Irene Embacher, a volunteer at New Ulm's Own rearranges the Valentine cards made by local NUHS students. The cards are on sale as part of a fundraiser to benefit foster care kids.

NEW ULM — New Ulm’s Own Fair Trade and Art store is raising awareness for the foster care system through a Valentine’s card sale.

Proceeds from the card sale will go to Brown County Foster Care. The goal is to raise $1,500 for the local foster care system.

“Our focus has always been on helping women and children,” store volunteer Jeannie Hinsman, said. New Ulm’s Own has given to other similar causes in previous years. This is the second fundraiser they held for Foster Care children. The money raised will go directly to help the foster children in the county.

“There is a need,” Hinsman said.

New Ulm’s Own settled on a Valentine’s card fundraiser as an alternative to the traditional Valentine’s Day gift of candy and flowers.

“There are people for whom this will mean a great deal more,” Hinsman said. It is also a chance to draw attention to the foster care system.

Brown County Social Worker Laura Filzen confirmed there is an ongoing need in the local foster care system.

“We’re always looking for more foster parents,” Filzen said.

At this time there are nine non-family foster care providers in Brown County, but by the end of the year, that number will drop to eight. One foster provider is moving out of the county.

Filzen said when a child requires foster care, the first step is to see if another family member, family friend, or anyone with a close connection with the child is available. There have been a few situations where area teachers have served as foster parents.

Filzen said they try to place children with adults who are already in their lives. However, this is not always possible. That’s when the licensed foster care providers are asked to help.

Filzen said all nine foster care providers in Brown County are called to help throughout the year, however, there is always a need for more support. Across Minnesota, there is a shortage of foster care providers.

“I get emails daily from other counties looking for extra foster care,” Filzen said. “I always looking to recruit for foster care.”

Filzen estimated that Brown County has around 40 foster kids in need of placement in a year, but that can vary. Sometimes foster care is only temporary, with a provider only looking after a child for a few weeks.

New Ulm’s Own Valentine card sale will go through Feb. 10. The store is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Saturday.

Anyone interested in becoming a licensed foster care provider is encouraged to contact Brown County Family Services. Applicants must be 21 or older and must pass a background check.

Filzen said there is a need for more foster care providers in the Springfield area. Currently, most Brown County providers are located in the New Ulm area. However, anyone willing to become a licensed foster care provider would be appreciated.

Filzen said the ideal foster parent would have a flexible work schedule, access to daycare and patience for children going through a difficult situation.

The job of a foster care provider is difficult and requires a person with a big heart, but Filzen assured “It is very rewarding.”