These true stories about children in foster care, blankets and blanket makers are evidence that "simple things" like blankets can make a big difference to the children who receive them -- and the adults who make them.
Note from a foster grandmother & Blanket Angel
I was so glad to learn about My Very Own Blanket and for the opportunity to make blankets for kiddos in foster care.
Today I saw firsthand the amazing blessing these blankets are to the kids who receive them. Two beautiful sisters (ages 7 months and almost 5 years) came into my daughter’s care as foster kids late Wednesday night. They each had a blanket.
Izzy, the 4 year old, got to pick an Elsa blanket and she LOVES it!! So, THANK YOU to all who invest your time and talents in such an amazing gift!!
Today I saw firsthand the amazing blessing these blankets are to the kids who receive them. Two beautiful sisters (ages 7 months and almost 5 years) came into my daughter’s care as foster kids late Wednesday night. They each had a blanket.
Izzy, the 4 year old, got to pick an Elsa blanket and she LOVES it!! So, THANK YOU to all who invest your time and talents in such an amazing gift!!
Youth aging out of foster care receive household essentials
and a colorful quilt
December 2024
Mary Ruth, Case Management Director for the Geauga County, Ohio, Juvenile Courts, sent us this wonderful note.
“The Geauga County Juvenile Courts implemented Launch Pad in 2015, a program to give every child over the age of 14 in foster care an opportunity for a path to success in life through vocational training, a 2 or 4 year college and/or military training. Some of these individuals have been in the system for most of their teen years.
The program also provides a laundry basket of very basic essentials, such as sheets and towels, to youth when they age out of foster care.
Everything in the basket can be very bland and colorless…until we started working with My Very Own Blanket and adding one of your blankets or quilts. These always add so much vibrant color, providing a sense that someone cared enough to create a little bit of pleasure in their life when they do not even know them!
MVOB offers every child who receives a blanket a special reminder that they are wrapped in the love and generosity of people who understand life can be very lonely for someone aging out of foster care.
Please accept a special thank you from our court on behalf of the children whose hearts are blessed by your blankets!"
Mary Ruth, Case Management Director for the Geauga County, Ohio, Juvenile Courts, sent us this wonderful note.
“The Geauga County Juvenile Courts implemented Launch Pad in 2015, a program to give every child over the age of 14 in foster care an opportunity for a path to success in life through vocational training, a 2 or 4 year college and/or military training. Some of these individuals have been in the system for most of their teen years.
The program also provides a laundry basket of very basic essentials, such as sheets and towels, to youth when they age out of foster care.
Everything in the basket can be very bland and colorless…until we started working with My Very Own Blanket and adding one of your blankets or quilts. These always add so much vibrant color, providing a sense that someone cared enough to create a little bit of pleasure in their life when they do not even know them!
MVOB offers every child who receives a blanket a special reminder that they are wrapped in the love and generosity of people who understand life can be very lonely for someone aging out of foster care.
Please accept a special thank you from our court on behalf of the children whose hearts are blessed by your blankets!"
A small but meaningful joy
November 2024
From Stefani at New Life Foster Family Agency in Glendora, California:
I would love to share the impact that MVOB has had on our organization. The children in our care truly cherish their blankets, and seeing the expressions of joy on their faces is priceless. Your support has brought them comfort and happiness, and we are so grateful for it.
All the blankets you’ve sent are absolutely beautiful, and the kids love exploring the different textures and getting to choose the one that suits them best. It’s a small but meaningful joy for them, and we truly appreciate it.
From Stefani at New Life Foster Family Agency in Glendora, California:
I would love to share the impact that MVOB has had on our organization. The children in our care truly cherish their blankets, and seeing the expressions of joy on their faces is priceless. Your support has brought them comfort and happiness, and we are so grateful for it.
All the blankets you’ve sent are absolutely beautiful, and the kids love exploring the different textures and getting to choose the one that suits them best. It’s a small but meaningful joy for them, and we truly appreciate it.
Lorain County Quilters: Overachievers!
June 2024
These Lorain County quilters had a goal to make a quilt for a child in foster care, but in true quilting fashion everyone made extras—30, in fact!
