“The value and interest of life is not so much to do conspicuous things. . .as to do ordinary things with the perception of their enormous value.” Teilhard de Chardin
Haven Clothing Company, a non-profit ministry out of Arvada, Colorado, is helping others across the Denver metro area see just how valuable doing “ordinary things” can be to foster families.
Haven mobilizes the church and individuals in the greater community to surround and support foster and adoptive families. Haven provides no cost, new clothing, shoes, bedding, backpacks and other essentials for children placed in emergency foster care.
Haven is a shining example of a “Foster Friendly Business.” America’s Kids Belong has pioneered an innovative, one of a kind app called “Foster Friendly,” which connects local businesses offering special services and discounts to kinship and foster families. It’s a way Haven and other great businesses across the country are saying, “We see you, appreciate you, and you’re not alone.” Learn more about the Foster Friendly App.
True to its name, Haven is also a beautiful “come as you are” place of refuge–providing hospitality through a cafe and a space for foster and adoptive moms to bring their kids and be whoever they are, knowing that regularly being interrupted from energetic kids is the norm. “Just that connecting as moms goes such a long way,” says owner of Haven, Jessica Aldred.
“It’s not just that we provide clothes and kind of lighten that load financially a little bit, it’s that they feel like they’re not alone and that really goes far with these people who are really giving everything to these kids . . .”
Jessica Aldred
Haven’s team also delivers hot meals to foster families burdened by hectic schedules with things like doctor’s appointments and court visits. A dropped off meal is an incredibly practical way to serve foster families and help them feel seen and supported.
Jessica also strategically employs at Haven what she sees as an underutilized volunteer demographic in our culture – women over 50. That demographic has so much to offer, whether it’s tutoring, or giving advice to young moms, or to offering support to foster families in a myriad of other ways.
“I have the best job in the world,” says Aldred, “because I get to see people’s generosity every single day. When there’s an opportunity to help children at risk in your own neighborhood, people want to be involved. I get to see that all the time.”
Inspiring others and being inspired back. This is the power of supporting foster families TOGETHER. Find out more on how your “ordinary things” could bring enormous value to foster and adoptive families in your community.
