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Meet your Coordinator
Lydia and her husband, Kirby, have three biological children; Amelia, Eliza, and Abram. They have been fostering since 2019. Lydia has an associates degree in social work, and before becoming a stay-at-home mom when her oldest child was born, she worked at a preschool/daycare. She has been on the board of a local youth volunteer service program, and has been advocating for pregnancy and infant loss awareness since the losses of their two infant sons in 2010 and 2012. Being shaped by her parents love of people and their years-long dedication to being foster parents themselves, Lydia knew from a young age that she had a passion to foster. From those roots, she is excited to draw the community together and enable others to serve as well. The Shaffer’s enjoy playing games, crafting, mountain biking, and hiking. They’re also up for a Sunday afternoon nap if they allow it.
County Events
Here are some great resources in Somerset County. Contact the Coordinator for more resources!
Christian Alliance for Orphans (CAFO)
The Christian Alliance for Orphans unites more than 200 respected organizations and 850+ church members. Our joint initiatives inspire and equip Christians to effectively live out the Bible’s call to care for orphans and vulnerable children.
Somerset County Children and Youth
As mandated by the Public Welfare Code, this agency provides services to children, ages birth-18, aimed at maintaining and increasing family stability, keeping children with their families, and placing the child in a temporary home when necessary. Program staff works closely with private social service agencies, school districts, Drug & Alcohol Commission, Developmental and Behavioral Health Services, and law enforcement agencies. They are in contact with these agencies in referrals, service planning, counseling, protective and adoption services, shelter and foster care, and institutional placement.
The Children's Aid Home Programs of Somerset County, Inc.
The CAHPrograms' mission is to provide a continuum of quality services, which promote the emotional, behavioral, educational and physical development of children, adolescents, and their families. These services include foster care, adoption, residential services, and more.
Professional Family Care Services
Professional Family Care Services seeks to to provide quality services that empower, strengthen and support families, and promote the safety, development and well being of children in a family setting. Their services include foster care, adoption, and Early Head Start.
Run Home Camps
The children attending Run Home Camps will experience hope, healing and honor like never before during this weeklong baseball camp in a private setting designed to create an all-star experience just for them!
Beginnings Inc., CASA Program
CASA of the Laurel Highlands – Beginnings, Inc. helps children who have come before the court because of abuse or neglect by recruiting, screening, training and supervising community volunteers to advocate in the court setting.