you are at: DCF Home FSD PINS

Partners in Service (PINS)

Mission

The Partners in Service (PINS) program brings together faith communities with human service agencies. We promote the resiliency and success of children and youth who have been the victims of abuse and neglect, ranging in age from infant to young adult.

How You Can Help

There are many ways that your congregation can help children and youth in foster care. And PINS makes it easy for you to do so.

How you ask? By connecting you with a local social worker who needs your help. It’s a wonderful way to put your faith into action. And, most importantly, to let children know—through your actions—that someone in their community cares for them.

Some congregations choose to carry out one or more projects each year to meet specific needs (e.g. a back-to-school supply drive). Other congregations prefer to be contacted with specific requests on an ongoing “as needed” basis. Many choose both. Here are some of the ways you can help:

Donating Goods:

  • Winter coats and boots
  • Sneakers
  • Toys and stuffed animals
  • Christmas and birthday gifts
  • Easter/Spring baskets
  • Backpacks and school supplies
  • Duffle bags
  • Personal care kits with toiletries for children coming into custody
  • Diapers and baby care items
  • Infant and toddler car seats, booster seats
  • Bikes and helmets
  • Sports equipment
  • Healthy snacks for children

Donating Funds for:

  • Prom dresses
  • Dance, music, or driving lessons
  • College application fees
  • Camp, class trips
  • Braces

Donating Services:

  • Hair cuts
  • Senior’s pictures
  • Transportation

Hosting Special Events:

  • A Holiday party or Thanksgiving dinner
  • A Foster Parent Appreciation Event

Supporting Teens who are Leaving Foster Care without Family Support:

  • Help furnish an apartment (e.g. furniture, household items, cleaning supplies)
  • Provide a basket of basic food items
  • Pay the first month’s rent and/or damage deposit
  • Help a teen move in
How it Works

Step 1:

Contact the PINS Coordinator to express your interest in becoming a PINS partner.

Step 2:

The PINS Coordinator will match your congregation with a social worker from your area.

Step 3:

You meet with the social worker to discuss the children’s needs, ways you might meet these needs, expectations, logistics, ongoing communications, plans for a first project, and a longer-term plan. 

Step 4:

An annual partnership renewal meeting is held to review the previous year’s projects and begin planning for next year.

Get Started

For more information, or to schedule a presentation at one of your meetings, please contact:

PINS Coordinator at (802) 241-2123
PINS@ahs.state.vt.us