As I watch the round-the-clock media coverage of the corona virus pandemic sweeping our country, I can’t help but think of the silent epidemic that has been invading our public-school system over the past decade. The epidemic is largely invisible to those outside the system. It is an epidemic of childhood trauma and neglect that …
Foster Care
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness […] If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, …
Jessie Gallaher describes the challenges and joys she experienced in adopting five siblings from foster care, and how she has grown in her faith and in her passion for supporting children in foster care.
Chris and Alicia Johnson are parents to 10 children, seven of whom were adopted out of the foster care system. They refer to themselves as the #JohnsonDozen.
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the world in unprecedented ways. Children and families who are either in the foster care system or are at risk of being so, are no exception. COVID-19 has impacted children, biological families, foster families, adoptive families, the court system, support services, agencies…virtually every area of the child welfare system has …
“You cannot pour from an empty cup. You must fill your cup first.” Dr. Karyn Purvis
A former hospice nurse found her calling in caring for “the least of these”
“The Crisis in Foster Care” read the Washington Post headline. The article, dated January 10, 2020, talked about “an acute shortage of foster parents.” A simple online search yields numerous links to similar articles in recent years, decrying the shortage of foster families – both nationally and locally. Less than a decade ago, there were …
It is Mother’s Day, many years ago. Six excited children are anxiously holding up pieces of cardboard; carefully wrapped in tinfoil, with large pink letters that spell “MOTHER,” taped on the front. While I took my turn with the other children speaking about the special qualities of mothers. “M” is for the many things… Little …
One of the most complex situations I have dealt with has been becoming a stepparent. I remember being so in love with my husband that I thought I could take on anything needed to keep us together. Once we were married and living as a family, my anxiety kicked in. Life became real, really fast. Through …
Who has ever sat second chair in the band, been a stagehand during a play, served as a substitute teacher or held the title of “assistant _______” fill in the blank? Over the years, I have held titles like Program Coordinator, Founder and Director, Manager, and even friend; just to name a few. Yet none …
Mother’s Day shouldn’t be the loneliest day of your year. I celebrated two Mother’s Days without my children. There are times when no one understands you and the sacrifices you’ve made to be Mom. Sometimes your sacrifices and choices weren’t enough to keep your kids safe. That doesn’t mean that you don’t love them. Love …
What if we became those people who committed to come alongside socially isolated parents?
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it.” -Proverbs 22:6 (ESV)
When I first met my son, I never dreamed we would share our experience with any group, but God has used our family’s story to encourage others to foster and adopt.
Blair was already overwhelmed with two young children, but the story of an abandoned little girl made her rethink everything
Friends, family and fellow church community members have an awesome opportunity to play a role in an issue we know is dear to the heart of God – the plight of children without families – but we often fail to understand the trials of the adoptive and foster journey.
Caring for kids in foster care isn’t for the fainthearted, but it’s an opportunity to make a lasting impact on a child.
The Rosatis discovered there were plenty of kids in need of families right in their community.
Free (basically) Frosties for a year AND raising money for children in foster care who are waiting for forever families?