FosterAdopt Connect’s Give Joy program is rallying Kansas City families and community members to become “Joy Makers” this holiday season. The nonprofit, which supports foster families throughout the Kansas City metro area, aims to ensure that no child in foster care misses out on the excitement of Christmas morning.
Why the program matters
According to Terri Goddard, director of community engagement and special events for FosterAdopt Connect, the need for holiday assistance is growing each year. Many foster children have already endured traumatic experiences, and the organization wants to make the season a bright, hopeful time for them.
Family involvement and personal stories
Founder Dowe Young, a foster parent of seven children ranging from ages 2 to 12, described the emotional impact of a joyful Christmas for foster kids. “The joy in their faces is infectious,” Young said, noting that the holiday can be a logistical challenge for large foster families.
Young’s husband, Julian, brings a background in juvenile justice, having worked as a supervisor at a juvenile detention facility. Their shared commitment to caring for vulnerable youth drives the family’s involvement with FosterAdopt Connect.
Program reach and volunteer needs
Last Christmas, the Give Joy program served roughly 1,600 children. The organization expects to serve at least the same number in 2026, but it still needs about 700 additional “Joy Makers” to meet demand across the Kansas City region.
Volunteer roles include sponsoring a child or an entire family, donating directly to the nonprofit, or providing in‑kind gifts and holiday meals. Goddard emphasized that community generosity made a significant difference last year, even after SNAP benefits were reduced during the holiday period.
How to get involved
Those interested in becoming a Joy Maker can contact FosterAdopt Connect through their website or local outreach events. The organization stresses that any contribution—whether financial, material, or simply offering time—helps create a brighter holiday experience for foster children.
In addition to foster children, the Give Joy program also welcomes non‑foster children living in foster homes, extending the holiday spirit to a broader group of vulnerable youth.
Original reporting: KSHB 41 Kansas City (local) — read the source article.
