c“We want to care for families so they can care for kids longer,” says Ashley Wambach, president and executive director.
Beginning in 2015 as a small group at Evergreen Christian Community, the project has grown and evolved to its own nonprofit status. As a parent through birth, adoption and foster care, Ashely speaks from experience. “It’s hard and lonely work and not possible to do alone,” she says. “You can do it in community.”
Becoming Foster Parents in Thurston County
Ashley and her husband Nick are both deeply called to serve others. They were raising their two young biological children and had an idea to become foster parents themselves. When they heard about a group at Evergreen Christian Community that supported families with adopted or fostered children, they thought they’d attend. It required a long, traffic-filled drive from their home in Puyallup to the west side of Olympia, but they went anyway.
Initially, they were overwhelmed at the reality of bringing another person into their family. “Are we supposed to do this or not?” they wondered. Hopeful, Ashley and Nick continued to attend. Time has shown that they are meant to be parents to many. Now they are all in. Their family has grown to seven children. In addition to their 10- and 8-year-olds, they have added 5 children who are ages 7, 6, 2 and 1 (two of them). A lot changed, including a move to Olympia and getting a larger home.
Ashley’s energy and commitment expanded into leadership at C2C. One idea she acted on was having showers, which usually don’t happen when foster children arrive. Families with newborns receive meals, presents and other excitement. Ashley wanted foster families to have that experience, too. Now C2C partners with City Gates Ministries to hold these celebrations.
Many Community Generating Activities at Compelled to Care
Compelled to Care continues to grow and serve. Pre-COVID there were 80 parents and 150 children who attended the monthly dinners. These are happening again, and the numbers are going up as word gets out. The organization provides training for foster parents, retreats, small support groups for moms and for dads, speaker events and many other kid-friendly activities. “We want people to choose hope, regardless of circumstance,” encourages Ashley.
Trauma-Informed Services
“You might need more tools even if you are already a parent,” suggests Ashley. Trainings are trauma informed because these children have come from difficult, some extremely difficult, situations. It’s helpful to gain skills and be with other parents who have similar stories.
Specific events are planned for children such as Trunk-or-Treat and the Gingerbread Bash. C2C partners with other area nonprofit agencies. Messy events like tie-dying and cupcake decorating are scheduled. The mess is not in your home!
Compelled to Care is part of We Foster WA, a coalition of local organizations and leaders who raise awareness about foster care and support this community. C2C is also a faith-based organization. “We don’t care what path you are on,” assures Ashley. All are welcome. People at C2C believe that Jesus cared for the vulnerable, and that is their mission, too.
Many Ways to Serve Foster Families in Thurston County
Everyone is not able nor even wants to be a foster parent. As an individual or a group, there are many levels and types of help you can provide. C2C has all sorts of opportunities to keep its ministry vibrant. Volunteers range in ages from 11 to 80.
The Care Box Project
Entering foster care is usually an emergency situation where the child has minutes at home to fill a garbage bag with personal items. A child may be picked up from school with nothing but a backpack. You can offer to supply boot-sized boxes that are packed with essentials such as toothbrushes and underwear. Boxes include writing or drawing implements, a flashlight, and a soft toy or fleece blanket. These boxes go to DCYF (Department of Children, Youth and Families) and other agencies across the South Sound area for distribution. C2C can help with boxes and age-appropriate shopping lists.
Foster Grad Gift Drive
Youth aging out of the foster care system and graduating from high school can receive a suitcase with various gift cards and housewarming items.
Volunteering
You can volunteer on the hospitality or children’s teams. Delivering boxes or dropping off meals are other options.
Donations
Money is welcome. For those who like to pick out items, you can purchase selected items such as diapers, gift cards, and school supplies. Used clothing or furniture are not accepted. Find a detailed list here.
Become a Foster or Adoptive Parent
Getting involved with Compelled to Care is a great first step if you are considering becoming a foster or adoptive parent. There are all sorts of way to connect with the community, so you can find an activity that suits your interests. It is also an amazing experience to be one who serves those who are parenting. For detailed information visit the Compelled to Care website.
