Who We Are and What We Do
The Cape Cod Foster Closet was founded by Eastham-residents, Sharon and Andy Palmer in 2021, both of whom still serve on our Board of Directors. Ali Geroche joined the staff in September of 2025 and now leads the organization as Executive Director. Our operations are supported by a team of 40+ volunteers.
The Cape Cod Foster Closet is a program of Nurturing Foster Families, Inc., a registered 501(c)(3) organization, supporting foster, pre-adoptive, and kinship caregiver families by providing essential material goods for children in care. We provide necessary items such as clothing, underwear, shoes, baby equipment, and toiletries for children ages 0-19.
All items are provided free of charge to families on Cape Cod and the Islands. The majority of items we give out are donated by our generous community. We work with our local Department of Children and Families (DCF) office, as well as private agencies, who license foster, pre-adoptive and kinship caregiver families. We also support families who have guardianship or other custody of non-biological children but are not involved with an agency.
Our goal is to help fulfill the physical and emotional needs of foster families.
Where We Are Located
Orleans
We are located at 195 Route 6A, Orleans. We are open Monday, 2 pm to 4 pm, Tuesday, 9 am to 2 pm, Wednesday, 2 pm to 4 pm, and the first Saturday of each month from 10 to noon, or by appointment. Follow this link to a map of our location.
Falmouth
We are located at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Falmouth at 840 Sandwich Rd., East Falmouth (rear entrance). We are open Thursdays, 10 am to noon. Follow this link to a map of our location.
Foster Children: Physical Needs
Children frequently enter the foster care system with no belongings, or with a trash bag containing just a few clothing items. Babies often arrive with no diapers, bottles, or formula.
This presents a challenge for foster parents who need to provide necessary clothing and items, often on very short notice. Few families have the room to store these items for the wide range of ages of potential foster placements.
Along with these needed items, Cape Cod Foster Closet provides a new duffel bag or backpack for each child so that they never have to carry their belongings in a trash bag again.
Foster Children: Emotional Needs
Children are understandably upset at the huge change in their lives when they enter the foster care system through no fault of their own. The first few weeks of a new placement can be stressful as everyone tries to learn and adjust to new schedules and personalities.
The Cape Cod Foster Closet can ease this difficult time.
Ongoing resources are provided including support groups, mentoring, education, child care assistance and information about local activities for children and families.
About Us
Executive Director – Ali Geroche joined the Cape Cod Foster Closet’s staff in September of 2025. As a previous kinship caregiver, she understands the challenges and joys of fostering. Previously, Ali served as Program Manager at the Martha’s Vineyard Family Resource Center, developing programs for families with varying needs. She is pursuing her Master’s in Social Work through the Metropolitan State University of Denver and intends to use her to degree to support children involved with the child welfare system.
Founders – Sharon and Andy Palmer founded the Cape Cod Foster Closet in 2021. After years of fostering over 30 children, they decided they wanted to provide additional support to foster families, with the ultimate goals of improving the lives of children in foster care, encouraging families to continue fostering, and recruiting more families to consider becoming licensed foster parents.
Our Mission
Our mission is to support foster and caregiver families by providing clothing, basic necessities, helping hands and emotional support.
Our Vision
We envision a vibrant community of compassionate, like-minded individuals who desire to encourage, serve and nurture foster and caregiver families.
Our Newsletter
Please sign up for our quarterly newsletter to stay informed about what we’re doing, current needs, upcoming activities and more…
Our Goals
- Serve as an immediate resource for new placements who may be in need of appropriate clothing or other necessities such as diapers, formula, baby gear, etc.
- Provide ongoing resources including clothing and basic items, support groups, mentoring, education, childcare assistance and information about local activities for children and families.
- Encourage prospective foster parents to get licensed by providing information and individualized support.
How Cape Cod Foster Parents Can Get Help
Foster/caregiver parents can call Sharon at 508-514-7125 to request specific items or arrange an appointment to come and shop. We typically can provide the requested items within 24 hours.
Each child receiving items for the first time will also receive a duffel bag or backpack to transport items.
How You Can Help – Ways to Donate
We have lots of donation ideas for you, listed on our Donations page.
Monetary donations are accepted. Funds will be used to continue supporting foster families on the Cape and Islands. Follow this link to the Donate Now page.
Volunteer!
Local businesses can:
- Offer discounts or services to foster families
- Provide monetary or in-kind donations
- Host an event