MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Open Your Heart, Offer Your Home: Support Children as a Care Provider
Sault Ste. Marie, ON. (April 10, 2025) – Nogdawindamin Family and Community Services is seeking compassionate individuals and families to open their homes and hearts to children and youth needing alternative care. With a growing need for stable, nurturing environments to support First Nations children along the North Shore, the agency calls on community members to step forward and make a difference.
“Fostering is about providing a safe, loving space where children can have stability until being returned to their caregivers,” says Heather MacLary, Protection and Resource Manager of Alternative Care at Nogdawindamin. “We deeply value caregivers willing to work alongside us to support a child’s cultural identity, emotional well-being, and overall development.”
Nogdawindamin is looking for diverse families, including single parents, two-parent families, families that can offer respite or emergency placements, and those that can provide short-term or long-term care. Depending on circumstances, families can own their homes, rent, live in apartments, that would provide a safe and supportive environment.
Children entering care often carry experiences of loss, displacement, or hardship. These challenges, such as the impacts of intergenerational trauma, family breakdown, and other systemic issues, make it critical for foster families to provide nurturing stability.
“Children and youth in care need caregivers who are empathetic, patient, and willing to learn about their needs,” adds MacLary. “It’s about understanding how to nurture trust and resilience in children who have been through so much.”
The per diem allowance available to foster families provides daily financial support to alleviate childcare costs. This allowance helps cover the essentials. Furthermore, Nogdawindamin offers comprehensive training, cultural resources, and personalized support for caregivers. Families work closely with an assigned worker who provide guidance and support, ensuring caregivers never feel alone on their foster journey.
Supporting Cultural Identity
Nogdawindamin Family and Community Services is committed to ensuring all children maintain a connection to their First Nations heritage while in care. This includes supporting cultural practices such as naming ceremonies, drumming, and traditional teachings. Foster families do not need to be Indigenous, but they must be open to learning and supporting children’s cultural identity.
“Preserving culture is a key part of why we do this work,” says Karen Kennedy, Interim Chief Executive Officer, “because children should never have to lose sight of who they are as they move into care. We walk alongside all families, Indigenous and non-Indigenous, to provide them with the resources and training they need to support children in culturally sensitive ways.”
The Rewards of Fostering
Foster parenting is not without its challenges, but it is a deeply rewarding experience. Many foster families form lifelong connections with the children they care for, helping them to heal, grow, and thrive. The team at Nogdawindamin is here to guide families every step of the way, providing both emotional and practical support.
“We hear time and again from families that fostering has been one of the most meaningful experiences of their lives,” says Kennedy. “The opportunity to nurture a child as they rebuild trust, and confidence leaves a lasting impact.”
A Call to Action
Nogdawindamin urgently seeks families to care for children of all ages, including infants, sibling groups, and teenagers. Families are also needed to provide respite and emergency care. If you’ve ever considered fostering, now is the time to learn more.
Contact Nogdawindamin Family and Community Services at 1-800-465-0999 or email acinfo@nog.ca. You can also visit www.nog.ca to explore the resources available for caregivers and learn about the enhanced support Nogdawindamin offers.
Karen Kennedy, Interim Chief Executive Officer, emphasizes, “You don’t need all the answers or years of experience to be the right fit. We’re looking for people with open hearts and a willingness to learn. Together, we’ll provide the tools and guidance to support you on this incredible and life-changing journey.”
Nogdawindamin Family and Community Services asks the community to consider the significant impact they can make on a child's life. Together, we can build a stronger, more stable future for children and families across the North Shore.