Donna, her friends and family—including her 92 year old mother—recently delivered 30 quilts to Lorain County Children’s Services.
The quilters, who hail from four states, have been gathering annually for over 20 years for 10 days of quilting, shopping and enjoying great food!
Thank you for your kindness and strong support!
These Lorain County quilters had a goal to make a quilt for a child in foster care, but in true quilting fashion everyone made extras—30, in fact!
Donna, her friends and family—including her 92 year old mother—recently delivered 30 quilts to Lorain County Children’s Services.
The quilters, who hail from four states, have been gathering annually for over 20 years for 10 days of quilting, shopping and enjoying great food!
Thank you for your kindness and strong support!
Girl Scout’s heartfelt project receives 60 blankets from MVOB
May 2024
My Very Own Blanket was honored to work with Constance of Troop 1717 in Minneola, Florida, on her Gold Award, the highest and most prestigious award in Girl Scouting!
Constance chose to create 60 bags for teens entering foster care, a project very close to her as she too was in the foster care system as a teen. She is working to fill the bags with a handmade blanket from MVOB providing love and comfort, along with hygiene items and fun things to do such as a puzzle book.
My Very Own Blanket is honored to have been given the opportunity to provide 60 finished blankets to support Constance’s very special project, and we applaud her focus on helping others!
My Very Own Blanket was honored to work with Constance of Troop 1717 in Minneola, Florida, on her Gold Award, the highest and most prestigious award in Girl Scouting!
Constance chose to create 60 bags for teens entering foster care, a project very close to her as she too was in the foster care system as a teen. She is working to fill the bags with a handmade blanket from MVOB providing love and comfort, along with hygiene items and fun things to do such as a puzzle book.
My Very Own Blanket is honored to have been given the opportunity to provide 60 finished blankets to support Constance’s very special project, and we applaud her focus on helping others!
Brothers receive grant, buy fabric & tags and make 14 blankets
May 2024
Story shared by Ashlee Eskelsen
Ethan, James, Levi, and Jacob are four brothers (ages 4-10) in Northeast Ohio who wanted to share blankets for children who didn't have permanent homes. The brothers applied for a grant from Senders Pediatrics and won $100 to purchase fabric and tags from My Very Own Blanket.
They called their project Fuzzy Fleece for Foster Friends. They went to the local fabric store and felt all the soft fleece, each picked out several prints that they liked best and watched as the fabric was cut and piled.
At home, the boys helped tie all the blankets. Mom helped with the cutting; Dad helped with sewing the tags. Everyone got to write at least one message for a friend. It was a family effort!
In total, 14 blankets will be donated to our local foster care agency. The boys showed their blankets and project at a local Kindness Fair on May 5. They also have one more blanket to tie--with friends at the Kindness Fair.
Ethan and James had big smiles as they helped make these blankets. Their messages of inspiration will help other children. They hope their foster friends like their new "fuzzy fleece" blankets!
Story shared by Ashlee Eskelsen
Ethan, James, Levi, and Jacob are four brothers (ages 4-10) in Northeast Ohio who wanted to share blankets for children who didn't have permanent homes. The brothers applied for a grant from Senders Pediatrics and won $100 to purchase fabric and tags from My Very Own Blanket.
They called their project Fuzzy Fleece for Foster Friends. They went to the local fabric store and felt all the soft fleece, each picked out several prints that they liked best and watched as the fabric was cut and piled.
At home, the boys helped tie all the blankets. Mom helped with the cutting; Dad helped with sewing the tags. Everyone got to write at least one message for a friend. It was a family effort!
In total, 14 blankets will be donated to our local foster care agency. The boys showed their blankets and project at a local Kindness Fair on May 5. They also have one more blanket to tie--with friends at the Kindness Fair.
Ethan and James had big smiles as they helped make these blankets. Their messages of inspiration will help other children. They hope their foster friends like their new "fuzzy fleece" blankets!
Blanket helps child heal after trauma
February 2024.
Linda is a volunteer at the Children's Advocacy Center (CAC) in Covina, California. The CAC receives donations of MVOB blankets. Linda shared the following story with us.
Photo caption: CAC waiting room with some of the blankets and toys available for clients.
