By Lauri McKnight, Executive Director, Families Thrive

Families Thrive, formerly known as Children Awaiting Parents, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming the lives of children in therapeutic foster care (TFC) by helping them find permanent, loving homes. A specialized form of foster care, TFC provides intensive support and treatment for children and adolescents who have experienced significant trauma, emotional disturbances, or behavioral issues, often due to abuse, maltreatment, addiction, loss, or other diagnoses.

Understandably, children who have faced these traumas need a greater degree of compassionate and specialized support to help them heal and thrive. Such support includes collaboration with a multidisciplinary team that may consist of social workers, therapists, and medical professionals who work together to create and implement an individualized treatment plan for each child.

Children in TFC may receive interventions such as individual or group therapy, family therapy, and skills training, both at home and in community settings. An essential component of TFC is the importance of cultivating a nurturing, stable family structure for children and families that builds on the strengths and resilience of children, which is essential for their success.

Like many non-profit organizations, Families Thrive faces funding challenges that impact its goals of improving the emotional and behavioral well-being of children, supporting family reunification when appropriate, fostering a sense of stability and belonging in a nurturing environment, and preparing children for future success and independence. It is also why we are asking Buffalo Healthy Living readers to consider donating to support the mission of Families Thrive. Doing so is much more than a charitable act; it is a profound investment in hope, resilience, and the future of children in need. Here are some significant reasons to donate:

Addressing a Critical Need.

Thousands of children remain in therapeutic foster care without the hope of permanent placement. Families Thrive fills a void by advocating for those who are often overlooked, providing them with the opportunity to experience the warmth and stability of a family.

Transformative Impact.

Every child deserves a loving family, and Families Thrive has a proven track record of transforming lives by creating meaningful connections. Your contribution can directly help change the trajectory of a child’s life.

Building Stronger Communities.

Children who grow up in stable homes are more likely to become contributing members of their communities. By supporting Families Thrive, you’re not just helping individual children — you’re investing in the well-being of society as a whole.

Families Thrive is a beacon of hope for children who yearn for the love and support of a family. By donating to their mission, you join a community of compassionate individuals committed to creating a world where every child has the opportunity to thrive. Your generosity can help bridge the gap between vulnerability and opportunity, ensuring that no child is left behind in the search for a family they can call their own.

Learn more about Families Thrive, including how to become a foster parent, volunteer, or donor, at www.familiesthriveinc.com. For more information, call 585-232-5110.