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Why Pajama Bowl
Sleep Country strives to make a difference in the lives of 20,000 local foster children
Washington and Oregon have over 20,000 children in foster care. Many have suffered the effects of poverty, neglect, and even abuse. Studies show that for many foster children, the challenges are just beginning.
- Each year, over 10,000 Northwest children enter foster care.
- The majority of foster children have at least one chronic medical condition.
- Foster children experience 4 times the emotional problems as their peers.
- Foster children average three different placements, and nearly half do not return to live with their biological families.
- Foster children repeat a school grade twice as often as other students.
- They score 15-20 percent below other kids on statewide tests.
- 37% of foster youth drop out of high school, compared to 16% of the population.
- At age 18, 61% have no job experience and 1/3 end up on welfare.
- Within 18 months of aging out of the system, up to 50% of foster youth become homeless.
But it doesn't have to be that way.
But it doesn't have to be that way. Sleep Country has joined forces with targeted foster-care organizations and the community to help improve the lives of foster youth in the Northwest. 100% of the donations raised by Pajama Bowl participants are used to provide the necessities, resources and little extras that foster kids often go without – whether it's receiving new clothes, obtaining assistance in school, or re-uniting with a sibling at summer camp. With the generous help of over 4,700 participants, Sleep Country’s Pajama Bowl has raised over $600,000 throughout the years.