"At the CAC, we conduct forensic interviews with children, teens, and adults with disabilities who have been physically, emotionally, or sexually abused. The typical story we hear from the clients we serve is that they are nervous and uncomfortable coming for an interview but always leave with a big smile on their faces, especially after receiving one of the blankets that have been generously donated to the CAC.
One 7-year-old girl named “Sarah” was a witness to domestic violence. A forensic interview was scheduled at the CAC. Sarah was a talkative and energetic little girl. Soon, she and I were playing with Play-Doh, and I was struck by her creativity. We made people and dogs, ice cream on cones, chocolate chip cookies and pepperoni pizza.
After I briefed Sarah’s mother on the interview process, the forensic interviewer arrived and played with Sarah for a few minutes before taking her to a different room to conduct the interview.
Before Sarah left the CAC, she was given an opportunity to pick out a blanket from our stack of donated blankets. She was thrilled with the blanket she picked out, held it up to her face and remarked how soft and cozy it was.
At a follow-up call with the mother, she shared with me that Sarah was thriving. She also told me that Sarah had dreaded going to the CAC for her forensic interview, but that she left smiling after picking out her blanket. Mom shared that Sarah loves her blanket, which is proudly displayed on her bed."
Linda is a volunteer at the Children's Advocacy Center (CAC) in Covina, California. The CAC receives donations of MVOB blankets. Linda shared the following story with us.
Photo caption: CAC waiting room with some of the blankets and toys available for clients.
"At the CAC, we conduct forensic interviews with children, teens, and adults with disabilities who have been physically, emotionally, or sexually abused. The typical story we hear from the clients we serve is that they are nervous and uncomfortable coming for an interview but always leave with a big smile on their faces, especially after receiving one of the blankets that have been generously donated to the CAC.
One 7-year-old girl named “Sarah” was a witness to domestic violence. A forensic interview was scheduled at the CAC. Sarah was a talkative and energetic little girl. Soon, she and I were playing with Play-Doh, and I was struck by her creativity. We made people and dogs, ice cream on cones, chocolate chip cookies and pepperoni pizza.
After I briefed Sarah’s mother on the interview process, the forensic interviewer arrived and played with Sarah for a few minutes before taking her to a different room to conduct the interview.
Before Sarah left the CAC, she was given an opportunity to pick out a blanket from our stack of donated blankets. She was thrilled with the blanket she picked out, held it up to her face and remarked how soft and cozy it was.
At a follow-up call with the mother, she shared with me that Sarah was thriving. She also told me that Sarah had dreaded going to the CAC for her forensic interview, but that she left smiling after picking out her blanket. Mom shared that Sarah loves her blanket, which is proudly displayed on her bed."
Thanksgiving Together for foster youth and alumni
Each year, FosterActionOhio hosts two early Thanksgiving dinners and an opportunity for family connections for current and former foster care teens and young adults in Ohio. FosterActionOhio is an organization of former foster youth working to improve outcomes after foster care.
MVOB participates in Thanksgiving Together by giving a handmade blanket to each young person who attends. In 2023, MVOB Director Jessica Rudolph created fabric Chosen Family Trees (shown above and below) with individual iron-on leaves that the youth could sign, creating a family tree that can be expanded each year.
These quotes from some of the dinners’ participants suggest how meaningful this gathering of chosen family can be:
• We might not have our families, but we have this family.
• This is the one time a year that I feel safe and secure and like I belong.
• You are worthy of love, not for your doing. You are worthy of love simply because of your being. (written on a leaf on the Chosen Family Tree)
We are blessed to be able to contribute to Thanksgiving Together dinners each year.
MVOB participates in Thanksgiving Together by giving a handmade blanket to each young person who attends. In 2023, MVOB Director Jessica Rudolph created fabric Chosen Family Trees (shown above and below) with individual iron-on leaves that the youth could sign, creating a family tree that can be expanded each year.
These quotes from some of the dinners’ participants suggest how meaningful this gathering of chosen family can be:
• We might not have our families, but we have this family.
• This is the one time a year that I feel safe and secure and like I belong.
