A Caring Response and A Caring Place

“Children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see.” Neil Postman

Three and a half years ago Junior League of Eugene began focusing efforts on children in Lane County living in the foster care system. The program began by providing much needed resources and enriching activities for these children and their foster families (see: enrichment page). It was in the winter of 2003 that Florence Blas, Foster Parent Trainer and Recruiter, spoke at JLE’s general meeting. Florence explained how the state funding for childcare was being cut which left many foster families in a financial bind. Because of the commitment to children living in Foster Care, Junior League began researching a way to meet the needs of these families by providing quality respite care at no cost. A Caring Place opened its doors in January 2004 for six hours a week with the help of JLE’s collaborative partners: The First Congregational Church where the site is located, The Relief Nursery who provides the Teaching Staff and Volunteer Training, and The Department of Human Services Child Welfare Program. Although the doors were open, the site had to be state certified. The tedious certification process took longer than anticipated and only allowed a reduced number of children into the program. On May 13, 2004, A Caring Place became a state certified childcare center for children.

Project Mission

A Caring Place is the only childcare center devoted to children and families in the foster
care system. There are over 1000 children in foster care in Lane County - a record high
for our geographical area - 390 of those children are between the ages of 0-5. Junior
League’s desire is to reach out to these families in need of relief. Our mission is to provide a safe place where children feel worthy of positive treatment and give them a place just for them. A Caring Place is staffed by professional teachers and trained community volunteers who know what to do when difficult situations arise. This project is not only about providing the time in childcare but impacting the lives of the children. Every child deserves to feel safe, cared for, and to be loved. We believe in consistency and providing a level of stability in a foster child’s ever changing world.