New Store to Benefit Foster Kids
New Store to Benefit Foster Kids Save Email Print
Posted: 10:03 PM Nov 28, 2008
Last Updated: 10:03 PM Nov 28, 2008
Reporter: WSAZ News Staff
Email Address: news@wsaz.com

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BOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WSAZ) -- Inspire U, a new store opening Saturday at the Kyova Mall near Ashland, will benefit teens in foster care.

Foster kids from 6th through 12th grades can shop for new and gently used clothing. They can get six items per month free, and foster children in West Virginia, Ohio and Kentucky are all welcome.

"We wanted to have a place that was special to them," said Leanne Gollihue of Inspire U. "Sometimes our society looks down on kids in foster care. They view them sometimes as troubled children or whatever. Now they have something that's completely theirs."

The grand opening for Inspire U is from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday at the Kyova Mall. The store is an outreach for Jamie's Sake, a faith-based foster outreach program.

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Posted by: Angi on Dec 1, 2008 at 06:13 PM
What a great idea!! If you ever think of coming 2 this area let me know. May God bless you & Heaven always shine upon you for your caring heart.

Posted by: Just A Thought on Dec 1, 2008 at 12:27 PM
I read in the Daily Independent that she said the young shoppers suggested the store carry more skinny-leg jeans, Vans shoes and novelty T-shirts to be even more appealing to teens.

Posted by: Anonymous on Dec 1, 2008 at 09:22 AM
i'm wondering since the foster kids dont get a check and cant work since they are in school how can they buy these clothes. maybe set up a program so as these kids could earn some money to buy what they want that away it would give them a feeling of earning it of self well being. so much more should be done for these kids. after all they are our future.

Posted by: Lola on Nov 30, 2008 at 10:40 PM
I think that's wonderful. Too often these kids feel like "throw away" kids, and most of the time it is due to their parents being troubled, not the kids themselves having troubles. It's good to see something just for them. Keep up the good work!!!

Posted by: DEE on Nov 30, 2008 at 08:57 PM
I was once a foster child. I must say just because the state gives the foster parents money for foster children, does not mean it gets spent to take care of the foster children. I know this from experiance. I think this store is a wonderfull idea. I hope the foster chidren enjoy this store very much. Little things like this mean alot, even if it does not seem so at the time. Believe it or not you can really make a difference in a childs life.

Posted by: someone in wv on Nov 29, 2008 at 11:02 PM
The state does give some money for these kids, but what does 401 a month for 2 kids pay for now days, sure it does help, but not very much. Many families have to provide for themselves. Even the food stamp program doesnt help to much anymore, a gallon of milk is almost 4.00 and a dozen of eggs is almost 2.00, a loaf of bread no less than 1.16, they do help but like i said not by much. you only get help with clothing once a year, kids grow very quickly (when they are taken care of)and shoes well, they fit a week and you need another pair. I pray this place can help more and more kids in this area, wv does need one of these as well. I wouldnt mind helping with something like this. may god bless each and everyone of you.

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 29, 2008 at 07:29 PM
By reading the comments-I can see that people just don't get the premise behind this store-children are not involved in the choice to become a ward of the state and so many times they just want to fit in-in this store they do just that, this belongs to them and there are no strings attached. This is to let them know that other people love and care for them as well. Kudos for a job well done and praise the Lord for his many gifts.

Posted by: Tyler on Nov 29, 2008 at 11:23 AM
What a wonderful way to reach out to families and the children in foster care. Way to go!!!

Posted by: me on Nov 29, 2008 at 11:07 AM
To: Foster mom in WV...You get money from the state for each kid to cover expenses!!!! Maybe you should try to get one started in WV.

Posted by: Sheila on Nov 29, 2008 at 09:27 AM
Great idea, these kids need to know they are as important as other kids, such a wonderful gift your giving to the community, God bless you.

Posted by: Kinda stereotyping... on Nov 29, 2008 at 06:10 AM
I have mixed feelings on this store. Are clothing stores going to donate to this cause? Are the children in treatment foster care or in state foster homes? Parents who host treatment foster children are paid more and money is given for clothes and recreational activities. However several county agencies keep their children clothed with taxes from their caring citizens. We have not procressed enough to want to do on high level for these children. For some crazy reason we think the parents will benefit and we would dare not want to help again another hurting parent. I think it was wonderful how citizens sent money to get the lady a trailer, beds and a laundrey set after one Ky sheriff moved it off the road and it tore to pieces leaving many children without a home, item of clothes, favorite toys and their beds. So the next time there is a levey for foster children please consider voting affirmatively. Be aware every child is not in treatment foster care and money is needed.

Posted by: Lea Ann Gollihue on Nov 28, 2008 at 11:49 PM
Hello Mom in WV. Thank you first of all for being a foster parent and giving of yourself to the children. For Jamie's Sake has a clothing closet that can provide clothing from size newborn through adult sizes. We felt the age group that can shop at the store are the children that really enjoys shopping and they want to be like their peers. If our clothing closet can help you please don't hesitate to let us know. God opened the doors to the store so I know he will continue to bless the work that happens there. May God bless you and all that you do!

Posted by: Foster mom in WV on Nov 28, 2008 at 10:40 PM
This is a good idea, but why is it only for kids in grades 6-12? I have three foster kids, ages 1-9, so that place isn't for us obviously. Even if they were at the right age, I can't take my foster kids over state lines, without first getting written permission from DHHR. I think we will just stick to the Moutain Mission. Great concept though.

Posted by: Anonymous on Nov 28, 2008 at 10:35 PM
i always thought foster familys got up keep money for the kids i always thought the state paid the foster familys to take care of these kids surely they buy clothes for them i know of some people that take kids in that drive brand new cars but heck its good this store is doing this it will help the foster family do more with the kids more stores should do this i think its great

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