Support Girls Glowing Up Today

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The Buddy System Program for Foster Kids is designed to provide a nurturing, supportive, and consistent relationship for children in foster care. Each child will be paired with a caring, trained adult "buddy" who will offer companionship, mentorship, and a listening ear. The goal of the program is to foster emotional resilience, social skills, and a sense of belonging, helping foster children build positive, trusting relationships that can last beyond the program.

• Emotional Support: Help foster children feel heard, understood, and valued by their buddy.
• Mentorship: Provide guidance, advice, and encouragement in areas such as education, life skills, and personal development.
• Consistency: Offer a stable, positive adult relationship in an often unstable environment.
• Social and Emotional Growth: Encourage the development of healthy social skills, self-confidence, and emotional intelligence.
• Community Integration: Create a sense of connection and community for children in foster care.

• Foster Children:
  Children and teens in foster care, ages 6-18, who need a consistent positive role model or companion.
• Buddies:
  Trained volunteers, mentors, or professionals who have a passion for working with foster children and who can commit to the program. Potential buddies may be individuals from the community, school counselors, or professionals from social service organizations.

1. Application Process:
   Both foster children and potential buddies must complete an application process. This includes providing background information, availability, and preferences (for both the buddy and the child).
2. Matching Process:
   The program coordinator will carefully match each foster child with a buddy based on shared interests, personality, and needs. Special attention will be given to ensure compatibility to foster a positive relationship.
3. Initial Meeting:
   The first meeting between the foster child and their buddy will take place in a safe, supervised environment. The program coordinator will facilitate introductions, set expectations, and guide the pair in building trust.
4. Ongoing Meetings:
   Buddies and foster children will meet regularly (weekly or bi-weekly) for activities that foster positive interactions, such as:
   
   • Playing games
   • Doing arts and crafts
   • Attending events or social gatherings
   • Engaging in outdoor activities like hiking or biking
   • Educational outings or museum visits
   • Activities can vary depending on the child's interests and the buddy’s experience.

1. Communication:
   Buddies and foster children are encouraged to communicate between meetings, through phone calls, video chats, or texts, to help build consistency. The program coordinator will regularly check in with both the buddy and foster child to ensure the relationship is going smoothly.
2. Support for Buddies:
   Buddies will receive ongoing support and training to help them better understand the challenges foster children face, how to handle tough situations, and how to be a reliable support system. Regular check-ins and resources will be available to help buddies succeed in their roles.
3. Duration of the Program:
   The program can last for 6 months to a year, with an option to extend if both the foster child and the buddy are open to continuing their relationship.

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