From Highway 54 in Fayetteville, it's hard to miss the bright green sign with white letters adorned by a single bloom. It's equally hard to miss the impact Bloom our Youth is having on foster children and the families who care for them. With more than 12,000 children in foster care in Georgia, Bloom distinguishes itself by providing programs and services that create unforgettable experiences of love and support. The organization's humble beginnings, saturated by years of community support, laid the foundation for what foster care families have come to expect from Bloom... nothing short of excellence.
Bloom's recent accreditation is a testament to the exceptionally high standards the organization adheres to in every aspect of its business. As bloom's efforts to strengthen foster children continue to expand, the families who care for these children feel supported and empowered. For many foster parents, the services and resources provided by Bloom are a game-changer when it comes to their ability to provide for the children in their care. There are no exceptions and no shortcuts when it comes to the way Bloom extends love - which strives to spark joy and restore dignity within each child. "We want to lavish the kids with love and attention" is what staff, volunteers, and community supporters hear consistently from the organization's long-time President & CEO, Becky Davenport.
It's been more than thirty years and the organization's focus remains the children in foster care. Today, Bloom serves foster children in over 90 Georgia counties and is home to The Bloom Closet - one of Georgia's premiere foster care resources. You name it, and The Bloom Closet most likely has it for a child in need - clothes, books, toys, school supplies, and more - all at no cost to the family. While The Bloom Closet is located in Fayetteville, foster families will drive across the state to take advantage of this invaluable resource. When foster children enter The Bloom Closet, they have a personal, boutique-like shopping experience and leave with what they need.
Bloom's leadership is excited that the addition of a 21-foot Morgon Olson walk-in truck has increased the organization's capacity to reach more foster kids. The Bloom Closet Express is a custom-designed truck that transforms into a pop-up boutique with all the free resources of The Bloom Closet. The Express travels to foster children in underserved communities across Georgia, outside of The Bloom Closet's immediate reach. The Bloom Closet Express recently took their first overnight trip to both Baxley and Macon, where they served a total of sixty children between a group home and a residential treatment facility. "We have learned that it is more difficult for group homes to get out and shop for the children. Sometimes there are upwards of twenty children in one home. Accessibility is impactful."
The Hive is the organization's volunteer and donation center, and also serves as the training center for foster families. Training is specialized so foster families are equipped with the skills and information they need to handle the different issues that children in foster care typically face. Everything - which is approximately 1,500 bags of donated items per month - makes its way to The Bloom Closet and The Bloom Closet Express, through the loving hands of dedicated volunteers. Bloom is incredibly grateful to the individuals, volunteer groups, civic groups, and churches that dedicate time at The Hive.
Becky acknowledges how good Fayette County has been to the organization's success in realizing its mission. "It's amazing how the right people all show up at the right time with the right stuff. This is orchestrated every single day, and I don't have anything to do with it. It's been a steady stream of the right people." Becky has been in her role since 2004 and believes that the next phase of success for Bloom may include opportunities for satellite locations and connecting with other organizations and communities like Fayette, that may want to wrap their arms around The Bloom Closet program.
Bloom our Youth relies on in-kind and financial donations to help meet the needs of displaced children and youth. Their website, bloomouryouth.org, is loaded with great information about all the ways you can help and get involved. There are inspiring testimonial videos on the site as well. The future of Bloom can include you and how you might consider offering seeds of time, talent and treasure to help the kids in foster care continue to bloom.