Caroline County, MD – Foster children in Caroline County will now have additional support and resources thanks to the expansion of The Blue Ribbon Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting foster youth and survivors of child abuse. The organization is bringing its widely recognized Backpacks of Love program to the county, ensuring that children entering foster care have essential items to help ease their transition.

Founded to support children impacted by trauma, The Blue Ribbon Project has been making  a difference across Maryland by providing direct support, advocacy, and educational programs. The Backpacks of Love initiative is one of its most impactful efforts, delivering backpacks filled with age-appropriate necessities such as clothing, toiletries, school supplies, and comfort items like stuffed animals and blankets. These backpacks are designed to give children a sense of security when they enter foster care, often with little to no belongings of their own.

Expanding to Meet Growing Needs

With its expansion into Caroline County, The Blue Ribbon Project aims to fill a critical gap in resources for foster youth. The county has seen a consistent need for additional support services for children in the foster system, and this initiative will provide immediate relief and comfort.

“We know that entering foster care can be an incredibly stressful experience for a child,” Taylor Pyles, Founder and Executive Director of The Blue Ribbon Project. “Many children enter care with nothing but the clothes on their backs. By expanding our Backpacks of Love program into Caroline County, we can ensure that these children have the basic essentials they need and, more importantly, know that someone cares.”

Local agencies and child welfare organizations in Caroline County have welcomed the initiative, recognizing the positive impact it will have on foster youth. Social workers and foster families will have direct access to Backpacks of Love to distribute to children as soon as they enter the foster system.

As The Blue Ribbon Project continues to grow, its expansion into Caroline County is a major step forward in ensuring that foster children across Maryland receive the care, comfort, and support they deserve.

The Blue Ribbon Project is dedicated to supporting vulnerable children and young adults who have experienced abuse, neglect, or trauma by providing resources, advocacy, and empowering programs. Through a compassionate network, we offer essential services, foster care initiatives, and educational opportunities to build resilience, self-sufficiency, and brighter futures. Our mission is to transform lives, inspire hope, and create a community where every child feels safe, valued, and supported.