Goodwill seeking foster-care families

       Having recently received a license from the State of Colorado to provide foster care for children with disabilities, Goodwill Industries of Colorado Springs is now seeking foster-care families.
       “We are excited to expand our services to children with disabilities who, because of these foster families, will receive the support they need to reach their highest level of independence,” said Bob Baker, CEO/president of Goodwill, which is headquartered on the Westside.
       Foster parents do not need prior experience, although they must be at least 21 years old and pass checks of their background and driving records. Training will be provided before foster parents meet their child, and additional training will be given during the year, according to Laura Marth of Goodwill. Additionally, she said, foster families will receive a stipend, and all foster-child doctor bills, therapy and medical needs are funded by the state.
       “We feel there is a need for this program,” Marth said. “There are at least 100 special-needs kids lacking families in Colorado Springs.”
       For more information, contact Walter Thew, Goodwill's foster-care program manager, at 266-1202 or e-mail wthew@goodwill-colosprings.org.

Westside Pioneer article