Providing comfort and stability for foster youth across Georgia

When children enter foster care, many arrive with very few personal belongings and an immediate need for everyday essentials. In Georgia, Bloom Our Youth is helping meet that moment with compassion and care through the Bloom Closet, supported by Norfolk Southern’s Thriving Communities grant program. 

Why it matters: The first moments in foster care can shape a child’s sense of safety and self-worth. Access to basic essentials helps provide comfort and stability during times of crisis. 

Meeting immediate needs

In 2025, Bloom Our Youth received a $2,500 Thriving Communities grant to support the Bloom Closet, a statewide distribution program that provides foster youth with free clothing, shoes, hygiene items, books, toys, and school supplies. Through a welcoming environment where children can choose items that reflect their preferences and needs, the Bloom Closet eases the immediate burden of “starting over” and allows children to feel comfortable, prepared, and supported from day one. 

The impact

In 2025, the Bloom Closet delivered: 

• 251,000+ essential items distributed  

• 8,272 free shopping experiences for foster children and families  

• $2.5 million in supplies provided  

Behind these numbers are moments that matter, like a child leaving Bloom Closet with a bag full of new clothes, books, and essentials that help restore confidence and a sense of belonging. 

For one 17-year-old foster youth, that experience meant something simple but powerful: "I really loved the clothes! I wear basketball shorts every day, so getting new ones was awesome. I also loved the books, especially the Pokémon book, because I love Pokémon. Thank you so much for everything!” 

What they’re saying

“Norfolk Southern’s support allows us to respond in the moments that matter most, when a child enters foster care with nothing. Because of their investment, we’re able to place brand-new essentials directly into a child’s hands, offering not just clothing or toiletries, but a sense of dignity, stability, and care from the very beginning.” — Katie Weaver, Director of Development at Bloom Our Youth 

What we’re saying

“Programs like the Bloom Closet show how meeting basic needs can make a lasting difference. By supporting Bloom Our Youth, we’re helping ensure children entering foster care have the resources they need to feel safe, supported, and valued.” — Kristin Wong, Director Norfolk Southern Foundation & Community Impact 

Supporting stronger communities

Through the Thriving Communities grant program, NS partners with organizations like Bloom Our Youth to respond to urgent needs and strengthen communities across our network. Learn more about how we support community well-being here. 

By Kasandra Jenkins, Communications Manager

Kasandra Jenkins assists with external communications for Norfolk Southern as a Communications Manager, focusing on community impact, awards, and media relations. Kasandra joined NS in 2025, with more than 10 years of media relations, and corporate/crisis communications experience.