AFFIRMATION BOX PROJECT
At Mission West Virginia, we understand the value that personal belongings hold for a child in foster care. We believe that every child in care should have their own luggage, hygiene items and belongings that affirm their personal identity, sense of belonging and culture.
Black youth in foster care often do not receive items that affirm their racial and cultural identity. This is not just hair and skincare items but also items that contribute to building positive identity and self-esteem.
Thanks to generous grantors and donors, in 2023 we were able to create Affirmation Boxes, designed specifically for Black youth who live with foster, adoptive and kinship/relative families. These boxes are available to Black and biracial youth who are currently in foster care (family or residential), have been adopted, or live with relatives or kinship caregivers.
All boxes feature standard items including:
haircare products, detangling brush and skin tone bandaids *
Other items vary by age but may include: dolls, crayons, coloring books, journals, colored pencils, stickers, affirmation cards, etc.
Boxes may be requested by agencies, workers or by individual families.
*Haircare products have been selected to work across a variety of hair types and were selected to serve as a starting point. We can also work with youth and their families to find products tailored to their specific needs.
To request an Affirmation Box, please fill out the form below:
If you are in need of items for a child of a different race, ethnicity or minority demographic, we would be happy to help. You may contact us at rkinder@missionwv.org or 304-562-0723.
CLICK BELOW FOR MORE RESOURCES
SPECIAL THANK YOU TO…
West Virginia American Water Inclusion and Diversity Grant Program
Tasha Hall Inspires, THI Advocating Services
Elizabeth Caul, Noni Beauty Supply