Fostering hope in the Ozarks

SUBMITTED BY KIM STEELE

      The definition of “fostering” is to encourage or promote the development of something regarded as good, that is exactly what two area organizations do. I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing two organizations' efforts that push to help with foster children and families –Dogwood Ranch and Suitcases for New Beginnings.

Nestled in the Ozarks in Rogersville, Missouri, lies a sanctuary for fosters and families Its tranquil setting breathes hope and renewal for not only fosters and families but also for first responders and veterans through safe housing, equine therapy and the support of a compassionate family.

Brian and Dana Lopez are two of the six co-founders of Dogwood Ranch. Brian was a part of Doulos Ministries that was in Branson and traveled here frequently from California. He fell in love with the Ozarks and felt drawn here by the Lord. The multi-generational family saw the need to foster older youth and started fostering in 2008. Dogwood Ranch was founded in 2005 and moved to its current location in 2015. The programs currently offered are:

• Healing Reins: Equine therapy

• The Haven: Equips foster youth to thrive in life through safe housing and mentorship

• The Village: Community of foster houses, providing support with family for those foster youth with elevated needs (they just broke ground on this addition).

As Dana so eloquently put it, “When your calling becomes your passion and when your calling and passion collide, great things happen.”

Another organization worth mentioning is Suitcases for New Beginnings. This organization was founded by Cheryl Adair, who knows firsthand what it’s like to walk into a stranger’s home with nothing but a few belongings in a trash bag. Sheryl entered the foster system at the age of 13 and remained in the system until she was 18. The indignity she felt is something she strives to prevent others from experiencing.

Suitcases for New Beginnings was created in 2020 and continues to grow and currently serves the region in Taney, Stone and Green counties. Unfortunately, Social Services does not have the financial resources to provide duffle bags or suitcases; therefore, having to resort to trash bags. Funds for the duffle bags are solely reliant on donations and proceeds raised through the various events that they hold. Currently there are three brackets of duffle bags that the organization distributes.

• Newborn – two years: Diaper bag/baby blanket/shampoo and body wash/baby wipes/ diaper cream and a small plush animal.

• Three-nine years: Small duffle bag/toothbrush and toothpaste/loofa/shampoo and conditioner/ a book and stuffed animal

• Ten-seventeen years: Small duffle bag/loofa/toothbrush and toothpaste/ shampoo and conditioner/lotion/ bodywash/deodorant/a book

Cheryl is looking to expand services by securing a building that will allow room for a thrift store, “The Foster Closet,” where both foster families and the public can find things at an affordable price. Foster youth would operate the facility and learn job skills. Ideally the building would also have a kitchen and areas for classes and crafts where youth could learn life skills.

There are approximately 440,000 foster children in the U.S. and over 13,000 children in foster care in the state of Missouri alone. We as a region are so blessed to have these two organizations fostering hope for these children and families that care for them. Both organizations have several events coming up that will provide opportunities for the community to participate, volunteer or contribute to. (Some as early as April 26)

Please go to www.dogwoodranch.org or www.suitcasesfornewbeginnings.org for more information.

Matthew 25:35 (KJV)

For I was hungry, and ye gave me meat. I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in.