Help Support the Homestead at Alder Cove

Music event to raise funds at Borders Cafe

Gig Harbor is blessed to have individuals like Sue Braaten, owner of the Best Western Wesley Inn.  Sue owns and operates a hotel and in her "spare time" is a tireless advocate for foster children.  Her Homestead at Alder Cover project http://www.homesteadcove.org/pages/page.asp?page_id=47975  is working to provide a stable home where every child feels safe, secure, valued, and able to nurture their sense of personal worth.

On Friday and Saturday September 24th and 25th Borders Cafe in Gig Harbor will host a weekend of music as fund raiser for the Homestead at Alder Cove.  Friday evening's feature preformer will be Faith Ecklund (www.faithecklund.com) and Saturday evening enjoy the music of Still Got It Band (www.stillgotitband.com). Donations for the Homestead at Alder Cove will be taken.  Learn more about this event at http://www.homesteadcove.org/pages/page.asp?page_id=47975

Here is Sue Braatens testiment to her commitment to this project;

My involvement with foster children began one day when I responded to an ad to become a CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteer.  Twenty years later, after acting as a “voice in the court” for these kids, and after adopting a child of our own through the system, I have come to understand the real need that exists for a place like the Homestead for these very special and deserving kids.

My dream for these innocent victims is that they will have a safe, happy, and comfortable place to call home until they are adopted, graduate from high school, or return to their family.  If an adoptive placement doesn’t work out, I want them to return to a familiar home, and I want them to be surrounded by mentors and families who will encourage and support them.
 
One particular personal story spurred me into action a few years ago when I received the case of a seven year old little girl who was in the foster system for her third time.  I watched helplessly as she was moved 19 times in a span of two years for various reasons, none of which were her fault.  I fought continuously for her not to be moved, but was answered each time with the limitations of a 90-day bed or the foster home "just couldn't keep her anymore."  She went through a failed adoption placement and was even more angry and hurt after that move.

It is painful to see these vulnerable kids get shoved from home to home…many of them to places I would never want my own child to live.  Due to multiple moves and a serious shortage of foster homes, these kids have a legitimate need for a stable place that is theirs to call home.  This is where the Homestead comes in.  I want the Homestead to make a positive change in the lives of these kids, and I hope it will eventually create broader change as we hope it will be a model for others to use in their own communities.

We are truly starting by doing what is necessary, then what is possible, and I believe suddenly we will be doing the IMPOSSIBLE!