The St. Joseph County United Way recently awarded a grant to St. Joseph County Child Protective Services for children removed from their homes due to the manufacturing of meth inside their homes.
Eighty, $25 gift cards to local retailers were provided to CPS to give foster-care families the funds they need to purchase pajamas, socks, underwear and basic necessities for children whose parents are arrested following police intervention.
Kelly Hostetler, executive director of the St. Joseph County United Way, said children removed from such situations are not allowed to take with them any personal belongings.
The gift cards provide the kids the extra support to be comfortable in their new surroundings, Hostetler said.
Ernesto Diaz, Child Protective Services supervisor, said the gift cards have a positive impact on the families and the communities served by the agency.