness to and raise money for Foster the Love Louisiana.

You can still participate in our fundraiser at http://fosterthelovela.org/alycat. With every donation, you will receive an Alycat mask, and the more you give, the more Alycat and Foster the Love swag you will receive!

Alysson’s partnership with our organization is just one of the many ways we partner with local businesses in serving the foster community. We like to call our community partners Community Collaborators because we work together to impact a community. Just as Alysson partnered with Foster the Love, we need community members and businesses across Louisiana to partner with organizations serving the foster community. Our community organizations play a vital role in serving children in foster care and the families that care for them. Through the power of partnership between community organizations and community members, the most significant impact can be made.

If you are interested in partnering with local organizations serving the foster community, visits the Louisiana Fosters website to find an organization near you.

Looking forward to serving with you,

Heather Duhon
Executive Director
Foster the Love Louisiana