Programs

foster kidsSANTA'S HELPERS NEEDED!
Every October, Foster Kids of the Merrimack Valley issues its annual call for Santa’s Helpers to support the Annual Foster Kids Christmas Party, where age appropriate toys are distributed to local foster children along with a gift for each foster parent.

The Santa’s Helpers Program provides a personalized, unique kind of gift-giving and creates a memorable holiday season for foster children. The Annual Christmas Party is scheduled in early December every year.

Sign Up Now! by e-mail or by calling
Eileen Giordano (978)683-2220,
Juliann Grant (978) 681-1600, or
Kelly Moore (603) 553-6627


A SUCCESS STORY

A previous foster child who is now an adult shared how important the role of a mentor was when he was aging out foster care. He was just 17 years old, headed down the wrong road and dropped out of school when he met his mentor. Through the influence of this mentor, this young man turned his life around completely. He never had anyone “care” about him personally before. His mentor made him accountable – both to the mentor and to himself, and encouraged him to get his GED and value his education as well as his abilities. He’s since attended college and is studying to get his social worker’s license.

One adult, one child, one connection.
We can all make a difference.

Interested in being a mentor?
Download our brochure

Want to apply to be a mentor?
Download application

Angela Collier-Costa,
Mentoring Program Manager
E-mail Angela

Help us reach more foster children by sponsoring a mentor relationship with a financial donation.


Current Programs:

  • Financial Assistance
  • Aging Out Mentoring (ages 14 and up)
  • Pack-it-Up Program
  • Santa’s Helpers

Financial Assistance Program

We offer financial assistance for a range of purposes that are approved by a DCF representative and the financial committee. These purposes include: emergency funds, higher education, job training, college assistance, summer camp, and more.

Mentoring Program for
Aging-Out young adults

One adult, one child, one connection.



When foster children turn the age of 18, they are eligible to be released from foster care. They often face the prospect of independent adulthood eagerly, but are not prepared with basic life skills that will help them get gainful employment, go to college, and become a positive contributing citizen in their community. Among their challenges:

  • Many are victims of unstable life experiences and are overwhelmed by the responsibilities of adulthood

  • They face a greater likelihood of becoming homeless, unemployed or incarcerated, needing public assistance, experiencing mental illness and/or becoming victims of violent crimes (MSPCC, 2005)

  • Lack of good, positive adult role models who can provide some level of support and direction

  • While foster children age out officially at the age of 18, the work to prepare them for life starts many years before that.

  • FKMV has launched an Aging-Out Mentorship Program that will provide a positive adult role model who will form a structured relationship that focuses on the needs of these youths starting at age 14. This program is designed to:

    • Encourage personal growth & helping develop future goals
    • Create a sense of value & higher self-esteem
      Help make positive connections in the community.

Pack-It-Up Program
Foster children often use plastic trash bags to store their personal belongings when moving between homes. We collect new back packs and duffle bags to help them make a more dignified transition. This year, Marshalls employees, collected and donated more than100 new back packs filled with school supplies for the foster kids. Thank you Marshall’s Employees!