Neighbors 4 Neighbors

Funding Cuts Won't Stop Foster Care Groups

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FT. LAUDERDALE (CBS4) ― Millions of dollars have been cut to foster programs across the state. But the loss of funding hasn't stopped many people and groups from continuing their efforts to help the children.

"I don't care what the situation is, the economic situation in the state is," Judge Cindy Lederman said.  "I really don't care. I care about these children and we need to be the ones that stand there and say enough."

The United Way stepped in to host a program to try and bridge the gap between foster kids and their local legislators, called "Walk a Mile."

"I really felt it was important for them to get to know these kids on a one to one basis. And for these kids to really get to know these policy makers and understand the process of how decisions get made," said Elizabeth Wyntor of the United Way.

Broward County Mayor Lois Wexler worked to preserve bus routes near the Sawgrass Mills Mall where many of the young adults who are about to age out of foster care work.

"They very much depend on mass transit. On public transportation. So it is critically important that an ability to get to their job to get to school is afforded them," Wexler said.

Echoing Judge Lederman's sentiments, Kristen Guerrise from the Junior League of Ft. Lauderdale said despite everything, the groups helping out South Florida foster kids have a clear goal.

"We want to make sure that the children of our community grow up to be productive, contributing members of the community as adults," Guerrise said.

If you'd like to help, you can contact Neighbors4Neighbors at (305) 597-4404 and donate to their gift card collection from local supermarkets and stores.

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