08.14.2017

Caregiver: ‘Treehouse Is Always There’

By Catherine Krummey, Treehouse Communications Specialist

In her nine years as a foster parent, Lori has been consistently appreciative of the support she has received from Treehouse, from locating hard-to-find items at The Wearhouse to supporting childhood experiences through the Little Wishes program.

“We had two girls who came to us with only the pajamas on their backs, and we had trouble finding clothes that fit them. A volunteer at The Wearhouse kept running around until she found what we needed,” Lori said. “With kids in foster care, any time is back-to-school season. They need everything—backpacks, lunchboxes, clothes, school supplies. It can be overwhelming.”

Lori recently stopped by The Wearhouse to pick up some items for Jenna, a 4-year-old girl who has been placed with Lori and her family for three and a half years.

One of the most important ways Treehouse has supported Jenna is by funding swimming lessons.

“After watching the other kids swim, she was finally ready to overcome a water-related trauma and take lessons, too,” Lori said. “We asked Treehouse for support, and five months in, she is loving swimming.”

Treehouse pays for the swimming lessons through its Little Wishes program, which funds experiences every youth deserves and needs for social-emotional development.

Lori was concerned about Jenna getting a strong educational foundation, so she attends a Montessori school designed to help students become lifelong learners who are socially confident. Treehouse pays for the activity fees at the school, which allow her to participate in field trips and musicals.

During the recent stop at The Wearhouse, Lori grabbed some fun books to help Jenna keep up her reading skills.

“Over the years, we’ve learned what the kids need and what Treehouse can do to support the kids,” Lori said. “Treehouse is always there.”

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