BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — Thousands of families flock to Boise’s Harrison Boulevard each October for its elaborate Halloween decorations and treats, but one resident is using the seasonal tradition to spotlight a year-round need: safe, loving homes for children in foster care.
Harrison resident Katie Saad has created a Wizard of Oz-themed Halloween display featuring Dorothy and her friends as skeletons alongside the message “No Place Like Home.” Working with the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Saad has added information encouraging visitors to consider becoming foster parents or volunteering as court-appointed special advocates, known as CASAs, for children in foster care.
“Harrison Halloween brings our community together in a wonderful and exciting way, and with so many people flocking to Harrison in October, I had an opportunity to use my yard as a platform to do a little good of my own,” Saad said.
Saad said she hopes the display sparks curiosity and conversations that lead to more foster families and CASA volunteers. The display draws on themes from the iconic movie, including reminders to “have a heart,” show courage and understand that people “don’t have to be perfect to make a difference” — qualities she says are important for foster parents.
The character displays also provide information through a QR code about becoming a foster parent and include messages aimed at supporting current foster families by encouraging community recruitment. With pre-Halloween crowds already walking Harrison Boulevard to see the decorations, the display has generated interest in fostering, according to the Department of Health and Welfare.
“I stopped by on Sunday afternoon,” said Jean Fisher, the department’s Youth Safety & Permanency Division administrator. “I spoke with the resource peer mentor who had been there on Saturday and Sunday and she told me that they had passed out a lot of pamphlets and information and had a sign-up sheet for people who want additional information on foster parenting. That’s a huge impact!”
Saad has partnered with Fostering Idaho and Family Advocates to help with outreach connected to the display. She said the groups also work to dispel misconceptions about CASA volunteers, including whether they must be attorneys.
“They are trained volunteers who help investigate cases of child abuse, neglect, and abandonment and then advocate for those children in court to make sure the child’s voice is heard,” Saad said.
Saad said both organizations provide training and ongoing support for people interested in fostering or serving as CASA volunteers.
“Both Fostering Idaho and Family Advocates provide the training, resources, and ongoing support people need to become a successful foster parent or CASA volunteer,” Saad said. “They offer clear steps to help volunteers get started and the guidance they need to make meaningful differences in a child’s life.”
Saad also connected the display’s theme to the experience of children in foster care, pointing to Dorothy’s journey in The Wizard of Oz as she tries to return home.
“Giving time to support youth in our community is a meaningful way to give back and make a lasting impact. I encourage everyone to learn more about these programs and explore how they can help create a brighter future for children in need,” Saad said.