“It seems like such a simple concept. Keep siblings together while they are in foster care. But it isn’t that easy.” These are the words of Michael Gaskill, cofounder of Sibling House, a non-profit organization in Kirkland. For more than 14 years, Mike and Lynne Gaskill have championed the cause to keep siblings together while they are in foster care.
From their modest home in Juanita, they work to provide clothing, toys, bedding, furniture, school supplies, tutoring, transportation and enrichment programs for children in foster care.
In some cases, the support of Sibling House is the only thing that allows foster parents to bring all of the siblings from one family into their home. If that isn’t enough, the Gaskills also offer mentoring to other foster parents, as they have fostered and then adopted six children of their own.
The state foster care system covers roughly 55 percent of the cost to raise a child today. Many of these kids enter the foster care system with nothing more than the clothes on their backs. Any way they can, the Gaskills support families who take in these siblings.
Sibling House started in 1997 helping to support seven children in foster care. Today they now reach nearly 500 children in three states.
For those of us who are not familiar with the life of a foster parent, the call to take yet more children into your home often comes without notice. Placing these children is an immediate need that must be filled. They are exhausted and often traumatized. What must it be like for a child who has been ripped away from their parents? They are involuntarily forced to live with people they have never met.
What a comfort it must be for those who are fortunate enough to be with their siblings.For many foster parents the difference between an answer of “yes” or “no” to taking both or even more siblings can be determined by something as simple as enough beds, or clothing. Or, the challenge may be as monumental as the need for a larger vehicle to accommodate so many children.
Like every non-profit, Sibling House depends on the generosity of people like you and me. Eighty-four percent of every dollar they receive goes to providing care for foster children. Eight percent goes to administrative expenses and 8 percent goes to fund raising.
While visiting the Gaskill home for the purpose of this story, a co-worker and I walked in on a mentoring session with new foster parents. On their way out they took with them the tent my co-worker had donated the day before. This is how it is supposed to be. This is community. For more information on Sibling House, or to make a monetary donation online, go to www.siblinghouse.org
School supply drive
Coldwell Banker Bain in Kirkland is sponsoring a School Supply drive for Sibling House Network children Aug. 13-27. Please donate items in person at Coldwell Banker Bain 8525 120th Ave. N.E., No. 100, Kirkland, WA 98033. See the entire Sibling House School Supply “wish list” at www.cbbain.com/kirkland.
Barbara J. Hindle is the principal managing broker for Coldwell Banker Bain in Kirkland.
