There are many organizations who equip caregivers to provide vulnerable children the necessities of life.  While fulfilling the essentials, birthdays and other celebrations of life can unintentionally be overlooked.  With the numerous placements and inconsistencies foster children experience, the focus understandably becomes providing security, stability, and necessities of life.  What can go unrecognized in the midst of survival are the celebrations of life.  All celebrations of life are a time to hear from others you are seen, appreciated, valued, and loved.  They share the message “you matter.”  Celebrations mark the moments of who we’ve become, what we’ve overcome, and what we have to look forward to.  Of these celebrations, birthdays highlight the value of life, they’re a time that we use to express our appreciation and value of loved ones.  

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For many of us, birthdays are a time surrounded by friends and family celebrating life.  Oftentimes for vulnerable children, birthdays can serve as a reminder of lack, loneliness and solitude.  That’s why, with an emphasis on birthdays, we hope to bring gladness to life’s celebrations.  We believe that every life deserves to be celebrated, and our hope is that birthdays become a time of excitement and happiness.  We hope that in being celebrated, children experience joy, peace, and love that extend beyond just a moment.  

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We recognize the need to celebrate children’s lives does not only begin with the removal from the home.  There are numerous obstacles around vulnerable children’s birthdays, and many parents desire to celebrate their child but may not have the resources or support to do so.  Our goal is to support the family unit, whether the child is in their birth home or beyond. 

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With the focus on foster care, kinship care, and adoption, we aim to reach every child in our region, ensuring every life is celebrated.  This is why Happy Project has partnered with family service agencies in the surrounding areas in supporting vulnerable children and their caregivers.  We want to restore joy to celebrations no matter the condition life brings.  We know it will take time for a child to feel safe and loved, but what if it all begins with a happy birthday?