Foster Hope Offers Free Movie Saturday at Central Theater

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

In honor of National Adoption Month in November, Foster Hope is offering a free movie, “Sound of Hope: The Possum Trot Story,” on Saturday at Central Theater in downtown Geneseo.

Doors open at 2:30 p.m. and the movie will begin at 3 p.m. The film is rated PG-13, for adults and mature teens.

There will be free popcorn and fountain drinks for those who attend the movie, in addition to door prizes, including a $25 Geneseo Chamber of Commerce Gift Certificate.

Child care will be provided for SAFE and foster families at First Methodist Church in Geneseo. Children will receive a certificate for a free ice cream cone from Sweet Marie’s to be redeemed after the movie. Contact Lola Rahn at 309-507-1392.

Lola Rahn, who with her husband, Ryan Rahn, founded Foster Hope in April of 2017.

Foster Hope is a 501 c3 non-profit organization that supports foster families in the Quad Cities and surrounding areas. They rely on donations and sponsors for the many events and activities held for foster care families. For more information, email fosterhopeqc@gmail.com.

Foster Hope currently serves families in Henry, Rock Island, Mercer and Whiteside counties.

Ray Rogers: October 29, 1939 ~ November 1, 2024

 
 

Raymond Eugene Rogers, 85 of Geneseo, passed away on November 1, 2024, surrounded by loved ones. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at First Lutheran Church. Reverend Laura Kamprath will officiate. Inurnment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery, Geneseo. A memorial visitation will be held from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Friday, November 8, 2024, at Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory – Geneseo Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Raymond Rogers Memorial Fund which will be distributed amongst Ray’s favorite charities.

Ray was born October 29, 1939, in Chicago, Illinois to MaryAnn Siembab and John Rogers. He graduated from Oak Park/River Forest High School in 1957. He then attended the Illinois Institute of Technology (ITT), graduating in 1962 with a bachelor’s degree. He received his master’s in education from Bradley University. He did advanced studies at the University of Missouri Columbia.

Ray was a creative and innovative teacher who made learning interesting and fun. He was active in many organizations, including IEA, GEA, Kiwanis, the Chess Club, and Scoutmaster for Troop 139, he was on the Board for the Geneseo Library, and was very active in the Richmond Hill Players.

Ray was thankful to the staff at Fresenius Kidney Care Silvis, especially Kate and Yesenia for their excellent care and support.

Ray was blessed with three children from a previous marriage, Brant Rogers, Brad Rogers, and Jodal Howlett. He married Kathleen Lozinski Hast in December of 1984, and gained four bonus children, Kimberly Stadler, RJ Coleman, Traci Gale, and Kristi McKissack.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife Kathy, of Geneseo; Sister Jacqueline (Ted) Johnson of Palos Verdes, CA; Brant (Gretchen) Rogers of Snowflake, AZ; Brad (Lily) Rogers of California; Jodal Howlett of Fort Myers, FL; RJ (Judy) Coleman, Geneseo; Traci (Chris) Gale, Sitka, Alaska; Kristi (Dave) McKissack, Greenfield, WI, 11 grandchildren; and 7 great-grandchildren.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, John and MaryAnn Rogers; and stepdaughter Kim Stadler.

Golden Garden Chinese Restaurant in Downtown Geneseo Is Closing - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

It’s been 25 years since Pat Chan and her husband Kent Ko began working at the Golden Garden Restaurant and 10 years since they purchased it from Chan’s brother, who opened the doors to the restaurant in 1995.

Her parents and brother (who refers to himself as Bill) moved to Geneseo from New York in 1995 to open the Golden Garden, which is located at103 South State St. in downtown Geneseo. Four years later, in 1999, Chan, her husband, and their son Kevin Ko, moved to Geneseo from Hong Kong, and Pat and Kent began working at the restaurant. They purchased the restaurant from Chan’s brother in 2014.

Pat Chan and her husband, Kent Ko, are retiring after 25 years of owning and operating The Golden Garden Restaurant in downtown Geneseo. Photo by Claudia Loucks

On Dec. 24, Christmas Eve, the couple will serve their customers for the last time.

In visiting with the couple, they shared they are “tired,” and ready to retire. They plan to travel, including a trip to Thailand for an extended length of time.