• You are worthy of love, not for your doing. You are worthy of love simply because of your being. (written on a leaf on the Chosen Family Tree)
We are blessed to be able to contribute to Thanksgiving Together dinners each year.
The value of a blanket. A foster Mom's story.
Update: See photos from blanket-making event held by Diane's family and friends.
Diane and her husband have been foster parents for 11 years. She told us, “God has given us this passion and we are all in!” In addition to providing a home for many boys, they have led support groups for foster parents and classes on how to become a foster parent. Diane’s real estate business gives 4% of their income to help foster kids find a home.
Their boys have received our blankets, and this experienced foster Mom explains how much a simple blanket can mean to a child and to a family.
Thank you for your mission! It is so refreshing as a foster/adopt mom to know that a whole organization exists to bring foster kids comfort and, by doing so, help the foster family.
We've been foster/adopt parents for 11 years. We've had 9 boys live with us: 5 teens, 2 babies and 2 in between. We've now adopted 4 of them! We've had dozens more come for respite.
Most of our older children came to us with very little. Some came from (and unfortunately have returned to) the corrections system. One came to us in the middle of the night with just the clothes on his back. Those first few nights are very challenging. I can't imagine all they've been through in their very few years of life.
Some of my teen boys treasured their "very own blanket" and carried it around with them (almost like a toddler does with their security blanket). One for sure still has his 10 years later! Having a comfort, something that belongs to just them, that they get to keep no matter where they go, something with their name on it, is so special.
Providing a blanket to a child entering foster care is just one way to make a big impact! MVOB is also a great way for the community to hear about these children that are sometimes forgotten. It gives people a tangible way to help. It means so much to me that you exist!
Diane and her husband have been foster parents for 11 years. She told us, “God has given us this passion and we are all in!” In addition to providing a home for many boys, they have led support groups for foster parents and classes on how to become a foster parent. Diane’s real estate business gives 4% of their income to help foster kids find a home.
Their boys have received our blankets, and this experienced foster Mom explains how much a simple blanket can mean to a child and to a family.
Thank you for your mission! It is so refreshing as a foster/adopt mom to know that a whole organization exists to bring foster kids comfort and, by doing so, help the foster family.
We've been foster/adopt parents for 11 years. We've had 9 boys live with us: 5 teens, 2 babies and 2 in between. We've now adopted 4 of them! We've had dozens more come for respite.
Most of our older children came to us with very little. Some came from (and unfortunately have returned to) the corrections system. One came to us in the middle of the night with just the clothes on his back. Those first few nights are very challenging. I can't imagine all they've been through in their very few years of life.
Some of my teen boys treasured their "very own blanket" and carried it around with them (almost like a toddler does with their security blanket). One for sure still has his 10 years later! Having a comfort, something that belongs to just them, that they get to keep no matter where they go, something with their name on it, is so special.
Providing a blanket to a child entering foster care is just one way to make a big impact! MVOB is also a great way for the community to hear about these children that are sometimes forgotten. It gives people a tangible way to help. It means so much to me that you exist!
In the photos below, Diane, with her adopted sons and a small group from Vineyard Church, made blankets in our workshop at an event in October, helping us bring love to 15 more children living in foster care.
Ariel's blanket
If you ever wonder how a blanket can make a difference in a child's life, please take a moment to read this kind note from Ariel's foster parents.
Ariel, our foster daughter, received an MVOB blanket recently; it was made by Monica. It was purple, Ariel’s favorite color. She takes it everywhere – doctor appointments, ride in the car, and to her foster Nana’s house.
We just wanted to say, “Thank you so much.” Your blanket means so much to a young girl who had nothing to call her own. She is so proud of the name tag. She shows it to everyone. Thanks for all that you do! We appreciate your kindness!
Mark & Susan, Foster Parents - Louisville, Kentucky
If you ever wonder how a blanket can make a difference in a child's life, please take a moment to read this kind note from Ariel's foster parents.
Ariel, our foster daughter, received an MVOB blanket recently; it was made by Monica. It was purple, Ariel’s favorite color. She takes it everywhere – doctor appointments, ride in the car, and to her foster Nana’s house.
