Foster kids can get free park admission

| February 21, 2023 1:00 AM

COEUR d'ALENE — Foster children in Idaho can received a free ticket to visit Silverwood Theme Park for free through its Fostering Family Fun program.

“We have worked closely with the Children’s Village for many years. When Vanessa Moos, the CEO of Children’s Village, filled us in on the current status of children in our community, we immediately started brainstorming ways to do our part,” said Stephanie Sampson, a Silverwood spokeswoman.

She said the goal is to provide a safe and fun place for foster families to make lasting memories together.

The number of available foster homes is decreasing while the number of foster children has been increasing over the past year, according to a press release.

"Idaho is also seeing an increase in the severity of the situations children are coming from," the release said.

Moos said Children's Village appreciated the program.

“Foster families deserve a village to lift them up, too; their gift of love to bring children into their family is such an incredible service,” she Said.

Children's Village is in it 33rd year of service. The 24-hour residential facility can help up to 24 children through crisis respite, emergency shelter and residential treatment.