Boise Resident Uses Halloween Display to Boost Fostering

A Wizard of Oz-themed display on Harrison Boulevard is helping recruit new foster parents and volunteers.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Home Organization

Boise Resident Uses Halloween Display to Boost Fostering

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Boise resident Katie Saad has transformed her Harrison Boulevard home into a Wizard of Oz-themed Halloween attraction to raise awareness for foster care recruitment. The display encourages visitors to consider becoming foster parents or court-appointed special advocates.

Why it matters

The project directly addresses the local need for more foster homes and volunteers by providing accessible information to the public in a high-traffic area. Partners report that the display has already successfully generated increased interest in these essential community services.

The display features a No Place Like Home theme and provides direct access to resources through physical pamphlets and QR codes. Interested individuals can connect with Fostering Idaho and Family Advocates for further information.

The players

Katie Saad

She is a local Boise resident who conceptualized and organized the Halloween-themed outreach initiative.

Idaho Department of Health and Welfare

This state agency oversees child welfare services and has tracked the uptick in interest following the display.

Fostering Idaho

This organization works to support foster families and partnered with the display to provide recruitment information.

Family Advocates

This non-profit group coordinates court-appointed special advocates to support children in the foster care system.

The details

Visitors are encouraged to scan QR codes at the site to learn about the foster care process and how to sign up as a volunteer. Additionally, resource peer mentors are on-site distributing informational materials to those interested in supporting the program.

The Halloween display is open throughout October.
Outreach activities took place at the display location on October 24, 2026.
Additional outreach events occurred at the display on October 25, 2026.

Culture Shift

This project reflects a broader trend of leveraging local seasonal events and community art to facilitate civic engagement. By humanizing the need for foster services through a familiar theme, organizers are tapping into localized social networks to solve large-scale systemic needs.

Residents visiting the Harrison Boulevard display can walk away with tangible sign-up sheets and direct contact information for local advocacy groups. The exhibit provides a convenient, low-pressure way to learn about the specific requirements for becoming a foster parent.

The takeaway

Using highly visible community events can significantly bridge the gap between complex social services and the public. Interested residents can support local children by reaching out to the partner organizations mentioned at the display.