Looking Back on a Year of Challenge and Compassion
Let’s rewind to 2020—a year that tested all of us, but also showed what real community support looks like. At A Better Life for Foster Kids, it was our sixth year of operation and one of the most intense periods we’ve ever faced.
From navigating lockdowns to expanding our Crisis Case depots, the year was filled with big hurdles—and big heart. Here’s a look at how we showed up when carers and children needed us most.
“Six years ago I had the idea to do something to help children in this broken system. After a long placement at DHS Child Protection, I saw the real need—and it was massive. Thank you to all of our amazing volunteers, supporters, friends, and every carer out there. Here’s to real change. Awareness brings change.”
— Heather Baird, Founder
Adapting During the Pandemic
When COVID-19 hit, we had to press pause on in-person donation sorting and drop-offs. But thanks to your continued support, we kept helping carers and children in meaningful ways—even from a distance.
We also heard directly from carers facing tough times. One note still sticks with us:
“Never have you guys been more relevant and important. Carers like us need positive reinforcement right now. Please don’t underestimate the impact you have.”
— Terry and Annette Nesbitt, Foster Carers, Inverell, NSW
Growing Our Reach with Crisis Case Depots
To meet growing need in regional Victoria, we planned to launch 12 new Crisis Case depots—giving carers quicker access to essential supplies for children coming into care.
We asked our community for help: small storage spaces, volunteer support, anything that could help us keep going. As always, you came through.
Handmade Kindness: The Heart of Our Work
Our Crisis Cases include essentials like clothing, toiletries, and blankets—but they also include something more: love. Thanks to our network of crafters, kids received hand-knitted jumpers, soft toys, and toiletry bags made just for them.
“He put his hand-knitted jumper on this morning. I mentioned it was getting small, and he said, ‘But it’s my favourite!’”
Every handmade item reminded a child that they matter.
Advocacy in Action
We also encouraged supporters to write to their local MPs, advocating for:
- Greater transparency in child protection
- Policies focused on stability for kids in care
- More support for foster and kinship carers
And yes—we still believe that advocacy makes a difference.