The restaurant has been sold and is expected to reopen in the early months of 2025 as the Thai Café.

Pat Chan smiled as she shared that she and her husband will miss the friends they have made at the restaurant, and added, “We are thankful to this community for all their support through the years…People are very nice in Geneseo and it is a safe place to raise a family.”

Her husband has been the chef at Golden Garden while she does most the serving and other responsibilities in the dining room. Her sister-in-law, Mary Li, helps the couple.

When asked about “customer favorites” of menu items at the restaurant, she listed, “General Tso’s Chicken, Crab Rangoon, and Mongolian Beef.

The Golden Garden Restaurant offers carry-out or eat-in service and is open from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Sunday; and is closed on Monday.

The restaurant offers a variety of Chinese cuisine from Appetizers, Chow Mein, Chef’s Specials, Combination Plates and Lunch Specials.

As a special offer to their guests, the owners are offering a free buffet lunch to anyone on their birthday.

The couple has two pet Brazilian Turtles, including tank with set-up, they would like to give away at no cost to anyone who will give them a good home. Anyone interested is asked to visit the owners at the restaurant.

Hammond-Henry Welcomes Dr. Owen McConnell and New Chiropractic Services at Geneseo Hospital

GENESEO, IL – The Board of Directors and Administration are pleased to announce that Owen McConnell, DC, ATC, LAT, will start his chiropractic practice at Hammond-Henry Hospital in Geneseo in December. Dr. McConnell’s office will be in the Geneseo Clinic, located on the first floor of the hospital. Those interested in scheduling appointments may do so by calling the Geneseo Medical Group at 309.944.1275. He will also accept walk-ins.

“We are exceptionally proud to have Dr. Owen McConnell expand his role on our team (current certified Athletic Trainer on our sports medicine team). With the addition of the chiropractic service line, we are definitely pioneering some new territory (offering chiropractic care within the hospital setting),” said Wyatt Brieser, Hammond-Henry Hospital VP of Operations. “Chiropractic services are a vital part of the continuum of care for our patients, and there is great benefit to integrating their services with primary care and ancillary services (rehab, imaging, orthopedics).”

Dr. Owen McConnell

“As an administrative team, we’ve spent a great deal of time the past few months listening to what residents in the communities we serve need,” Brieser continued. “Chiropractic care was one of the specialties identified, so we were thrilled when Dr. McConnell signed on with us.” Dr. McConnell will be joined in April by Ally David, DC, who recently graduated as valedictorian of her class at Palmer Chiropractic College.

Dr. McConnell hails from Erie where he resides with his wife and three children. He is a graduate of Erie High School, Central College, and Palmer College of Chiropractic. He obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Athletic Training and has a Doctorate of Chiropractic degree. As a certified Athletic Trainer, Dr. McConnell has a sports injury background and knowledge of diagnosis, initial treatment, and rehab exercises to enhance his patients’ recovery.

“I chose chiropractic care because I like the hands-on approach to helping people feel better,” said Dr. McConnell, who uses a variety of techniques but also suggests his patients get muscle work to aid in their healing. “I am committed to providing each patient with exceptional care, offering personalized healthcare solutions tailored to each patients’ unique needs.”

A public open house will be held in Dr. McConnell’s honor on Thursday, November 21 from 3 to 5 pm in the first floor Dining Room at Hammond-Henry Hospital, 600 N. College Avenue, Geneseo. All interested are welcome and encouraged to attend. Light refreshments will be served, and there will be small giveaways to all attendees.

It Depends - By Dan Dauw

By Dan Dauw
Geneseo Current

When I Wasn’t Old

A week or so after high school graduation, 1960, my good buddy, Ron DeBruyckere (now deceased) and I went to work at a resort in Canada. On a lonely road heading to the place the generator on my ’54 Willys went kaput! Finally, a Canadian stopped, took me to a gas station, and all be darn if they didn’t have a used one for my Willys.
The fella took me back to our car, installed the generator and off we went. I hope I tipped him for all his toil. We were there about a week when our cabin stove stopped working. We had the owner’s wife come over to fix it. We didn’t know it at the time, but she recently had a nervous breakdown. Anyway, the gas had built up and she went to light the pilot light. BANG!!!! The explosion knocked her against the wall. She was really mad. We were fired and left for home the very next day. Not one of my best trips to Canada!

