Dignity Partner Series: How TAK PAKS and Shared Purpose Restore Dignity in Foster Care
Did you know Tennessee ranks 10th in the nation for children entering foster care? Each year, thousands of children are removed from their homes, often with little time to gather their belongings. Many arrive in foster care with only what they can carry, sometimes in a trash bag.
It’s a reality that organizations like Tennessee Alliance for Kids (TAK) are working to change.
Founded in 2016, TAK was created to meet the essential needs of children and youth impacted by foster care, with the goal of continuing to serve until every need is met for Tennessee’s children. TAK is also a proud My Bag My Story Dignity Partner.
The commitment to children shows up in practical ways every day, from providing basic necessities to supporting young adults as they transition into independence. TAK offers support in any season of a young person’s foster care journey. But one of the most meaningful expressions of their work comes through the TAK PAK.
TAK PAKS for Children in Foster Care
Most TAK PAKS are My Bag My Story backpacks filled with essentials for children entering foster care. Inside, each pack is thoughtfully assembled with items tailored to a child’s age and needs, from hygiene products to blankets and small comforts that can make a difficult moment feel a little more manageable.
TAK works closely with My Bag My Story on which colors to use. Based on age and groupings, TAK tries to have a different color for each age group.
“Each backpack that we use is filled by the community and gets to go back out to the community to the children who need them as they enter foster care,” says Fran Maynard, Executive Director of TAK.
This partnership didn’t happen overnight. TAK previously used a mix of bags to fulfill TAK PAKS' needs but transitioned to using My Bag My Story backpacks almost exclusively, recognizing that the quality and intention behind each bag aligned with their mission.
Why Dignity Matters
Children entering foster care often come out of difficult and traumatic situations. In many cases, they leave behind everything familiar with little time to prepare. What they receive in those first moments matters.
Every item in the TAK PAK children receive is brand new and carefully selected, from the backpack to the stuffed animals. The goal is not just to meet a need, but to send a clear message: you are worthy. “Dignity is important to us, letting these children know they are not second-hand and they deserve what we would give to our own children. And so, we've seen first-hand the beauty of what that looks like,” says Fran.
Partnership in the Community
Partnerships are vital to TAK’s ability to deliver on its mission. For TAK PAKS, the organization invites individuals, families, churches, schools, and businesses to be part of the solution. People can assemble TAK PAKS on their own or come together through group events, turning service into a shared experience.
Corporate teams build packs as part of team-building efforts. Community groups gather to fill bags for community service hours. Schools and churches step in to support children they may never meet.
Each pack represents more than a collection of items. It represents a network of people choosing to show up for children in foster care, and that collective effort makes a tangible difference.
Doing Something That Matters
To organizations considering partnering with My Bag My Story, Fran has this to share: “Not everyone is called to foster or adopt. But everyone can do something. I mean, there is a crisis in Tennessee and lots of kids needing our support, and the more we rally together, the better it's going to be for them. So, I would say absolutely get involved, do what you can. Show up, share about it, speak about it, ask questions, get involved, and see where you feel led to give back.”
That belief is central to TAK’s partnership with My Bag My Story. Together, they are creating a practical way for people to get involved, whether by sponsoring a bag, hosting a packing event, or simply helping spread awareness.
Get Involved
If you, your family, or organization want to be part of restoring dignity for children in foster care, sponsor a TAK PAK, host a packing event, or support My Bag My Story’s mission to end the trash bag by making a donation.