Where are you located?
Our main store is located at 195 Route 6A, Orleans. We also have a Satellite Store in East Falmouth inside the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (840 Sandwich Road).
Where do you get your donations from?
We accept donations of new and nearly new items from the local Cape Cod community.
How do I let you know what I need?
- Shop during our open hours, no appointment needed
- Place a request through our online Assistance Request Form
- Call/Text 508-514-7125 with questions or to request in-person shopping outside of store hours
Do you have a support group I could join?
Visit our Facebook page, then click on the “Groups” tab. That will take you to our private Facebook group for foster, pre-adoptive, and kinship families.
You’ll see our private group listed; click on “Join group.”
You will be asked to answer three questions to verify that you are a foster parent. Our hope is that this group will become a place that foster parents can get to know and support each other.
We also have plans for much more support for families in the future. We are focusing right now on the Foster Closet, but rest assured that we have many more exciting ideas in store for you!
I’d love to find other foster parents to talk to – how can I do this?
Join our Facebook group (see above), attend one of our free Family Fun events, or contact us to let us know where you are located so we can introduce you to other families.
If one of my foster children leaves, can they take the clothes and items with them or do you want the items back?
Yes! We definitely want the children to take all of the items with them if they are re-unifying or moving to another foster family. The first time a foster child receives items from the Closet, he or she will receive a duffel bag or backpack that will be theirs to follow them wherever they go.
Can I re-donate items once my child grows out of a size?
We would love that! As long as the items are still in great condition with no stains or tears, we will take them back as donations and provide you with new items.
What types of items are available?
We accept clothing for ages preemie through 18.Â
We also accept donations of anything that you might need to raise a child, including infant swings, vibrating seats, pack-n-plays, bathtubs, high chairs, toys, books, bottles, pacifiers and sippy cups (new), blankets and quilts for all ages. If there is something you need that is not mentioned, please contact us. If we don’t have it, we will try to obtain it. We do our best to to fulfill all requests.
Do you have furniture like cribs or toddler beds? How about car seats?
Yes, we do! Contact us to let us know what you need.
Do you deliver?
Yes, we can deliver to any location on Cape Cod, as well as to pre-determined locations on Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket. Off-Cape families, please contact us to request delivery. We will do our best to meet you at a reasonable half-way point.
A new placement just arrived and it’s after 5:00 and they don’t have any clothes. Do you have an emergency phone number I can call?
Please speak with the DCF social worker. We provide social workers with 24/7 access to our stores for emergency placements. If you can wait until the next morning, please fill out an assistance request form and call/text 508-514-7125 and we will do our best to get you the items urgently.
My neighbors have custody of their grandchildren but they don’t have a social worker. Can they request items from the Foster Closet?
Yes! We know that there are many families in this situation and we want to help. Ask them to contact us via phone or email so that we can discuss their needs.
Are you affiliated with any agencies, organizations, or churches?
We work with many partner organizations in our region, including foster care agencies on the Cape and Islands, including DCF, Hopewell, Mentor, BoysTown, and JRI, as well partner organizations who support a similar population. Many local businesses, churches, and civic groups support our work.
Our nonprofit – Nurturing Foster Families, Inc.- is registered in the state of Massachusetts as a 501(c)(3) organization.
Can my friends or family donate to you?
Yes! We accept donations of new or nearly new items that can be dropped off during our open hours.
An easy way to help is to order from our Amazon wish list.
The Amazon page has specific items that can be ordered and they will be delivered directly to our address.
How often can I request items?
We recommend twice a year, but we also realize that young children grow quickly and may need items more often. Please contact us if you require items more often.
Do you offer other types of support to foster/kinship caregivers?
We will work alongside you to connect you with helpful resources. We developed a Resource List for foster/kinship caregivers, and we can meet with you one-on-one to discuss your needs.
We also offer a series of free Family Fun Events throughout the year to bring families together. Invitations are sent via email and posted on our private Caregivers Facebook Group.
Our foster child is almost 18 and will be leaving soon. Can you help him as he gets set up to live on his own?
We are happy to help at this important time by providing necessary items. Contact us by phone or email so that we can determine exactly what is needed.
What are some other resources for caregiver families on Cape Cod and the Islands?
Please see our page dedicated to Resources for Foster Parents