Until a child’s birth parents are able to care for him or her, foster parents provide a stable and supportive home for that child. Most of the time, foster parents work with social workers to reunite the child with his or her biological parents. Some foster parents care for more than one child.
But sometimes, there are just things that we can’t prevent. We all want reunification to happen, but sometimes circumstances prevent it from happening. Our team would like to thank you for fostering children and being there for them every step of the way. It’s for that reason that we’ve compiled this list of free stuff for foster families.
In this article, we will cover what freebies there are, how you can get them, what discounts to look for, and free things that foster children may qualify for.
What Are Foster Families Freebies and Discounts
Fostering freebies can be beneficial. They can help you save money on clothing, dining out, and everyday living expenses. These discounts are also helpful for adoptive parents.
First, I just want to tell you how amazing you are! Thank you for all the good you are doing for this world. It is people like you who make a difference in the lives of others. From the bottom of my heart, I just want to say thank you! 🙂
Now the community wants to thank you too!
Do you want to know where you can find freebies and discounts in retail, shopping, travel, and more? These discounts should be of interest to you if you foster or adopt a child. If in doubt, you should contact your local business. Some restrictions may apply!
Also, to be taken to any of the free offers or discounts below just click on the underlined hyperlink preceding the offer.
Saving Money as a Foster Family – 4 Easy Methods
The kids are getting restless, and the teachers are counting down the days until summer vacation. With these easy steps, I will teach you how to get free things to help entertain the kids or go on a family vacation.
Explore the best freebies for foster families and helpful resources for parents and social workers
Here are four popular methods:
#1 – Amazon Prime for Qualifying Foster Families
It is important to know – EBT cardholders and Medicaid cardholders can save on Amazon Prime. In this category would be older youth, Kinship families, low income foster families, and low income adoptive families. SNAP, WIC, and TANF are some of the Government assistance programs that accept EBT cards. Find out if your program qualifies.
There are many perks to being an Amazon Prime member: Amazon now accepts SNAP EBT for eligible groceries, free shipping, subscribe & save on diapers, shop in Spanish, have secured delivery and returns, and save with coupons, just to name a few. Visit this page for more information.
#2 – Ibotta – Earn Cash Back on Your Shopping
Try Ibotta for free on your phone to save money on food and more. You can earn money back on your purchases (even Amazon) once you have shopped. So far, I have earned more than $530 with ibotta!
For merely signing up, you will get $10 if you click on my link here! Simply submit your first receipt within 30 days of signing up! A great way to earn extra cash during the holidays!
Don’t forget the referral code: toqlbsu
#3 – Special Request – One Simple Wish
One Simple Wish helps children who have been affected by foster care and childhood trauma. What a wonderful way to do something special for a foster child! One Simple Wish grants wishes up to $500!
“If you are a foster parent and would like to submit a wish on behalf of a child in your care, please contact us” – One Simple Wish Website
#4 – Kars4Kids
Kars4Kids is another organization that works to support foster children by providing small grants for educational initiatives. Learn more about their kindness and generosity here!
Deals and Discounts
Check your local Once Upon a Child Store to see if they offer a discount for foster families.
It could range from 10% to 20% discount depending on the location. It’s a fantastic place to build a wardrobe for kids at a great price!
Good Will
Now, I have not been able to use this offer myself yet.
However, I have heard that other people have received a discount at the Good Will store.
It’s certainly worth looking into. Every little bit helps. 🙂
Check with your local YMCA for a Free Membership or free lessons for foster families. When you speak with the customer representative just ask for YMCA discounts for foster parents or if they offer a YMCA foster family discount.
Again, it depends on the location but it’s worth looking into.
Zoos and Museum Discount for Foster Family
As well, local Zoos and Museums offer discounts to foster families!
If you’re headed out to see the animals or look at the beautiful art?
It’s a great way to find savings and enjoy the day out with the kiddos!
Royal Family Kids Camp is a Christian camp centered around Foster Children!
“The primary purpose of Royal Family KIDS camps is to give foster children ages 6-12 a week of positive memories and royal treatment in a Christian camp environment.” – Royal Family Kids Website
Student Loan Forgiveness Available for Foster Parents
Also, have you heard of the Public Service Forgiveness Program?
It’s a student loan forgiveness program for foster parents.
I believe it consists of after 10 years of consistent payments you’ll be eligible for loan forgiveness.
However, you can find more information about that here!
Savings by State for Foster Family
This section will include vacation discounts for foster families, the information we know about Disney tickets for foster families and free stuff for fostering.
- Foster parent discounts
- Free Stuff for a Foster Family
- free stuff for foster parents
Ohio
COSI: Cosi in Columbus has a membership card for $49 (HUGE SAVINGS!) and families with Medicaid, including foster families.
“To join as a Family Access member, families must show a photo ID and current participation in WIC, Ohio Directions, or Medicaid (from Ohio). Family Access Memberships can be purchased at the COSI Box Office.” – Cosi Website
Oregon
Oregon State Parks: Receive a Special Access Pass for Foster, Guardian & Adoptive Foster Parents of Oregon Foster Children.