We just wanted to say, “Thank you so much.” Your blanket means so much to a young girl who had nothing to call her own. She is so proud of the name tag. She shows it to everyone. Thanks for all that you do! We appreciate your kindness!
Mark & Susan, Foster Parents - Louisville, Kentucky
Connecting through a blue blanket
|
A five-year-old boy in Alabama received one of our blankets on a traumatic day when he desperately needed some comfort. We want to share his story as told by Valencia, the Program Manager with the Office of Foster Care for the State of Alabama, in a virtual conversation with Jessica Rudolph.
At left is the photo that Valencia sent us, taken on the day the blanket was given. See and hear a recording of that remarkable conversation, held via Zoom. Enter passcode OyG8uAX= when requested. |
"This one thing" will make a difference
June 2022
We received this email from a JustServe volunteer who told us about her family's experience with the foster care system and the difference a blanket can make.
Thank you so very much for creating this opportunity to help children in the foster care system.
I was so moved when I read about your organization on the JustServe.org website and what you do for these precious children.
Close family members were recently involved in taking 2 children into their home through the Dept. of Child Protective Services. I saw firsthand the upheaval this caused in those children's lives.
Even though they were placed in the safest and most caring environment, in an instant their familiar foundation was stripped away. Having something to hold on to, that is theirs to keep no matter what the future holds, is so crucially important.
I, along with the others helping, are privileged to be able to do this one thing that will bring comfort during such a trying time in these children's lives.
Ann K.
We received this email from a JustServe volunteer who told us about her family's experience with the foster care system and the difference a blanket can make.
Thank you so very much for creating this opportunity to help children in the foster care system.
I was so moved when I read about your organization on the JustServe.org website and what you do for these precious children.
Close family members were recently involved in taking 2 children into their home through the Dept. of Child Protective Services. I saw firsthand the upheaval this caused in those children's lives.
Even though they were placed in the safest and most caring environment, in an instant their familiar foundation was stripped away. Having something to hold on to, that is theirs to keep no matter what the future holds, is so crucially important.
I, along with the others helping, are privileged to be able to do this one thing that will bring comfort during such a trying time in these children's lives.
Ann K.
Marika's Adoption Story -- 23 Years Later
Our Blanket Angel Marika shared with us the story of her adoption and its lasting effect on her.
I don't remember my parents ever sitting me down one night and telling me I was adopted. It has been a part of my identity since before I could remember. I was adopted from an orphanage in Eger, Hungary, when I was two and a half. It was a closed adoption. Read more
Our Blanket Angel Marika shared with us the story of her adoption and its lasting effect on her.
I don't remember my parents ever sitting me down one night and telling me I was adopted. It has been a part of my identity since before I could remember. I was adopted from an orphanage in Eger, Hungary, when I was two and a half. It was a closed adoption. Read more
"Sometimes people underestimate the work they do."
May 2022
We received this email from Mary Ruth, the Director of CASA for Kids of Geauga County, Ohio. Court Appointed Special Advocate® (CASA) and guardian ad litem (GAL) volunteers are appointed by judges to advocate for children’s best interests.
Thank you for the support you have given our program in the past. Sometimes people underestimate the work they do. I believe this to be true with your blanket makers. These are a few examples of how the blankets have been received for our children.
We use them in our DEAR Program: Drop everything and read. The blanket and a book arrive with a CASA/GAL who needs to build a relationship with the child. These are children often frightened, feeling lost, alone and unwanted. One family in particular had 5 children who were voracious readers living with tremendous mental health and physical challenges from both parents. I would come to visit and find the children wrapped in their very own blanket curled up reading a book and escaping for a short time to another more pleasant world. These blankets truly offer a sense of comfort.
We also add a blanket to the Launchpad basket we provide for a child aging out of care as they move on to college. The knowledge that someone took the time to care means a lot to these kids. They are the teenagers, the ones no one wanted. In their minds we just don’t understand.
Thanks so much for the continued support.
Mary Ruth
May 2022
We received this email from Mary Ruth, the Director of CASA for Kids of Geauga County, Ohio. Court Appointed Special Advocate® (CASA) and guardian ad litem (GAL) volunteers are appointed by judges to advocate for children’s best interests.
