Our Hope Chest
The Hope Chest exists to ease the trauma and transition of placement, restoring hope through an
open door so that foster, adoptive, and kinship children and the families that love them can get what
they need. When children enter new homes, the most important thing caregivers can do is spend time
bonding and connecting as a family. Our Hope Chest program is designed to help families do just that.
About The Hope Chest
When children enter foster care, it often happens suddenly with little to no notice. Many kids arrive to their foster homes with only the clothes on their backs, without basic necessities or favorite comfort items, leaving children feeling scared and alone. Dwell brings a sense of safety and stability through care packages to make these transitions into care, easier and more compassionate for children and the families caring for them.
When a child enters care, the Hope Chest provides each child with 2 weeks of clothing, shoes, socks, underwear, hygiene essentials, and comfort items packed in a new duffel bag in their favorite color. Each child also receives a basket of toys, books, games, legos, arts and crafts, and much more, all carefully selected with the child in mind to help create connection and build secure attachment, delivered to the family's home within 24 hours.
Examples of items included in our care packages:
- Clothing, outerwear, undergarments and shoes for children of all ages
- Blankets, nightlight, and bedding
- Games, toys, arts & craft supplies, and books
- Hygiene kits and personal care products
- Self-care items for caregivers
- Dinner for the entire family
Ongoing Hope Chest Support for Families
In need of essentials from the Hope Chest?
Dwell's Hope Chest also offers ongoing tangible support for foster and kinship caregivers. At several points throughout the year, the Hope Chest is open for families to visit and shop for essentials for their child in care at no cost to them. Available essentials include clothing, holiday gifts, school supplies, and more. Ongoing Hope Chest services are available at both Dwell locations. Please visit our events calendar for upcoming Hope Chest events. Families are welcome to attend events at any location. Please click the buttons below to register.
