UW-Eau Claire's new Fostering Success program is aimed at providing resources and support for Blugolds who are former foster youth and/or identify as homeless. The program began as an idea of the 2018-19 Leadership Fellows cohort. With the help of first-year student Taz Smith and university faculty and staff, the group collaborated to initiate a program that could be impactful to many Blugolds.
The program's advisory board has launched a donation drive to collect essentials for welcome baskets for new Blugolds and "welcome back" items for returning students. The program is enlisting the help of the community to maintain resources for the needs of these students. Community members are welcome to donate new items such as towels, shower caddies, shower shoes, toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste, etc.), laundry detergent, paper towels, school supplies and anything else that would help students with their transition.
All donations will be collected at the Campus Harvest/Campus Closet space in Room 49 (basement level) of Brewer Hall. Summer hours are Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 2-5 p.m. Items also may be dropped off in the bins outside Campus Harvest/Campus Closet during closed hours. We strongly suggest that items dropped off are labeled for Fostering Success.
Financial donations to the Fostering Success Fund also are welcome through the UW-Eau Claire Foundation. Donations can be made online, by mail (UW-Eau Claire Foundation, Schofield Hall 214, 105 Garfield Ave., Eau Claire, WI 54701) or in person at the Foundation office in Schofield 214. Questions about Fostering Success? Contact student Taz Smith at smithtr8131@uwec.edu or staff member Angie Swenson-Holzinger at swensoan@uwec.edu.