Yay, No More Political Ads

If you didn’t vote, and could have, shame on you. I voted early via the mail and Lorna at the voting booth. As usual, I think there were plenty of lies to go around, both from elephants and donkeys. Prediction? Harris wins. Certainly not by my choice. I hope your picks worked out for you, but if not, don’t worry the sky won’t fall and “chicken liken will make it across the road!”

Wild Game Feast

The Boy Scout Troop 131 will host their annual “Wild Game Feast” on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at the Geneseo Moose Lodge. The hours are from 4:30 – 7:00 p.m. A donation of $12.00 per person for ages 13 and over. For ages 4-12 it’s only $6.00 per person and free for ages 3 and under. We go to this event every year and it’s great!

Pro/Tech Auto Body

So, I was in a big hurry to go fishing and backing out of our garage I caught the front bumper of the SUV on our snowblower. It was not a pretty picture. I heard through the grapevine that Pro-Tech in Geneseo does nice repair work. I agree, it now looks good as new.

Fishing Report

Great for trout. Poor for crappies! For trout, Lorna and I fished the Centennial Park Lake, Rock Falls, IL. We fished two days and had enough rainbows for 3-4 meals. We never caught our limit of 5 each, but came close on the second day.
Gary Dahlquist and I tried a private lake for crappies. We had a total of 3 for two days. Good size for “paper mouths,” but hardly enough for a meal. Oh, well. Some days are diamonds and some days are stone.

Senior Humor

  1. What goes up but never comes down? Ans: Your age.

  2. Which underwear do seniors love best? Ans: It Depends.

  3. How is the moon like dentures? Ans: Both come out at night.

  4. Be kind to your kids. They choose your nursing home.

  5. Why do retirees smile so much? Because they can’t hear a word you’re saying.

Quote of the Week

“Wait until it is night before saying it has been a fine day.”

  • Proverb

Operation Christmas Child Packing Parties and Drop-Dates Set, But Still a Need - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

The Packing Party dates are set and the Shoebox Drop-Off dates are in place, but there are still many empty shoeboxes to be filled for the Operation Christmas Child outreach.

Team members are aware that the Christmas season is drawing near and there is a concern of making sure the OCC shoeboxes get to disadvantaged children worldwide.

Empty shoeboxes are available from Shelly Emerick, OCC church-relations team member, by contacting her at 309-945-3700. Anyone interested in filling a shoebox may also use an empty shoebox of their own.

SHOEBOX DROP-OFF DATES AT GENESEO EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH, 914 NORTH CHICAGO ST., GENESEO

-Monday, Nov. 18, Tuesday, Nov. 19; Thursday, Nov. 21 and Friday, Nov. 22, and Sunday, Nov. 24 – 2 to 4 p.m.

-Wednesday, Nov. 20 – 4 to 6 p.m.

-Saturday, Nov. 23 – 10 a.m. to noon.

-Monday, Nov. 25 – 9 to 11 a.m.

SHOEBOX PACKING PARTY TIMES:

Shoebox packing parties will be held from 4:30 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 15, and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 16, at First Methodist Church, south campus, 224 North State St., Geneseo. Volunteers who help with packing can come and go as their schedules allow.

Packing a shoebox can be done by anyone and the first step is to decide to pack for a boy or a girl in age groups 2-4, 5-9 or 10-14. It’s best to begin with a “wow” item such as a doll, stuffed animal, deflated soccer ball with a pump, toy cars or trucks. It is important to include school supplies and hygiene items such as a washcloth, comb, brush, toothbrush - but toothpaste is not allowed.

Clothing or shoes also can be included in the shoebox as well as fun toys, but no food, candy, liquids or jells.

Each shoebox contains a copy of “The Greatest Gift” booklet, a storybook that shares the message of salvation, written in the language of the child receiving the shoebox.

Items that cannot be included in the shoeboxes are anything glass, liquid, camouflage or war-related, or any type of food.

