Initially entering foster care is one of the most traumatic things a child and their family can face. At a moment’s notice they are asked to pack what belongings they can, if any, and oftentimes don’t even fully understand why they can no longer be with their family. Many of these children have been exposed to things beyond their years. An iBelong Basket is a basket with a purpose to provide comfort to children as they enter the foster care system and to provide important and necessary supplies to support the foster parent or relative caregiver who will be providing for that child. These help ease what is often a scary transition. These baskets all stay in our community or surrounding counties, so you can assure your donation supports a local child and their caregiver. In 2023 we delivered 370 baskets!

In October of 2024 Boone Health, Meet the Mission Team hosted an amazing event in partnership with Columbia Foster and Adoption Project. Each child registered was able to submit a Halloween costume wishlist. Staff and community members purchased and donated toward ensuring every child in attendance left with a bag full of goodies and a new costume from their wishlist. Staff from Boone Health decorated and dressed up for a morning of games and goodies. The Halloween Boontacular provides an opportunity for community building and connection. In addition, this event is an opportunity to reduce holiday stress and financial burden on foster and adoptive families. In 2024, 125 costumes were provided.