Identify the people in your church who are already involved in the foster care world (foster families, caseworkers, CASAs, etc.). Create an appreciation event for those that have stepped into this place. Ask them how you can most effectively support them. Then, develop ways to do those things. The following are three areas where you can begin.

VOLUNTEER ROLES

  • Prayer Team: Recruit volunteers to regularly pray for your ministry participants. Have them send notes of encouragement to the families. Families love the encouragement and prayers. 

  • Meal Team Support: Church attendees, small groups, and Sunday school classes can volunteer to provide meals for your ministry participants. We have the same volunteers provide meals for a family monthly so they can develop a relationship. This role is perfect for those who want to help but can’t commit to the time required to serve as a supporting mentor.

SUPPORT

  • Social Media: Create a private Facebook group to share important foster care information (newly approved foster families, event details, helpful blogs, etc.) and to celebrate adoptions and reunifications with those in your ministry.

  • Huddles: Huddles are casual, non-programmed gatherings usually held between services on Sundays. Coffee and donuts are served. The families love to meet face-to-face for fellowship and connection. This is a great way to invite those awaiting their foster care approval into the ministry to begin connecting them with community. It gives everyone a sense of belonging after they’re approved. Our families bring their kids with them!

  • Gifts: Adoption, reunification, or acknowledgement gifts can be DIY projects that a volunteer can do.

    • Handwritten notes of encouragement with gift cards

    • Wooden plaques with family photos, meaningful verses, adoption dates, etc.

    • Photo shoots for adoptive families (provided by a volunteer photographer)

  • Financial Support: This is used for camps, music lessons, and emergency supplies at placement. View our Financial Support Guidelines.

  • Resources: Books, DVDs, Blogs, etc. Creating a database of resources for your families to access can be very helpful.

  • Make Other Support Organizations Visible: Compile a list of support organizations and make it consistently visible to foster families at your church.

AWARENESS

  • Ministry T-Shirts: Families love Fostering Together shirts. Encourage people to wear them to church and events. Shirts are subtle advertising for the ministry.

  • Church Social Media: Utilize your church’s own social media to recruit volunteers, share stories, and promote upcoming orientations.