Thank you for the support you have given our program in the past. Sometimes people underestimate the work they do. I believe this to be true with your blanket makers. These are a few examples of how the blankets have been received for our children.
We use them in our DEAR Program: Drop everything and read. The blanket and a book arrive with a CASA/GAL who needs to build a relationship with the child. These are children often frightened, feeling lost, alone and unwanted. One family in particular had 5 children who were voracious readers living with tremendous mental health and physical challenges from both parents. I would come to visit and find the children wrapped in their very own blanket curled up reading a book and escaping for a short time to another more pleasant world. These blankets truly offer a sense of comfort.
We also add a blanket to the Launchpad basket we provide for a child aging out of care as they move on to college. The knowledge that someone took the time to care means a lot to these kids. They are the teenagers, the ones no one wanted. In their minds we just don’t understand.
Thanks so much for the continued support.
Mary Ruth
Her husband's experience in foster care inspires Blanket Angel
April 2022
Many of our volunteers or their family members have a connection with the foster care system, sometimes even with a special blanket! Vanessa (shown making an MVOB blanket at right) sent us this story about her husband as a boy and his blanket.
My husband grew up in a terrible environment and always had his “blue blankie” to rely on when he was small. He wasn’t allowed pillows or sheets. He was disowned when he was 12 and sent to live with a Catholic family who treated him well, but he always had his blankie.
He started cutting tobacco when he was 14, saved up everything he earned to buy a car, but always had his blankie. He is now an IT director of a large realty firm; he made it on his own.
I learned about your charity from Bank of America. I feel that it is a great cause and never realized how much comfort it brings children to have something of their own to rely on. We have made 4 blankets with more to go. We will keep blanketing.
Vanessa
April 2022
Many of our volunteers or their family members have a connection with the foster care system, sometimes even with a special blanket! Vanessa (shown making an MVOB blanket at right) sent us this story about her husband as a boy and his blanket.
My husband grew up in a terrible environment and always had his “blue blankie” to rely on when he was small. He wasn’t allowed pillows or sheets. He was disowned when he was 12 and sent to live with a Catholic family who treated him well, but he always had his blankie.
He started cutting tobacco when he was 14, saved up everything he earned to buy a car, but always had his blankie. He is now an IT director of a large realty firm; he made it on his own.
I learned about your charity from Bank of America. I feel that it is a great cause and never realized how much comfort it brings children to have something of their own to rely on. We have made 4 blankets with more to go. We will keep blanketing.
Vanessa
Why I'm helping MVOB reach their 2022 goal of 30,000 blankets
March 2022
While scrolling through Facebook, I saw a post from my niece, Jessica. She had shared a link to My Very Own Blanket. I went to the website and read all about this valuable organization that provides blankets to children in foster care. This touched my heart as I have a niece and nephew who my brother adopted after fostering them.
I love doing crafts, and the no-sew fleece blankets are so quick and easy that I set a goal of submitting 100 blankets in 2022! I created my own Facebook post and offered to make the blankets for anyone who will donate the cost of the blanket that I get from My Very Own Blanket.
Each person that reaches out will receive a picture of the completed blanket and I'll include how many blankets have been submitted. I just submitted my first two blankets in honor of Nathaniel and Haley, and their blankets were number 1,875 and 1,876 towards the organization's 2022 goal of 30,000.
I've already picked up four more blankets in honor of my four grandchildren. Then I'm thinking about submitting some for my two daughters and my parents. Please join me in putting a smile on a child's face by making them something they can hold onto when their life has been turned upside down.
March 2022
While scrolling through Facebook, I saw a post from my niece, Jessica. She had shared a link to My Very Own Blanket. I went to the website and read all about this valuable organization that provides blankets to children in foster care. This touched my heart as I have a niece and nephew who my brother adopted after fostering them.
I love doing crafts, and the no-sew fleece blankets are so quick and easy that I set a goal of submitting 100 blankets in 2022! I created my own Facebook post and offered to make the blankets for anyone who will donate the cost of the blanket that I get from My Very Own Blanket.
Each person that reaches out will receive a picture of the completed blanket and I'll include how many blankets have been submitted. I just submitted my first two blankets in honor of Nathaniel and Haley, and their blankets were number 1,875 and 1,876 towards the organization's 2022 goal of 30,000.
