Free Stuff and Discounts for Foster Families
Are you looking for ways to save money as a foster parent? Use this list of free stuff and discounts for foster families to help supplement your list of foster care resources.
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You will find a great freebie at the bottom of this post. Scroll to the bottom for a free Pre Home Study Checklist!
Foster parenting is hard. There, I said it. Foster parenting can put a strain on a family in many ways, including on the family finances. Yes, there are monthly stipends for foster children, but those do not begin to cover the costs associate with parenting a foster child if you are doing it well.
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Free Stuff and Discounts for Foster Families
The following list of foster family discounts is by no means exhaustive, but it is a good place to start.
Free Dollywood Tickets for Foster Families
Dollywood is inviting foster families to enjoy their parks for free. Get all the information about requesting tickets and how those tickets can be used here.
Free or Discounted YMCA Membership
Most local YMCAs offer at least a discounted membership to foster families. There are various levels of discounts, many include the foster children for free. This membership includes activities like swim lessons
Zoo and Aquarium Discounts for Foster Families
Check all of your local zoos and aquariums. Since they are all individual, it is impossible to pull together a list. However, from calling all of the one’s in my local area, I found that every single one, including the larger Ripley’s Aquarium in the Smokey’s was willing to offer some type of discount.
Amazon Prime Discount for Foster Parents
Here is the deal language via the Amazon website: As an Amazon Prime member, you receive Free Two-Day Delivery on over 100 million items, exclusive shopping deals, and discounts on diapers and baby food. With Prime, you get access to thousands of movies, TV shows, and music to stream online or download for offline, plus unlimited access to over a thousand top Kindle books, and more! Customers who verify with a valid EBT or Medicaid card receive access to all Prime benefits, discounted to just $5.99 per month. Join now at amazon.com/qualify.
All foster children are covered by medicaid and have a valid medicaid card which can be submitted for the discount. It is important to remember that the discount will need to be verified each year. Also, you are only eligible for the discount while you have foster children in your home. Go here to qualify and join!
Clothing Discounts for Foster Families
Clothing is one of the largest expenses parents have for all children, whether biological or foster children. Yes, most foster care agencies do provide a clothing allotment once or twice per year, but that doesn’t always meet the needs of the child.
Once Upon A Child typically offers a 10% discount for clothing for foster children. I called our local Once Upon a Child and was told they would offer a 25% discount, even on sale items. I would suggest you check locally.
Goodwill also offers a discount for clothing for foster children. The discount may vary between states and stores. One store contacted locally offered a discount of 50% while one offered a senior discount equivalent. Be sure to call several of your local stores.
Other Helpful Foster Care Posts
If you have questions about Foster Parenting
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