Emerick said there also is still a need for monetary donations to help pay the $10 cost of shipping each shoebox. Donations can be mailed to Emerick at 605 East Pearl St., Geneseo, IL 61254, or dropped off at the office of Emerick Pest Control, 361 JF Edwards Dr., Geneseo, IL 61254. Donations also can be left or mailed to First Methodist Church, 302 North State St., Geneseo, IL 61254.

Operation Christmas Child is an outreach of Samaritan Purse, an international Christian relief and evangelism organization. The non-profit organization specializes in meeting the critical needs of victims of war, poverty, disease and natural disaster, in order to demonstrate God’s love and share the Gospel.

The ministry, which is in its 31st year, uses the shoebox as a tool to open the door for the Gospel and make disciples of all tribes, tongues and nations. OCC started in the United Kingdom in 1990 as an outreach to Romanian Orphans and OCC began in North America in 1993.

Program on Impact of Diabetes Nov. 12 at Hammond-Henry

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

A free program on the Impact of Diabetes will be presented at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 12, in the dining room at Hammond-Henry Hospital in Geneseo.

The effects of Diabetes on foot health and vision will be presented by speakers Dr. Thomas Rizzo and Dr. Jeffrey Heden; and Marcia Wirth, Hammond-Henry Hospital Dietitian, will have tasty and diabetic-friendly dessert ideas to share along with healthy holiday eating tips.

Reservations are requested and can be made by using the link

Community Events - Hammond Henry Hospital | Henry County Il Hospital, or by calling 309-944-9106. Walk-ins also are welcome.

The Pharmacy and the Bathroom! - By Dan Dauw

When I Wasn’t Old

I think it was in 1959 myself and two buddies drove our Mo-Peds out to Geneseo to view the country side. Now don’t think I’m nuts, but we came across, somewhere north of Wolf Road, a WW1 tank. It was small compared to say a Sherman tank. It was just sitting all by itself on the side of the road and rusting away. How long it had been sitting there I don’t know?
I remember hunting outside of Geneseo when I was a teenager. There were three of us and we would always stop at Bob Cherry’s Gas Station (where the new coffee place is now). I remember I bought a shotgun and shells from Bob. I think he moved out east and for a time he sold replica firearms.
One time I was driving my trusty 1954 Willys and I hit a raccoon. We stopped the car as our one friend wanted the pelt. He put it in my trunk and when we got to his house in East Moline we opened the trunk. That big old bandit was plenty alive and scared the heck out of us. We slammed the trunk shut, got a board, opened the trunk and thus end of story.

Politics

Ugh! Won’t you be glad when it’s all over with? In my case, I doubt whether I’ll see another presidential election. Ha! Of course, that could be either good or bad depending on where my soul ends up.
I think this election will be close. I voted by mail, but some people I talked with thought that it might not be a good idea to do so. I trust the Postal Service and Henry County election folks to get it right.
Lorna is going to the polls to cast her votes. I sure see a lot of Trump signs in Henry County. I doubt it will change anyone’s vote, but who knows? If you want to see a lot of political signs check out Dayton Corners in Colona.

Neighborhood Wiener Roast

Our Dayton Valley View Addition had its annual neighborhood party last Friday evening. As always it was lots of fun and great food, too!
The mild temperatures, no wind and a full moon were a nice touch provided by Mother Nature. Ha-Ha! Lots of stories were told and even more after a few Budweisers!!!

Trout fishing was good on Tuesday morning, October 22nd, as shown 4 for Dan and 3 for Lorna. Trout for dinner!!!! 

Halloween

There sure are a lot of folks who celebrate this holiday. We travel Green River Road a lot and there is a large home in the Green River Hamlet that really goes all out with decorations. We put out a pumpkin and that’s just about it.

Ikes “Booo” Party

The Geneseo Izaak Walton Club will be having their annual Halloween Wiener Roast on Saturday, October 26th at 5 p.m. All members and guests are welcome. Bring a dish to pass, a chair to sit on, and hotdogs ‘n buns are supplied. You might want to bring your favorite drink, too!
There will be a nice fire to sit around on the east patio. See you then!