I've already picked up four more blankets in honor of my four grandchildren. Then I'm thinking about submitting some for my two daughters and my parents. Please join me in putting a smile on a child's face by making them something they can hold onto when their life has been turned upside down.
A simple thing means so much
A message we received from Whitney, a foster care case manager in Illinois, January 2022
Hello! I just wanted to send you a message and say that you can add 32 blankets to your number for the year. I am a foster care case manager, and recently my congregation made 32 blankets during a blanket making activity for your organization.
I have already given 3 of them out to very thankful kiddos! One of those is a 6 month old little boy. Every week when I pick him up to visit mom he has his blanket with him!
I didn’t realize how much such a simple thing meant until I started working in the foster care world. I am so thankful to have found your organization so the ladies at my church could help make these for the new kids on my caseload.
Whitney…Johnson City, IL
A message we received from Whitney, a foster care case manager in Illinois, January 2022
Hello! I just wanted to send you a message and say that you can add 32 blankets to your number for the year. I am a foster care case manager, and recently my congregation made 32 blankets during a blanket making activity for your organization.
I have already given 3 of them out to very thankful kiddos! One of those is a 6 month old little boy. Every week when I pick him up to visit mom he has his blanket with him!
I didn’t realize how much such a simple thing meant until I started working in the foster care world. I am so thankful to have found your organization so the ladies at my church could help make these for the new kids on my caseload.
Whitney…Johnson City, IL
A caseworker's story
A pink & purple blanket made a big difference in the life of a small girl.
It was a cold day in February 2016.
Our agency was working with a single mother who had a poorly-supervised 3-year-old daughter. The little girl was very curious about her surroundings and didn't know a stranger, as her mother often left her with just about anyone who would watch her so she could party, work or hang out with friends. The little girl felt comfortable exploring her surroundings and often did this.
One cold February morning the agency got a call from law enforcement that the little girl had been found wandering in the road near a gas station. She was dressed in only a t-shirt and underwear. She was hungry, as she had not eaten in a long time.
When law enforcement officers found her, she said that she was looking for her mother. The little girl had been left with strangers for a few days and she missed her mother, so she went looking for her. When the people she was staying with lay down for a morning nap, the little girl left the home in search of her mother. Law enforcement stated that when they found her, she was cold and afraid.
Our agency was working with a single mother who had a poorly-supervised 3-year-old daughter. The little girl was very curious about her surroundings and didn't know a stranger, as her mother often left her with just about anyone who would watch her so she could party, work or hang out with friends. The little girl felt comfortable exploring her surroundings and often did this.
One cold February morning the agency got a call from law enforcement that the little girl had been found wandering in the road near a gas station. She was dressed in only a t-shirt and underwear. She was hungry, as she had not eaten in a long time.
When law enforcement officers found her, she said that she was looking for her mother. The little girl had been left with strangers for a few days and she missed her mother, so she went looking for her. When the people she was staying with lay down for a morning nap, the little girl left the home in search of her mother. Law enforcement stated that when they found her, she was cold and afraid.
The caseworker who responded to the call grabbed a "My Very Own Blanket.” The blanket was pink and purple and had flowers on it. The law enforcement officer wrapped her up in all they could find to cover her, a scratchy wool cloth. The child’s eyes lit up when she saw the brightly colored, soft, pink and purple blanket. Our caseworker wrapped that blanket around her and the fear left her eyes. The little girl was taken into agency custody, and she carried her blanket around with her the entire day until she was placed in a foster home.
The little girl is still in our agency care, and her foster mother reports that she sleeps with this blanket on her bed every night. When the little girl comes into the office to visit her mother, she will often walk by the office of the caseworker who removed her. She will often say "Hi" and then say "you gave me my blanket."
Our agency sends great thanks to My Very Own Blanket and the many Blanket Angel volunteers for their donation of blankets, as they DO bring comfort to many of the children we work with.
~ Denise
Children's Services
Auglaize County, Ohio
The little girl is still in our agency care, and her foster mother reports that she sleeps with this blanket on her bed every night. When the little girl comes into the office to visit her mother, she will often walk by the office of the caseworker who removed her. She will often say "Hi" and then say "you gave me my blanket."
