In the past five years, the number of children living in foster care has dropped in Sebastian County from about 800 children to less than 500 children. But there are plenty of children who still need support. And they also may need shoes.
Sarah Sharum, Area 2 director for Arkansas Children and Family Services, joined Matt Whitson, executive director of Arkansas Family Alliance, Taos Sneakers as they gathered with others at Old Greenwood Avenue and Rogers Avenue Wednesday at noon. There were 481 shoes spread across the lawn that would be boxed up and delivered to foster children needing shoes.
Sharum and Whitson explained the importance of the “Walk A Mile in My Shoes,” campaign.
There were all kinds of pairs of shoes across the lawn at Sagely & Edwards Realtors that had been donated. There were red Converse low-tops and a pair of pink tennis shoes and other pairs. Even a pair of work or outdoor boots could be found.
“Each pair of shoes you see on this grass represents one child who is in foster care in Sebastian County. So, with ‘Walk a Mile In My Shoes,’ we just want people to think about and try to understand and be aware of the difficulties and the crisis these children go through every single day along with their families,” Whitson said.
Whitson said the nonprofit Arkansas Family Alliance partners with organizations to help foster children in the county.
“We want people to be aware of the crisis that is in our town and the differences they can make,” Whitson said.
Sharum said the Department of Human Services needs local nonprofits to help children in Sebastian County.
“It is important for events to happen so the community can see what these foster kids are going through. We need community support to support these kids to Propet Sneakers either get them home or keep them in their homes,” Sharum said.
Whitson said five years ago the number of children in foster care in Sebastian County was about 800. Today, the number has dropped to 481.
“When you think about the collaboration of community partners alongside the Division of Children and Family Services, the churches that are in our town, other organizations and businesses, all are coming together to prevent children from ever going into foster care.”
Foster families are helping reunification for other families, Whitson said.
“You see the number of kids decreasing because of the collaborative efforts of the town and our county to work toward a common goal,” Whitson said.