Tennessee
Dollywood: Dollywood offers Foster Families tickets (Tennessee Certified only), and you must go through your foster organization.
Massachusetts
Rise Above is a nonprofit organization that helps youth placed into care in Massachusetts state custody by providing them with a grant to help them with opportunities and experiences. Learn more about the application process here!
Florida
Disney Foster Parent Discount
Unfortunately, at this time, Walt Disney World or Disney Land doesn’t offer a discount for theme park tickets for a foster family!
However, tickets are priced lower for children 3-10.
As well, the Not so Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party have slightly lower-priced tickets versus regular admission if that helps.
Tip: Disney Springs is free to get into for anyone and has free parking! Get access to lots of stores, restaurants, and entertainment there!
We love visiting Disney Springs (which use to be Downtown Disney); each year, we travel to Orlando!
The above picture is my kiddos playing in the water that Stich spits out of his mouth like a fountain in front of the World of Disney store at Disney Springs!
Check out the T-Rex restaurant if you get a chance too. The kids will love it!
Wrapping Up
Before I get off here, I want to say, “Thank you!” one more time! Thank you for saying, I want to be a foster parent. You are an inspiration. Every day you change the world and have the utmost gratitude for you. Thank you!
I hope you can use these deals to save money, or perhaps you know this could be of financial assistance for foster parents in your area. Please feel free to share it and include the foster care number. Sometimes your agency will know of discounts or free stuff for your local area. Best of luck in all you do!
What are the best t-shirts for foster moms? Check out these amazing shirts now if you’re a foster parent or interested in raising awareness for children in foster care.
A huge thank you to those who open their hearts and homes and choose to foster! It’s wonderful to see that businesses recognize that sacrifice.
Thanks, Christa! I absolutely agree! I am thankful that there are so many businesses that show their gratitude for these awesome families! I hope one day there will be more. 🙂
Thanks, Christa! I absolutely agree! 🙂
This is so helpful for the foster families! What blessed people!
I agree 🙂 Thanks for stopping in!💗
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As an employee of the YMCA, I knew these were services we offered. But I didn’t know about the others! So awesome!
Thanks, Rachel! I am so glad the YMCA and other businesses like to reach out and help give back! 🙂
So wonderful that these businesses recognize and appreciate foster families. I gained a new love and appreciation for those that choose to foster after seeing the movie “Instant Family”. So touching!
I absolutely agree! Thanks, Hannah! 🙂
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This is a wonderful list for Foster families. I love that companies are helping out!
Those who foster children have a place reserved for them in heaven! What compassionate people! So awesome!
Thank you, Sandy! I 100% agree! 🙂
What a great list of discounts for foster families! I know so many who can use these!
Yay! I hope this will be so helpful for them! Thank you for stopping in. 🙂
This is so great that companies are supporting foster families in this way. This is awesome!
I agree with you wholeheartedly! 🙂
This is absolutely incredible that there are programs in place to support and celebrate foster and adopted families! They absolutely deserve the world for welcoming children into their lives with love and support! What a wonderful way to give back to them!
Thank you, Deb! I couldn’t agree more! Thank you so much for stopping in. If you will please share it with anyone who could benefit. 🙂
Good to hear for foster families. Hope you continue this advocacy for children.
Thank you! 🙂
MY HUSBAND AND I ARE RASING THREE CHILDREN THAT ARE 3,7,9. WE LIVE ON A FIXED INCOME S.S. AND 1 PENSION WE ARE LOOKING FOR ASSITANT TO Florida discounts for foster children
Hi Thurla,
It would be a good idea to check with your agency about discounts that are available in your local area. There are a lot of places that offer free tickets to kids and families to discounts that can help. It’s my hope that helps!
Best,
Cassie
I have two foster children and three species needs family members that I care for I was hoping to find free things to do or discount for things to do nearby Cottonwood ca and help with for the holidays if anyone knows how to sign up for these things please help me to do this please thank you
Hi Ginger,
Have you tried to contact your agency? The caseworker for your children in care should be able put you in contact with a place that can help with this. I hope that helps! 🙂
I would love to take my two sons and wife to disney world for dchristmas. I am a navy veteran and sruggle to get by. my sons are 20 and 10 and would love to have them have a nice christmas . i would appreciate it for a anwwer back please
Hi Michael,
Unfortunately, I’m not sure who could assist you with this. I’m sorry! I do know that Shades of Green (a military hotel) https://www.shadesofgreen.org in Orlando, Florida has discounted rates for Veterans and their families. The hotel is located within the grounds of Disney Parks across from the Magic Kingdom. I hope that helps!
this is so great!! nice little benefits
Those seem like great discounts
Check out the app called “foster friendly” by Americas kids belong. We have discounts for foster families ranging from car dealerships to coffee shops, hair salons to theme parks! Currently serving foster families in Tn, Va, SD, GA, IN, UT, CO, coming soon in CA (la county) and Kansas!
Disney should be ashamed of themself.