Our agency sends great thanks to My Very Own Blanket and the many Blanket Angel volunteers for their donation of blankets, as they DO bring comfort to many of the children we work with.
~ Denise
Children's Services
Auglaize County, Ohio
What a blanket can mean
Jessica talks to Shea, a former foster child, about the blanket she received at age 2 and what it meant to her.
Only a hairbrush -- until she had a blanket
May 2021
Kathie, a new MVOB volunteer, told us how she heard about My Very Own Blanket.
"Taylor was a child in my fifth grade class. She brought in a very special blanket to show me that she received one night.
She said the sheriff came at midnight to get her and her mother out of their apartment. Her mother said, 'Grab your hairbrush.' The brush was all she had until the sheriff gave her a blanket. It was from My Very Own Blanket.
Taylor was so touched that a stranger made this for her. I could tell that it was well loved and used every night. What a treasure for a scared little girl! Thank you for all you do to help children in care feel loved! "
Kathie, a new MVOB volunteer, told us how she heard about My Very Own Blanket.
"Taylor was a child in my fifth grade class. She brought in a very special blanket to show me that she received one night.
She said the sheriff came at midnight to get her and her mother out of their apartment. Her mother said, 'Grab your hairbrush.' The brush was all she had until the sheriff gave her a blanket. It was from My Very Own Blanket.
Taylor was so touched that a stranger made this for her. I could tell that it was well loved and used every night. What a treasure for a scared little girl! Thank you for all you do to help children in care feel loved! "
Inside the men’s prison Blanket Workshop with MVOB
(for privacy purposes to the victims’ families the faces of the gentlemen have been covered).
I work with approximately 9 men at the Pickaway Correctional Institution. The "blanket workshop" is located in the Community Service Building and is equipped with our sewing machines and related tools. (Men understand “tools” better than scissors, etc.)
These men work here 5 days a week. The skill levels vary but I am impressed with the improvement and eagerness to learn. Each and every one has a special talent; be it design, construction or color. They are so proud of their projects and talk about their younger years and how they want to help these kids today.
It is a productive and healing way for these men to have this opportunity, “giving back” to a system in which 80% of inmates have been touched by the foster care system.
Thank you for supporting My Very Own Blanket and this uplifting opportunity that touches so many lives!
Please contact us at [email protected] or 614-530-3327 for more information!
These men work here 5 days a week. The skill levels vary but I am impressed with the improvement and eagerness to learn. Each and every one has a special talent; be it design, construction or color. They are so proud of their projects and talk about their younger years and how they want to help these kids today.
It is a productive and healing way for these men to have this opportunity, “giving back” to a system in which 80% of inmates have been touched by the foster care system.
Thank you for supporting My Very Own Blanket and this uplifting opportunity that touches so many lives!
Please contact us at [email protected] or 614-530-3327 for more information!
MVOB on NBC4 News
My Very Own Blanket produces more than expected
We were thrilled to be featured on NBC4 Columbus news in March 2021!
The story highlights the work of three of our faithful Blanket Angels. Two of them, twin sisters Lauri and Linda, are shown at left.
Read it here.
The story highlights the work of three of our faithful Blanket Angels. Two of them, twin sisters Lauri and Linda, are shown at left.
Read it here.
Letter from a former foster child
We received this letter from Chris, a former foster child, whose experience motivated them to make a blanket for another child in foster care.
Foster care alum gives back to MVOB
Nikki, a foster care alum, gives back by making and donating MVOB's first blanket of 2019.
HoursMonday - Friday: 9 am - Noon
Closed Saturday and Sunday |
Address |
Telephone |
|
My Very Own Blanket is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Tax ID 90-0198206 MVOB Privacy Policy
Thank you for your donation to support MVOB's mission to provide handmade blankets to children in foster care and children in need.
No goods or services are provided in exchange for contributions to My Very Own Blanket.
Thank you for your donation to support MVOB's mission to provide handmade blankets to children in foster care and children in need.
No goods or services are provided in exchange for contributions to My Very Own Blanket.
