America’s foster system is in crisis, and Vermont is no different.  And the kids are the ones that pay the highest price with family and human service systems struggle.

Around the breakfast table or during the commute to soccer or piano practice, parents tell their kids, “You can be anything you want to be.”  “Work hard, and we will do our part to make your dreams come true.”  But for tens of thousands of children, the future is a dark, cold, bleak place devoid of hope.  No home, no family, no education, and no security.  Official government statistics claim that 442,995 kids have lost their permanent homes and are living in foster care in the U.S.  Actually, 690,000 children spent some time in foster care in 2018.

Our community ministry is partnering with the Vermont Department of Children & Families (DCF) to explore ways members of CVUUS can help.  For example, CVUUS will be hosting bi-monthly “Foster Family Circles” starting Sunday January 26th 1-3p.  We will provide a welcoming space in which caregivers can connect and exchange perspectives with other foster families.  DCF will also have supportive programming for foster youth (ages 6-12 yrs) participating in their own circle in our spaces.

CVUUS is committed to supporting foster kids and their families.  In December 2024, we held a “Foster Care Sunday.”  We also partner with DCF to get the school year started off right for area foster kids and their families by throwing a pizza party and backpack gifting event at the Middlebury Teen Center Pavilion.  

If you would like to serve as a ‘welcoming host’ for our Foster Family Circles, or learn more about building a “community of communities” through supporting foster families, please contact Tom.