Amelias Backpack Project Inc

On January 7, 2016, we were notified of a family member that had recently given birth and had not yet been discharged from the hospital, 3 weeks post-delivery. I knew she was going to have challenges and was informed that she had good prenatal care. We were not aware that she had medical issues and was unable to be discharged from the hospital.  

After discussing with my husband Ken, we decided that I would to go to the hospital to offer assistance if needed. Unaware of the evolving situation we were told that the parents would not be able to take the baby home and CPS would place the baby in foster care unless a family member stepped forward. 

 So, a few days later we brought Amelia to our home not knowing what the outcome of this decision would be. As 50-year-old parents of 24 & 27-year-old daughters we were not prepared to “start over again”. However, we were financially able to safely bring a 3-week-old baby into our home with little notice. So, we became foster parents to our great niece!

 We learned the limitations of the resources available to children and foster parents. As well as the overwhelming caseloads of the caseworkers who are trying to ensure that the children are safe and, when needed, placed in supervised care.

 After 3 1/2 years we were able to legally welcome Amelia as our daughter (even though we felt she was our daughter from the moment she entered our home).

  When all the legal steps were finalized, we realized that were able to help Amelia but what about the other children? We wanted to try to find a way to help other children who are removed from their home with little or no notice.

 No matter the circumstances it is a traumatic situation for the children being removed. We learned that the caseworkers try to find clothing that may fit the child and if able will take some clothing from the home they are leaving. However typically they have to use plastic bags to pack them in. Unlike us, not all families are able to provide much in the short timeframe that they have to accept a child. So, with the support of family and friends we established Amelia’s Backpack Project.

  The goal is to provide a new backpack with 2 new outfits, socks, PJ’s and underclothes for the children to be given to them at the time of removal. The backpacks are packed by size and gender, so the caseworkers can take a 4T Boy backpack and know that the child will have some new clothing and something to pack personal belongings in. We have worked on this project for the last few years, unfortunately on hold temporarily during covid. But during covid our volunteers still worried about the children and hand made over one thousand cloth masks for the children in Niagara County.

In November 2021 we made our first delivery of backpacks to Niagara County Department of Childrens Services! Since then, we have expanded to provide support for the children of Erie County as well!

 Being able to work with family and friends to get this project started has been incredibility fulfilling and an important event in our lives. I want to thank my family, friends and complete strangers who have donated endless hours sewing masks for the children and donating items to my yard sale which supports the project. 

We have recently obtained our 501(c)(3) and are starting to share the wonderful work that our foundation has provided.

 We are so excited to be able to continue supporting children in our area!

Phyllis & Ken and Amelia!

To provide a backpack of their own filled with new clothes and other items to children transitioning from home to supervised care. To let them know they matter, are cherished, and are not alone on their journey.