Once foster children turn the age of 18, they are no longer in the foster care system in the custody of the state of Ohio — they “age out.” There is no more funding for daily support. A small number go to live with a birth parent. For many others, however, it’s a matter of living on their own, perhaps in public housing, with few possessions.
That’s where Fill This House steps in. The organization, founded seven years ago by Elizabeth Tippit and Mary McHugh, provides about $650 in household items necessary for the young adults to live: dishes, blankets, pillows, towels, sheets, pots and pans, and other items.
The message resonates
“Once you hear about what we do, it is hard to not care about these young people,” says Laura Geuther, executive director. “I think they are a group that has sort of been forgotten.”
The household items provided to those starting out are all new.
“They have had few items that they can call their own, and very few items in their lifetime that have been brand new,” Geuther says. “This is the message we really try to convey to them: ‘These were picked for you, and you are worth it. We want you to know that we think you are worthy, and you deserve to have new as well.’
“Some groups in town have made fleece-tie blankets for the kids, and they’re so soft and big and warm. We usually tell them someone has handmade something for them. They say, ‘Wow, this is amazing that someone actually wanted to make me something.’”
Geuther says anywhere from 200 to 300 youth “age out” each year in Cuyahoga County, the target area for Fill This House. Last year, the organization served 99 youths, compared to 65 in 2013. Geuther attributes that increase into stepped-up efforts to find aged-out foster children.
“We have really taken off the last two years, and I think it’s because I’ve really gotten out there and made personal contact with a lot of the agencies in Cuyahoga County that have some sort of involvement in the kids’ lives,” she says.
The organization verifies that each applicant has had a history in the foster care system. Most times the foster care caseworker can assist in this, but other times it takes a bit of detective work.
Geuther took over in 2012 as the organization was about to close because the work was overwhelming the small group overseeing the effort. She was able to enlist more volunteers and obtained funding and donations.
Financial donors needed
A faith-based organization, Fill This House is supported by churches and social organizations as well as a variety of businesses. One business donates warehouse space in Avon where the supplies are stored.
The program’s greatest need is for financial donations, although donations of new items are welcome as well, Geuther says. Furniture is not accepted because the organization does not have the resources to store and deliver it.
Geuther says she doesn’t have to convince donors or volunteers to help with the effort.
“I don’t think I’ve ever had to sell the actual need that the youths really do deserve this,” she says. “I think sometimes people in our society just take and take. A lot of times they feel they are entitled to things, but of all the people who may be entitled to our help, it’s these kids.
“They really haven’t had a chance to establish themselves and do for themselves yet, not by any of their own doing. It’s by their circumstances, by the people they have been with. That explanation really resonates with most people we talk to.”
While the program may be young, there are many success stories — and the definition of success is not what might usually be the case.
“To us, success would be that we helped them stay in their apartment, and maintain their life as it was when we assisted them,” Geuther says. “Typically what we have seen is that they have been transitioning and changing so frequently that they can’t afford to stay in a place, they can’t afford their phone bill, and then they are homeless for a while and lose all their possessions. Then they move into a new place and try to start all over again.
“But I think success would be that they were able to stay consistent, to stay in school, to stay in their apartment and not end up homeless.”
Fill This House donates these household items
- bowls
- brownie pan
- casserole dishes
- colander
- cookie sheet
- cutting board
- dishes (for four people)
- dish drainer
- fan (seasonal)
- garbage bags (tall)
- garbage can (tall)
- George Forman grill
- glasses (for four people)
- hot pad and mitt
- kitchen towels
- kitchen utensil set
- knives
- microwave
- pot & pan
- silverware (for four people)
- storage containers
- toaster
- blanket (full or queen)
- comforter (full or queen)
- mattress pad (full or queen)
- pillow
- sheet sets (full or queen)
- bar soap
- first aid kit
- tooth brush
- tooth paste
- umbrella (seasonal)
- bath mat
- bath rug
- bath towels (2)
- hand towels (2)
- shower curtain
- shower curtain liner
- shower curtain rings
- wash cloths (2)
- wastebasket (small)
- broom
- bucket
- dish soap
- dust pan
- hangers
- iron
- ironing board
- laundry basket
- laundry detergent
- mop
- toilet plunger
Gift bag:
- Bible
- cook book
- flier/resource sheet
- framed scripture passage
- set of inspirational cards
