Boise Halloween Display Boosts Local Foster Recruitment

The themed exhibit on Harrison Boulevard uses QR codes to connect residents with information on becoming foster parents.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Home Organization

Screen-print poster illustration of a winding yellow brick path through a suburban garden, evoking the community-driven foster recruitment effort. — A Wizard of Oz-themed Halloween display on Boise's Harrison Boulevard is driving local foster parent recruitment through interactive community outreach. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Boise resident Katie Saad has turned her Harrison Boulevard home into a Wizard of Oz-themed Halloween display designed to recruit local foster parents and volunteers. The interactive installation offers QR codes and resources to connect visitors with the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.

Why it matters

This initiative aims to address a persistent shortage of foster homes and court-appointed special advocates in the local community. By blending seasonal decor with community outreach, the display has successfully driven increased interest in regional family support programs.

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare notes an increase in inquiries linked to the project, which connects visitors to Fostering Idaho and Family Advocates. This follows the installation of the "No Place Like Home" exhibit on Harrison Boulevard.

The players

Katie Saad

A Boise resident who organized the Wizard of Oz-themed Halloween display on Harrison Boulevard to promote local foster care recruitment.

Idaho Department of Health and Welfare

The state agency responsible for overseeing child welfare and foster care services that reported increased interest due to this project.

Fostering Idaho

A support organization that partnered with the display to provide information and resources for prospective foster parents.

Family Advocates

A local group focused on training court-appointed special advocates to support children within the foster system.

The details

The Wizard of Oz-themed display serves as a high-traffic hub for recruitment by using QR codes to direct visitors to official foster parent sign-up portals. On-site, resource peer mentors assist interested residents by distributing informational pamphlets and facilitating direct sign-up opportunities for volunteer roles.

October: The Halloween display is open for public viewing on Harrison Boulevard.
October 24, 2026: Resource peer mentors conducted outreach activities at the display.
October 25, 2026: Outreach activities continued with additional pamphlets and sign-up sheets.

The Home Front

This project reflects a broader trend of community-led initiatives seeking to mitigate the national foster care recruitment crisis through local visibility. By integrating advocacy into home-centered holiday traditions, residents are finding new ways to bridge the gap in family support services.

Residents interested in fostering or volunteering can visit the Harrison Boulevard display to access the provided QR codes and resource materials. Those unable to visit the site can contact the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare directly to learn about local requirements for foster parents.

The takeaway

Using highly visible holiday displays can be an effective way to drive community engagement for local social causes. If you are interested in becoming a foster parent, reach out to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare or local advocacy groups to learn about the registration process.