U.P. Foster Closet of Menominee empowers kids and supports caregivers

MENOMINEE COUNTY – Since opening its doors in August 2020, the U.P. Foster Closet of Menominee had become a vital resource for families caring for non-biological children.

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization run entirely by volunteers and fueled solely by donations and community support, the nonprofit provides new and like-new essentials to children in foster care in Menominee, Marinette and Oconto counties.

“The term ‘foster care’ is defined as anyone who is caring for children who are not their biological children; not just families experiencing removals through the court systems,” explained Cassie Lauren of the U.P. Foster Closet.

Examples of families that the closet works with include foster placements, relative placements, kinship care, adoption, delegates of parental authority and other caregivers.

“All families who care for children who are not their biological children are eligible for our services. There is no income limit,” Lauren shared.

Caregivers are asked to provide documentation at the time of the visit to the closet, which Lauren and other volunteers can help them obtain if needed.
When the time comes that a child is in need, the organization creates a unique experience for each family and operates like a store to empower everyone involved.

“We are by appointment only due to having volunteers run the show and to respect the privacy of each family,” she shared.

Appointments are scheduled through Facebook or by phone or email and then each family is welcomed in by a volunteer.

Lauren explained that the experience begins with letting the child pick out their own T.J. Maxx shopping bag to fill with all of the items they find.

“We have a variety of them to pick from, and it’s fun watching them pick based on their personality. Once they choose their bag, they (and/or their care takers) can pick out clothing, shoes, diapers, hygiene items and other essentials,” Lauren explained.

The idea behind the foster closet isn’t to just fulfil a need for items, but also a need for care and attention while treating each child like the unique individual they are.

“The idea is to allow children to choose things that fit, rather than just handing off a pre-packed bag. This helps give them some ownership. Because foster children often come with little or no personal belongings, this choice is very meaningful to them,” she said.

There is no limit to how many items can be selected or how many trips can be made — which is especially helpful since there is no charge associated with the items from the U.P. Foster Closet of Menominee.

“We are 100% [running] on donations, community support, fundraising and grants. We have zero paid employees, and everyone — including board members — are volunteers and run this on their own time.”

In addition to running the storefront, volunteers are also hosting an annual Christmas event for kids in care. This free event is hosted at the Mariner Theater and is specifically tailored to families caring for non-biological children, but Lauren said that bio parents are invited to attend as it makes for a “great, positive experience for parenting time.”

“This event is a chance for all families who are raising children that are not their biological children to attend an event with children and families who may be experiencing like situations. We also encourage this event to help families make connections… with other families in our local area who you could use as a support system/respite in times of need,” she added.

Thanks to sponsorships from local businesses and community support, the U.P. Foster Closet of Menominee is able to help families in Wisconsin and Michigan during the holiday season and year-round.

Currently, the nonprofit is in the early stages of planning their first-annual masquerade ball gala and is looking for volunteers to help plan the event.

For more information about the services provided or to get involved, follow U.P. Foster Closet of Menominee on Facebook or reach out to Lauren and the other volunteers at upfcmenoco@gmail.com or (920) 249-4162.