The Successful Transitions and Adulthood Readiness (STAR) Program at New Mexico Kids Matter works closely with a variety of youth in the foster care system who are 12 and older. Several of our youth are placed in a Residential Treatment Facility (RTC) or in Treatment Foster Care (TFC).

These placements can sometimes be out of state and the youth is far away from any familiarity. There can also be strict rules and regulations limiting what the youth have access to, in terms of specific hygiene products or activities that bring them joy.

One of our CASA volunteers worked with a youth placed in an RTC out of state and worked closely with the youth's therapist to be able to have weekly video calls. The CASA made these visits extra special by really getting to know what the youth liked and finding ways that they could do the activity together over Zoom. One of the youth's favorite activities was origami and they would teach the CASA over Zoom. 

By donating today it allows New Mexico Kids Matter to provide a variety of items, like origami paper and direction books, to youth placed in treatment facilities.

Any amount is appreciated and will allow our youth to have personalized items which can provide them a sense of comfort when living in such an unfamiliar place.

The purchases are based on the current need. However, some popular items are hygiene products, journals, art supplies, and lego bricks.