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Form of workTransform lives: Join Our Thornwell Foster Care Village – Clinton, SC
Foster parenting is full of both joys and challenges! There is an urgent and desperate need for foster families that will enthusiastically care for teens and sibling groups in SC. Every day, there are more children and youth in SC’s Foster Care system than there are willing homes to welcome them in. Thornwell is on a mission to change that! We are seeking a committed family to come live in the newly remodeled third home in Thornwell’s Foster Care Village. Will you join us and embark on a rewarding journey to make a lasting impact on the lives of children in need?
We understand that the demands of life, work, finances, and foster parenting can be stressful! Perhaps you have been considering fostering but felt you needed more space. Or perhaps you already foster but have a desire to foster more children, but felt you were not able to! This may be the perfect opportunity for your family!
Thornwell’s Foster Care Village is an intentional community of dedicated foster parents who are licensed, trained, and supported by Thornwell. Families reside on Thornwell’s campus in Clinton, SC at a drastically reduced rent ($1 per month) with free utilities, plus a number of other financial incentives when they commit to fostering a minimum of 4 children/youth at a time. Foster Care Village families receive 24/7 support, resources, and targeted services to allow them to persist in caring for children and youth in need of a loving home. Village Families focus on caring for sibling groups and teenagers. We know it is not easy, but Thornwell’s dedicated team is here for you every step of the way – from licensing, to placement, and beyond!
Qualifications:
- Two-parent family with no more than three (3) minor children already in your care.
- Must be willing to foster a minimum of 4 children/youth in your home at the same time. (Rent is $1.00 per month contingent upon having at least 4 foster children (13 years and up, or sibling set of any age) in the home).
- One foster parent must be employed full-time outside of the home.
- Both parents must meet the South Carolina DSS licensing requirements for foster parents. https://casetext.com/regulation/south-carolina-code-of-regulations/chapter-114-department-of-social-services/article-5-licensing/subarticle-5-foster-care
- Prior experience with older children/teens is preferred (e.g., foster parenting, teacher, coach, etc.).
- The role of a foster parent requires compassion and understanding for youth, and the ability to balance nurture and structure in your daily interactions with the children in your care.
Benefits:
- Village Families receive a DSS-funded monthly stipend for each child in their care.
- Live for $1/month on Thornwell’s gorgeous campus in the Historic District of Clinton, SC – close to both the beach and mountains, a short drive to Greenville, Columbia, Charlotte or Atlanta. The perfect place to call home!
- A 4500 + square feet historical home with a total of 8 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms. The downstairs includes 2 bedrooms with full bathrooms, living room, kitchen with new appliances, dining room, laundry room and bathroom, and pantry. The upstairs includes 5 large bedrooms, 3 private bathrooms, and study room.
- All utilities paid, including garbage service, lawn care, pest control, and maintenance.
- Access to the amenities on the Thornwell Campus (outdoor swimming pool, recreation facilities, free meal program for kids during the summer, and annual festivals at our agritourism farm).
- Access to Thornwell’s co-located educational programs for your children including Thornwell Charter School, Child Development Center (infant through 4K) and Read Right. (Dependent on current grade/class availability).
- Close support from the Foster Care Family Specialist and Foster Care Team.
- Quarterly training and education on trauma-informed and attachment-focused care strategies.
- Live in a close-knit community with other foster families who understand you and support you.
Are you ready to make a lasting impact and create a brighter future for children and youth in need? Your home could be the beacon of hope they have been waiting for.
If you are interested in learning more about Thornwell’s Foster Care Village or ready to begin transforming lives as a Foster Parent today – please email Sandy Maylock, MSW, LISW-CP, Foster Care Program Director (HR@Thornwell.org).
