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First-Hand Experience Leads to Benefit for Foster Kids

When people hear the name, "Jenn Calkin," immediately you think of her amazing talents behind the camera. She has captured many weddings, taken many first images of babies in the community, provided parents memories of their growing child and have even captured families' love and support of each other during family photo sessions. At her new studio in downtown Glasgow, 233 4th St. S., she is able to provide the opportunity to capture images of children age birth to four that will be cherished by their family for generations to come.

Calkin, owner and operator of Jennifer Ray Photography, has now decided to undertake a whole new endeavor to help foster parents and foster children in the community. Besides being a place to capture memories and the fun of children, Calkin's new studio is also home to Mia's Closet, where children and young adult items are stored, sorted and provided to foster parents for foster children recently placed in their care.

As a foster parent to two children already, Calkin was slightly unprepared when she received a phone call asking if she was interested in taking in another girl as a foster child.

"I received the phone call, had an hour to decide whether or not to open my arms and home to this child, and then had 15 minutes before she was dropped off to me. I had clothes from our first daughter, they worked, but were certainly too big. We don't have the conveniences such as a 24-hour Walmart or the ability to just drop everything to shop for everything you need for a child at all hours of the day and night. After getting I'zaya, I just had this calling that I needed to do something for foster parents in the community who are experiencing the same thing I did," said Calkin.

The experience sparked the beginning of Mia's Closet, where a foster parent can contact Calkin to obtain the necessities needed for the child to start off with. Thanks to donations from the community, Calkin is able to give foster parents, at no cost to them, a week's worth of clothes for the child, and other necessities as needed, such as a diapers, car seats and other baby items, including a swing, bouncer, crib and strollers.

All items provided to the families are in excellent used condition with no stains or holes. "Just because it's free doesn't mean it's better than nothing. These children have gone through so much they deserve to wear nice clothes so they can have something to be proud of," said Calkin. Items provided to foster parents such as car seats are not expired or in car accidents, and baby gear such as strollers, cribs and bouncers have all pieces intact.

"I am so amazed with the generosity of the community so far in being able to gather the necessities needed for families. I also couldn't have done any of this without the help of Karissa Norheim, who has started organizing all of the clothes and getting them put into bags so a week's worth of clothing items are ready when needed," said Calkin.

Calkin had her first calling in helping foster children in 2014 when her first foster child was placed with her, now named Reagan. At the time of placement, this little girl was called Mia for short and Calkin decided to use her talents as a photographer to take pictures of this little baby.

"I needed to utilize my talents and do something for these children. I had found out foster children do not have any images of themselves growing up, and when it came time for their senior slideshow, they had nothing. It just pulled at my heart strings," said Calkin. After hearing that, she decided to start-up Mia's Project, where she offers a free photography session for children under the care of foster parents, so they also have the ability to keep memories. The photos are also provided to the child's caseworker, so the photo will always be with the child.

Mia's Project and Mia's Closet aren't the only causes Calkin has been involved in to help foster children. During the month of November, she also helped support Jitter'z Espresso and owner Sonya Pederson, out of Wolf Point, in raising funds for Hope's Totes by giving away one free photography mini session to one lucky person who participated in the cause. Hope's Totes provides foster children with a tote, bag, or backpack to pack up their belongings when needing to leave their home, instead of having to use a black garbage bag.

Calkin is now the mother to Reagan, age 4, Cade, age 4, and I'zaya, age 3, after fostering all three kids and going through the adoption process. For her children and those still in the foster care system, she has huge goals in mind to continue to help foster children and families in the community. "I want to be able to help whoever needs help. My goal is to spread Mia's Closet and Mia's Project throughout the state. I am also hoping to be able to reach out to other photographers throughout the state to participate in Mia's Project," said Calkin. Another future goal is to put together a support group for foster parents where they will have the ability to have the support and fellowship of each other and those going through similar experiences. "I hope to spread this out statewide and help as many children as I can," stated Calkin.

For those who would like to donate to Mia's Closet, Calkin recently set up a Facebook page titled "The Mia's Project + Mia's Closet," and Calkin can be contacted via that page. The greatest need right now is socks and underwear for all ages as well as clothing items for children in elementary school through high school.

If you would like to donate funds for Hope's Totes, contact Jitter'z Espresso at 406-653-3777.

 

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