This article is written by Kasey Mintz. <Kasey Mintz (ksnblocal4.com)> It was posted on ksnblocal4.com <Nonprofit highlights needs in central Nebraska during Kool-Aid Days (ksnblocal4.com)> on August 20, 2022.
Kool-Aid Days is well known for supplying practically endless flavors of the beloved, Hastings-born soft drink, but the weekend long event also provides a time for people to check out the nonprofits in attendance.
This weekend, one organization highlighted the need of having more foster care parents in central Nebraska.
Boys Town is a nonprofit village based near Omaha, but they have offices in the Tri-City Area including ones in Grand Island and Kearney.
Representatives from Boys Town had a table at the indoor portion of the event, they were not only highlighting the services provided by their local offices, and letting people know that there is a big need for foster parents in the state.
One representative with Boys Town said events like this help get their message out.
“There is a huge need for foster parents, especially those who can help with teenagers, or kids with higher needs like behavioral needs," said Boys Town Representative Krysten Vance. “There's always that huge need so this helps us be able to put that need out in the community and get our information out. Some people want to foster but they genuinely don't know where to go."
Vance practices what she preaches when it comes to fostering and adopting of kids.
“I've been fostering since 2014, so eight years now. I adopted my daughter when she was 7 out of foster care and I'm currently fostering two other kids," Vance said.
Vance said that when it comes to fostering there are ups and downs, but it is rewarding to see the kids grow and learn that there is life past trauma.
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