IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE

The CARE Closet and the Mosaic House are two of our initiatives for meeting the immediate needs of children, caregivers, and social workers impacted by the foster care system or those at risk of being impacted by the foster care system.

  • Children and teens often enter foster care with few or no belongings.

  • DSS caseworkers are overwhelmed with so many tasks when a child is taken into care. 

  • There is a high turnover rate among social workers.

  • The day a child enters care can create secondary trauma for kids/teens and social workers.

  • There are times foster care could be prevented, but due to the lack of resources, that does not happen.

The Problems

CARE Closet

The Foster Closet is where we collect items for our First Response Care Packages. When a child/teen first enters foster care, often they arrive with few items or simply the clothes on their back. In the midst of trying to make this child/teen feel safe, the task of getting basic necessities is pressing. The first week—specifically the first 24-48 hours—of a new foster placement is the most trying for foster children, social workers and the new caregivers. Mosaic Hope wants to ease the burden for everyone involved during this vulnerable time period. Within 24-48 hours of a new foster placement, Mosaic Hope will deliver practical necessities and comforting support.

What is in a first response package?

  • Clothing and pajamas for the child 

  • Socks and Underwear

  • Age-appropriate hygiene and toiletry items, such as toothbrush and toothpaste, hairbrush, shampoo, body wash, lotion, etc. 

  • Diapers, formula, wipes, bottles, and anything necessary for an infant 

  • A meal or a gift card for a meal 

  • A personal note of encouragement 

*Please check our Amazon Wish List for our most pressing needs. We also post needs on our social media accounts.

 FAQs

  • Yes! We ONLY accept new clothing and items, with tags on them. We believe that children and families we serve deserve the best. Please note that we have limited storage. We have a network of organizations serving families in our county that we will share items with, so please keep this in mind when you donate. We have a running list of needs on our Amazon Wish List. Donations can be dropped off at the Foster Care Closet on our Drop Off Days. Please follow us on social media or contact us for the Drop Off Day schedule.

  • Temporarily, our Foster Closet is located at the House of Dreams on the campus of 2nd Baptist Church:

    191 Green Street Rutherfordton, NC 28139

  • That would be incredible! If your church, business, school or organization would like to hold a collection drive, we ask that you please contact Emily Wood (emily@mosaichope.org/828-429-3202) for our biggest needs prior to launching your drive please.

Mosaic House Property

Read More Here

We envision a comfortable, safe and home-like environment where…

  • social workers could bring a child during initial placement

  • kids can play, have a snack with the staff, and pick out the things they need

  • new caregivers can learn about the resources in Rutherford County

  • children and families can process the overwhelming feelings and emotions that come with foster care

  • we could host support groups, classes, and events for children and for caregivers

How Can You Help?

The Mosaic House is a BIG dream and we still need the help of our community to make it happen.If you would like to donate to our house fund or if you would like to become a monthly donor, please use the QR code to donate, or text AHOUSE to 53-555.