Trench

That is the name of an excellent book I have finished on WW1. The author is Stephen Bull. The book gives a history of trench warfare on the Western Front. It is by far “the” best book I think concerning the Great War. There are some fascinating photos taken of the horrible conditions both sides endured. There was such a murderous slaughter of young soldiers as they “went over the top” to face barbed wire, machine guns and artillery. Somewhere before I’ve read the following oddity before. The first British soldier to die in WW1 was Private J. Parr. The last British soldier to die was Private G.E. Ellison on November 11, 1918. Oddly, Elliston was buried just a few feet from Parr.

Humor

Remember guys ‘n gals when our hangouts used to be the sports bars and the coffee shop? Now it’s the pharmacy and the bathroom!

Quote of the Week

“My reading of history convinces me that bad government has grown out of too much government.”

  • John Sharp Williams

Fields of Faith 2024 at Geneseo High School - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

More than 100 students and 30 adults attended the 2024 Fields of Faith gathering held recently at the Bob Reade Football Field at Geneseo High School and in the athletic facility.

Fields of Faith is a student-led and student-driven event where young people gather to stand together against the pressures and temptations in the world and be a generation committed to reading the Bible and applying it to life. Students invite, pray for, share with, and challenge their peers to read God’s Word and follow Jesus Christ.

Cole Hartman is assistant pastor at Geneseo Evangelical Free Church and also serves on the Fellowship of Christian Athletes board.

Cole Hartman, assistant pastor at Geneseo Evangelical Free Church, said the Fields of Faith gatherings are held each year on athletic fields across the United States and the world.

He said at least 100 students attended this year’s Fields of Faith at GHS, and added, “Fields of Faith is an incredible event, where students from Geneseo and surrounding schools gather to stand up and stand out for Jesus. It’s an event for all people, with a simple mission of making Jesus known, because we believe that true hope and life is only found in Him. It brings us joy to see the next generation stand out for Jesus in a bold way.”

Fields of Faith is organized each year by the Geneseo Chapter of Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Will Baum

Mason Bealer

Hanna Kreiner

Group of students at recent Fields of Faith held on football field and in athletic facility.

Hartman said, “This year, teenagers have been faced with many challenges. These challenges make the idea of hope a foreign concept and nearly intangible. The issue is not having or longing for hope, but the problem is where we go for genuine hope. There is greater hope in Jesus. It is an authentic, living hope because Christ lives and through Him, we can too!”

“In high school, we place our hope in so many things that ultimately leave us empty and disappointed. I placed my hope in relationships and sports, only to feel frustrated and lost. The hope that we have in Jesus is eternal and permanent.”

He continued, “The Bible describes God as a God of Hope, and it describes the offering of abounding Hope through Jesus. The hope we want is not found in this world. It can only be discovered through placing our faith in Jesus. He died for my sins, and I am forgiven and made new because of Him. The amazing grace of God is where our hope comes from. Though teenagers face many challenges, we believe that the only true, genuine, and helpful escape is a personal relationship with Jesus. He changed my life and He is actively changing the lives of teenagers today.”

Birks Chiropractic Is Now Vibrant Health - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Crystal Strode always knew she wanted to be some type of doctor, but said she did not know what type until she was in college. She graduated from St. Ambrose College in Davenport and continued her studies at Palmer College of Chiropractic, where she graduated from in 2017.

After working as a chiropractor in Kewanee, she made the decision to open her own practice in Cambridge in 2019, which she still owns and operates. Recently, she added to her list, when she purchased the former Birks Chiropractic in Geneseo and renamed it to Vibrant Health.

Dr. Crystal Strode is the owner of Vibrant Health, formerly Birks Chiropractic on South Chicago St., Geneseo. Photo by Claudia Loucks

When asked why she chose to expand, Dr. Strode said, “With more parishioners in the area, I felt we could help more people…I just love helping people get out of pain and feeling good.”

There are four chiropractors and five massage therapists who work in the Geneseo office and Strode added, “I work full time in Cambridge, and am in Geneseo as I am needed.”

In addition to owning and operating two clinics, Dr. Strode also implemented a “Support Local” program where she opens $100 tabs to local businesses in Geneseo and Cambridge, and she explained, “Shoppers at the locations where I have opened a tab can receive $5 to $10 off their purchase”

She said she visits one business each week with the $100 tab offer, and she added, "I started the offer to help promote other businesses in the area.”

