Foster Parent Exchange will benefit from Dining for a Cause 

For 11 years the Sheridan Foster Parent Exchange has served children in crisis by fostering community resources and supplies that help children feel safe, valued, and loved. 

The Sheridan Foster Parent Exchange was founded by Calra Crayton and her 8 year old foster daughter in March of 2013. Crayton recognised the need when she became a foster parent for the first time, something she took on while working with foster children and their parents. 

C. Crayton 

Crayton told listeners in far too many cases, social workers have had to remove a child from a dangerous home situation with either very little or no time to pack clothes and hygiene products for basic needs. If the child comes from a home where dangerous drugs are present, they are not allowed to bring any clothes, toys or essential needs with them from their home at all.  

The answer Crayton and her foster child devised was the Sheridan Foster Parent Exchange. A place where children entering the foster care system can get the essentials needed; clothes, toiletries, and even toys and books. Initially located in her own home, Crayton has worked diligently to grow the exchange and the Sheridan Foster Parent Exchange has become a well-known stop for social workers who need to find provisions for these children. 

The Exchange has also grown to help others in the community and even to help reunite families. 

C. Crayton 

To assist with this endeavor, through the Community Commitment Program, First Federal Bank and Trust will host this year’s first Dining for a Cause. Once a quarter this year, the bank will match a different restaurant’s proceeds for the duration of the event, including tips, up to $10,000. 

The first event of the year begins 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 22, at Smith Alley Brewing, with benefits going to the Sheridan Foster Parent Exchange, continuing to help children in crisis throughout Sheridan and Johnson Counties. 

You can learn more about the Sheridan Foster Parent Exchange and donate to help, by clicking here.