After spending time in a children’s home and years in the care of a few foster families, Nick was now 18. He was “free” to choose his path. He was now accountable to no one: he could live where he wanted and do what he wanted. No rules, no deadlines, no obligations to attend church, …
Foster Care
“Every kid is one caring adult away from being a success story.” – Josh Shipp
It’s amazing the relationships that have been born out of the Socialight program.
Two questions arise for followers of Jesus Christ: What are we called to do? And how can we do it?
When I speak to adults about the effects of aging out of foster care, I often start with a question. “When you turned 18, did you still need your parents?” The answer is always a resounding “yes!” Most young adults, or “transitional age youth,” are eager for independence. However, they still rely on their parents …
There is a special place in my heart for helping youth find connections that will last a lifetime and prevent homelessness.
I would like for you to consider becoming a mentor to a child in foster care as they enter their teenage years and begin to face the reality of aging out of foster care as a young adult. I know that you’re likely hesitant to enter into the life of a child who may have …
Lorie had given up on her desire to be a parent, but that was before she met Natalie.
What difference does it make? Children’s’ smiles are deeper, their faces softer and more open. It is joy, pure joy.
Foster Care is an invitation to step into a story with life-changing highs and heartbreaking lows. We invite you to step into a story of a typical seven year-old-boy named Logan. Logan likes riding bikes, legos and loves playing video games with his brothers. Logan’s life is not easy. His mom struggles with alcohol and …
Roses are Red. Violets are blue. You probably remember these words from childhood. Like me, you might have even used them to create the perfect, colorful birthday card for a loved one. I can picture my crayon box emptied out on the table as I chose the perfect hue. I seem to remember a preference …
Life after foster care is risky, but so is love.
Our church has been engaged in Adoption and Foster Care for more than ten years now. We believe our calling as God’s people is to care for vulnerable children, giving them hope and a future. Throughout our journey over the past ten years of pressing into this calling, we have seen many families at Mosaic …
You may be thinking, “I’m not called to foster. You don’t understand. I can’t because…” God’s answer to us all is quite simple.
Sometimes children are placed into foster care not because of abuse or neglect but for physical reasons. Ones that could have been easily prevented.
Due to the challenges inherent in fostering, 60% of foster families nationwide won’t make it past the first year. However, we’ve found that the retention rate improves when fostering occurs within the context of a supportive community.
Mobilized volunteers make a difference. We cannot merely stand on the sidelines shouting words of affirmation or encouragement without taking action.
“One of the biggest blessings has been having certified babysitters available. When I have events, need to run an errand, or need a small break, I know that there are trusted people I can call on to come to watch my kids. “
Going to Grandma’s house was always a time of great anticipation, joy and expectation. We’d been taught how to say yes ma’am and no ma’am, and the same for all the elders. No matter how they addressed you, our response to them was met with words of respect. Visits were almost always planned and never …
Have you noticed how quickly people tune out when wide-spread needs or overwhelming statistics are mentioned? Our capacity to care has dramatically diminished because we’re constantly bombarded by needs too large for us to meet. We hear there are 400,000+ kids in the foster system. Or how 50% of foster families burn out after the …