Today we’d like to introduce you to Larry and Eileen Giordano.
Larry grew up as a foster child in Everett, MA. He was one of the lucky ones who lived in the same foster home for 17 years. He then went into the Air Force. On his return home, he was welcomed back to that same foster home. In a few months, Larry met Eileen and they were married a year later. In 2005, they decided it was time to give back to the system that he grew up. So they invited some friends and family to sit around their kitchen table to discuss what could be done to support the foster care system in the Lawrence. That was the beginning of Foster Kids of the Merrimack Valley.
Foster Kids of Merrimack Valley (FKMV) is an organization dedicated to serving the needs of foster children in the Merrimack Valley including the communities of Lawrence, Methuen, Andover, North Andover and Haverhill. Hundreds of foster children are living in their local area and they need role models who can make a difference in their lives. FKMV’s goal is to bring a positive influence into the lives of these children and support them as they grow. To that end, FKMV offers a range of programs for local foster children, age’s 0-22.These children come from different races and ethnicities and a wide range of income levels. FKMV works closely with the state Department of Children and Families to make sure programs are complementary and needed, and do not overlap with state and federally funded programs. Foster Kids of the Merrimack Valley has grown significantly since it was established in 2005, when the organization provided 75 children with Christmas gifts. The following year, FKMV helped more than 250 children experience a truly giving Christmas; each child received their own personal bag of gifts. In 2008 FKMV received official non-profit 501(c) 3 certification, and now has the dedication and passion of a voluntary Board of Directors. Today, FKMV is a professional organization in process of developing structured programs that will truly assist foster children shape and change their futures.
Their Programs include: Annual Christmas party, Pack It Up Program where children of all ages receive duffle bags to move from house to house with dignity (instead of trash bags) back packs filled with school supplies so foster kids can begin school with proper equipment to be more successful and to be like all the other kids… Helene Giordano Memorial Scholarship Program and a Financial Aide Program to assist with unexpected needs.
Foster Kids of Merrimack Valley founder Larry Giordano, a foster child himself, was fortunate to have the experience of finding a long-term, stable foster family to live with, in his youth. This family helped him recognize the value of community support in shaping the lives of foster children and promoting growth and success. This led him and his wife Eileen to found Foster Kids of the Merrimack Valley. The organization envisions a time when children aging-out of foster care can transition into independent living successfully and establish themselves as positive contributing members of society. Foster children age out of the state-funded foster care system at the age of 18. Many of these youth, a result of unstable life experiences & lack of necessary supports, are overwhelmed by the responsibilities of adulthood. Consequently, they face a greater likelihood of becoming homeless, unemployed or incarcerated, needing public assistance, experiencing mental illness and/or becoming victims of violent crimes (MSPCC, 2005). Absence of appropriate, regular & stable ongoing support widely contributes to this problem. FKMV is actively gathering information and engaging community partners to establish Transitional Housing in the Greater Lawrence/Haverhill areas to ensure aging out youth have a safe and nurturing environment they can depend upon while they actively prepare themselves for independent living arrangements. This model will include social service and life skills training as well as job seeking supports.
Larry continues to lead the organization with energy and big heart. Eileen is mostly involved with the planning of events such as the Wrapping party and Christmas Party, various community events and fundraising events to support the meriad of financial requests that come their way. The board established the Helene Giordano Memorial Scholarship Program to support foster kids heading for higher education. Most people don’t know that only 3% of all foster kids in this country actually graduate from higher education!!
The most pressing identified need for foster kids is actually for the aging out population – those young men and women who are turning 18 who move from foster home to independent living. Some of these young adults choose to stay connected to the State Foster System until they turn 22. All of them must meet certain benchmarks of continuing their education, have a job or both.
Many of these young adults leave foster care at 18 and are anxious to be done with the system. Many have had negative experiences in foster homes or group homes and are looking for autonomy over their lives, however, most of these young people leaving long term foster care have lacked the connectivity to thrive on their own.
FKMV’s next step is to build “Helene’s House” an 8 bedroom home in the Merrimack Valley for use as a transitional residence for young men. Helene’s House will provide residence and programming for up to 7 young men ages 18-22. FKMV currently working with community partners and local municipalities to identify or build Helene’s House where these young people can gain the confidence and skills they need to enter the adult world more successfully.
Has it been a smooth road?
After meeting with the DCF workers and listening to their needs, FKMV thought we would begin a mentoring program for identified kids in the system who would benefit from having a person in their lives to be their mentor – someone other than a social worker who would be one on one with them on a regular basis. To ensure a professional program, FKMV hired our first and only paid employee to manage the program. It took a year or so to have the program up and running – but, within a short time, we all agreed that the foster kids were doing better with a newly established state paid therapeutic mentoring program where they were being counselled as well as mentored. So many of the kids in foster care have multiple needs and require specialized care. As a result, this mentoring program was discontinued so we could put our energy into other projects on behalf of our kids.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Foster Kids of the Merrimack Valley is completely volunteer run. In the past several years, we have been honored to receive several community awards for our support of the foster kids in our area. Michael B. Christiansen Community & Family Support Center’s – 5th Annual Children’s Champion Award, Book of Golden Deeds Award from the Methuen Exchange Club. Recognition from the Massachusetts Legislators and Governor for services offered to our foster kids. Small Non-Profit of the Year by the Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce to mention a few.
We also enjoy partnering with numerous corporations, small businesses and individuals who have come forward to join us in this mission of service to a vulnerable population who, through no fault of their own are out of their own homes and being cared for by the state.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Every city and town needs to support our kids!! Boston or Merrimack Valley – foster kids deserve our support and attention. We are so proud of our family, friends and neighbors who have stepped up to join in improving the lives of these children finding themselves living away from their own homes.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.fosterkidsmv.org
- Phone: 978-771-2150
- Email: giordanoeileen@gmail.com
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