The most vulnerable children in our community have just become even more vulnerable due to the coronavirus outbreak, asserts Mary Margaret Mauer, the co-founder of Restoration Rome, a local non-profit organization which serves as a hub for foster, adoption, family and community services.
Mauer says that calls to Division of Family and Children Services (or DFCS) typically decline sharply amid crises such as the one we currently face. This is because vulnerable children are not under the watchful eye of those in their schools and churches.
There will be more hungry families and more children in need as this health crisis continues. Mauer indicates that her organization will continue to assist families with necessities such as food, diapers and clothing. Those who wish to help Restoration Rome in their mission to help families may get started by completing the advocate training sessions, such as Live the Promise, that are now being held online at www.restorationrome.org.
Mauer also urges the public to check out the website and Restoration Rome’s Facebook page for information about the Promise686 Race, a virtual event to raise awareness and money for at-risk children and families. It highlights the realities faced by many kids in foster care.