Foster Parents Night Out & Touchmark
Hello! My name is Taylor Galloway and I am taking my Senior Capstone, Effective Change Agent, at Portland State University. During this 2020 winter term, I am volunteering at Foster Parents Night Out and memory care at Touchmark in the West Hills.
Mission & Values:
Every Child aims to provide love, care, and support for vulnerable children and families in Oregon in partnership with Oregon's Department of Human Services.
In 2006, Parents Night Out (FPNO) began in Salem, Oregon to provides foster parents one evening a month to drop off their children between the ages of 0-18 in a safe, fun, and loving environment for a few hours in order to tend to themselves for a second.
In 2012, the non-profit Embrace Oregon started with welcome boxes and hospitality for child welfare offices in the Portland metropolitan area. It quickly grew because more than 600 inquiries for foster families were received and 250 foster families became certified with DHS Child Welfare, 750 tangible needs met, 3,550 volunteers engaged, 14,000 Welcome Boxes delivered, and more than 100 businesses and 90 faith communities became connected.
By 2015, Every Child was founded in order to create an even bigger impact in communities across Oregon. They partner with the Department of Human Services and community organizations to solve the foster care crisis through marketing and education, one-on-one connections, and public and private initiatives. In 2017, FPNO approached Every Child Oregon and has now officially become affiliates and by 2022 FPNO will have sites in all 36 counties!
In 2012, the non-profit Embrace Oregon started with welcome boxes and hospitality for child welfare offices in the Portland metropolitan area. It quickly grew because more than 600 inquiries for foster families were received and 250 foster families became certified with DHS Child Welfare, 750 tangible needs met, 3,550 volunteers engaged, 14,000 Welcome Boxes delivered, and more than 100 businesses and 90 faith communities became connected.
By 2015, Every Child was founded in order to create an even bigger impact in communities across Oregon. They partner with the Department of Human Services and community organizations to solve the foster care crisis through marketing and education, one-on-one connections, and public and private initiatives. In 2017, FPNO approached Every Child Oregon and has now officially become affiliates and by 2022 FPNO will have sites in all 36 counties!
This video helps to better understand behaviors of vulnerable children so that a greater sense of love and hope to can be established.
I am limited on what I can share due to HIPAA but what I can share is that being apart of this program has changed my life. I started volunteering with FPNO because I was overly consumed with myself and realized I was not an active participant in positive bringing my community. The relationships and laughter that has transpired by being apart of this program has impacted my life more than I ever thought possible. Watching the relationships between other volunteers and the kids is truly amazing. I'm forever thankful and cannot imagine my life without being apart of FPNO.
ADOPT FOSTER VOLUNTEER DONATe
The heart behind Every Child Oregon and FPNO is to create more light and joy in communities by consistently showing up to love and build relationships with foster care children and families.
Click the link or social media icons below to get involved!
https://everychildoregon.org/press/foster-parents-night/
https://everychildoregon.org/press/foster-parents-night/
I AM AN ALLY. I AM A FRIEND. I AM A GIVER.
Since 1980, Touchmark has been a Senior Living Community that provides 55+ individuals with Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care.
"We feel it is our privilege to enhance the daily experience of seniors and support pursuing interests and passions. With first-rate amenities, award-winning features such as our Full Life Wellness & Life Enrichment Program, an outstanding culinary program, and a dedicated professional team, our community uniquely addresses the needs of a dynamic population eager to move into the next adventure."
"We feel it is our privilege to enhance the daily experience of seniors and support pursuing interests and passions. With first-rate amenities, award-winning features such as our Full Life Wellness & Life Enrichment Program, an outstanding culinary program, and a dedicated professional team, our community uniquely addresses the needs of a dynamic population eager to move into the next adventure."
Services & Amenities:
The Life Enrichment & Wellness Program
Home Care Services
Health & Fitness Club
Dining
The Life Enrichment & Wellness Program
Home Care Services
Health & Fitness Club
Dining
MISSION: TO ENRICH PEOPLE'S LIVES
VALUES: EXCELLENCE TEAMWORK HOSPITALITY INTEGRITY COMPASSION
VALUES: EXCELLENCE TEAMWORK HOSPITALITY INTEGRITY COMPASSION
The reason that influenced my decision to volunteer at Touchmark in the West Hills is the devastating fact that society consistently ignores that seniors experience some of the highest forms of abuse and neglect. It's heartbreaking. Residents in memory care have become the victims to their own brains and I cannot begin to imagine how slow and scary the process of developing Alzheimer's disease or Dementia. They deserve the upmost respect and my goal has been to make them feel seen, heard, and loved.
I'm apart of the Life Enrichment & Wellness Program which "is a collaboration of activities between team members and residents to meet emotional, environmental, intellectual, occupational, physical, social, and spiritual needs of every individual" in memory care communities.
I'm apart of the Life Enrichment & Wellness Program which "is a collaboration of activities between team members and residents to meet emotional, environmental, intellectual, occupational, physical, social, and spiritual needs of every individual" in memory care communities.
Responsibilities:
Games Cooking Music & Dancing (music therapy) Painting Scenic drives Group walks Active listening Help regulate emotions |
I went into volunteering not knowing exactly what to expect but have gained more than I ever imagined! The residents who consistently join in outings or actives are who I've been able able to build most of my relationships with. They are hysterical and kind and smart and truly bring so much joy into my life. I've been able to get to know family members of residents who come to visit and build friendships with staff! I can tell how much CNAs and other staff members care for the residents by witnessing their patience and gentleness. The people in this community are amazing which is why I will continue volunteering!
Locations: Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, North & South Dakota, Wisconsin, Arizona, Texas, Oklahoma, & Alberta, Canada.