Bloom Seeks To Expand Foster Care Support in Northwest Georgia

Bloom, a not-for-profit dedicated to supporting and strengthening the lives of youth in foster care, celebrated the grand opening of its Rome facility at Restoration Rome.

“As Bloom embarks on this new chapter, we invite the Rome community to support our mission of nurturing every child’s potential,” said Bloom Board Chairman Vince Williams in a press release. “Whether through fostering, volunteering, donating, or advocacy, every individual can help create a brighter future for vulnerable children and families.”

The integration into Rome is strengthened by Bloom’s collaboration with Restoration Rome, a community-driven initiative based at 1400 Crane St. in East Rome.

Attendees had the opportunity to hear from Bloom leadership and staff, as well as Restoration Rome co-founders Jeff and Mary Margaret Mauer, as they announced the expansion of critically needed foster care support services in the region.

“The opening of our Rome facility marks a significant milestone in our mission to provide localized support for foster children,” said Becky Davenport, CEO of Bloom. “Our goal is to keep children in their communities where they can thrive and heal surrounded by familiar environments.”

Bloom’s expansion into Rome represents a step in addressing the growing needs in the region. Nearly 800 children require services in the Northwest Georgia and almost half are placed elsewhere in the state. By offering foster children a supportive environment close to home, Bloom aims to reduce the trauma of displacement.

Bloom facilitates services like recruiting foster parents to provide loving homes and therapeutic support, increasing evidence-based training for foster families, foster care staff, and birth families through Bloom University.

The nonprofit also provides free, new, and like-new clothing for foster children and at-risk children through the Bloom Closet.