Dr. Strode and her husband Jared Strode live in Kewanee and have three cats.

Vibrant Health in Geneseo is open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday.

For more information or for an appointment, call the office at 309-944-1213.

Blood Drive Oct. 29 at Geneseo First Methodist - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current


It has been reported that the American Red Cross is experiencing an emergency blood shortage.

Since July 1, the Red Cross national blood supply has fallen by more than 15 percent, and blood donors of all types, especially those with type O blood, are urged to give as soon as possible to help patients receive lifesaving medical care.

A blood drive will be held from noon to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 29, at the at the First Methodist church Annex (South Campus) in Geneseo. Donors are encouraged to make an appointment by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App. by visiting RedCrossBlood.org by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Walk-ins will be accepted, but appointments will be served first.

People planning to donate are encouraged to drink plenty of fluids on the day of their donation.

Information received from the American Red Cross stated that heat impacted more than 100 blood drives in July in nearly every state where the Red Cross collects blood – compounding other seasonal obstacles in blood donation, such as travel and summer activities. Together, these fact all contributed to a shortfall of more than 19,000 blood donations in July. At the same time, hospital demand for blood products remains strong.

Blood products are being sent to hospitals faster than donations are received. Currently, type O inventory is so low, distributions of this vital blood type are reduced below what hospitals count on.

In addition, the recent hurricanes have added to the critical need for blood donations.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION RELATED TO THE HURRICANE RELIEF:

Rebecca lives in Western North Carolina, but she gave platelets at the Charlotte Blood and Platelet Donation Center. She was on her way home from vacation when she heard Hurricane Helene was projected to directly hit the Asheville area.

“I am a hurricane refugee right now,” Rebecca said. “I am staying with my daught4ere here in Charlotte until I can get back home. We just got water back on in my neighborhood. I am waiting for things to get back to normal before I go back,” she added. I hear the Red Cross is there helping, and I am grateful for that.”

After the hurricane forced more than 2,500 blood and platelet donations to go uncollected, Rebecca wanted to help.

“It helps substitute for all the people that can’t come to Asheville because of the hurricane there,” Rebecca said. “I know, with the lack of communication and lack of gas, many donors will not be able to make it to donate. There is always a need for blood and platelets, but particularly now, it’s important for people who can get to safe centers to go out and donate.”

“Join Rebecca in helping restock the blood and platelet supply: https://reblood.org/4dAin7k.”

Foster Hope Hosts Celebration of Families - By Claudia Loucks

By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Brisk winds and cloudy skies did not hamper the enthusiasm of the children and adults who attended Foster Hope’s “Celebration of Families” picnic held Sunday in Geneseo City Park.

The event is held to honor families who have adopted children through Foster Care in the last year

Lola Rahn, who with her husband, Ryan Rahn, founded Foster Hope in April of 2017, said, “The event is held every year and includes families who currently have children in foster care as well as those who have adopted children in the last year. “

“We honor the families that have finalized their adoptions by presenting them with floral bouquets and signs that read ‘LOVE Makes A Family’,” Rahn added.

The celebration includes face painting, pumpkin decorating, cookie decorating, a meal and photo opportunities for families.

“We celebrated eight adoptions at the picnic Sunday,” Rahn said, “and about 140 people, children and adults, attended,” Rahn said.

When the Rahn couple founded Foster Hope, they opened space at 107 South State St. in Atkinson, in the former Atkinson Grade School building, which is where foster parent training classes are held and where items needed by foster families are collected and distributed. Foster Hope also has a second location in Geneseo where household items are available for teens aging out of foster care.

Foster Hope is a 501 c3 non-profit organization that supports foster families in the Quad Cities and surrounding areas. They rely on donations and sponsors for the many events and activities held for foster care families. For more information, email fosterhopeqc@gmail.com.

Foster Hope currently serves families in Henry, Rock Island, Mercer and Whiteside counties.

Rahn said. “Our services are available to families licensed through Bethany for Children & Families, Center for Youth & Family Services, DCFS and Lutheran Social Services.”

In addition to the foster training classes, Foster Hope offers clothes (sizes newborn to 12/14), diapers, infant equipment and other items needed by children when placed in foster care.