Adoption Awareness Month Event: Benefitting Columbus Youth in Foster Care

COLUMBUS, GA.] – Comfort Cases, in the organization’s first statewide partnership in the nation, traveled to Columbus, GA on Friday, November 3, with Amerigroup Georgia to provide a “Comfort Case” backpack and a “Comfort XL,” 32-inch duffel bag for every child in the foster care system. 

These specially designed bags are thoughtfully filled with essential personal care items and can be easily folded into the size of a book, giving every child a sense of dignity and a proper way to carry their personal belongings when they move.  

“On any given day, there are over 390,000 children in foster care in the US and almost 12,000 children in foster care in Georgia,” said Rob Scheer, founder of Comfort Cases. “Many are removed from their homes with minimal personal belongings, often given only a trash bag to carry what little they have.” 

Scheer has a deeply personal connection to this cause, as he experienced foster care as a youth. Together with his husband, they have adopted five youth from foster care, demonstrating their profound dedication to improving the lives of children within the system. 

"Each backpack represents more than just material possessions; it symbolizes hope, compassion, and a brighter future,” Scheer said. “We are dedicated to standing alongside foster children during their most critical moments, ensuring they are equipped with the support and resources they need to thrive."   

To commemorate National Adoption Month in November, Comfort Cases and Amerigroup Georgia will host additional packing parties with community members across the state, further reinforcing the spirit of collective responsibility in supporting foster youth.  

These packing parties will involve group homes and child placement agencies, who will help pack the Comfort Cases alongside volunteers and then distribute them to the children in their care.   

“Amerigroup’s longstanding support for Comfort Cases exemplifies our commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of every child across Georgia, extending beyond medical care,” said Mel Lindsey, President, Amerigroup Georgia.  “We are focused on providing youth in foster care not only the physical support they need, but also the emotional support, dignity, and happiness that will improve their quality of life and well-being.”   

In the last year alone, Elevance Health, the parent company of Amerigroup Georgia, has partnered with Comfort Cases to host 23 packing parties across 15 states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico, providing over 10,000 Comfort Cases and XL duffle bags to youth in foster care nationwide.    

“We will continue to travel across the state in the month of November, providing these vital items to children in foster care,” said Scheer. “Every child deserves to pack their belongings in a special bag that they can call their own.