Family Concepts needs help

The Daily Inter Lake

With an explosion in the number of families separated by methamphetamine addictions, Family Concepts has developed a wish list of items they need from the community to help the children involved.

At the top of the list are more foster parents to take in children of all ages, including newborn babies, while their parents try to recover from addictions to meth, other drugs, alcohol and other problems.

Berni McDonald, a founder of Family Concepts, has taken in about 65 children since she began foster parenting in 1993. Although the $450 a month doesn't cover expenses, she said the rewards come in other forms.

"It's a job of the heart," she said.

Karen Dean, coordinator of family group-decision making, said she believes empty nesters or stay-at-home moms with time on their hands would make excellent foster families.

"There's a huge need for foster parents," she said.

Next on the wish list, Family Concepts needs a larger house to meet a growing demand for the supervised visits that keep birth parents connected with their children in foster care.

They would also appreciate donations of household goods and toys including:

. Board games, decks of cards, children's books, balls, outdoor toys, a sandbox, tricycles.

. Construction paper, scissors, markers, crayons, Play Dough, sidewalk chalk.

. CD players, book cases, picnic table.

. A stackable washer/dryer, changing table sheets.

. Nonperishable food items.

Donors may drop off items at the house at 1070 N. Meridian Road or call 257-4040 for a staff person to pick up the donation.