Safe Families for Children

If you haven't heard of the incredible ministry of Safe Families for Children, then I'm so glad your reading this! Its a incredible opportunity to help a family in their time of crisis. Its a chance to hopefully step in and support a family who may not have the support system that you have. Its a way to prevent another child from ending up in the foster care system. The whole family can serve God together. There are many opportunities to be involved.

 Over the last year we had the incredible opportunity to love on 4 children in our home. 3 through placements and one through respite.  Each time was a incredible way to be the hands and feet of Christ to children and their Moms.

It is not a easy task, but it is a highly rewarding one! And whoever said the right thing was easy? It taught my entire family spiritual truths we could have never learned and most importantly we were able to help a few families who desperately needed it!

We cherish the memories we made with each little one we were able to welcome into our home!

The process has allowed to to clearly hear from God about how to move forward with the adoption process as well. When we began praying we were unsure if what age we felt led to adopt or what method whether it be through foster care, international or domestic infant.

God uses so many situations to speak to us and lead us down the path path that He has laid out before us!

The goal of Safe Families is always reunification with the child's parents or parent, it is not adoption. During the time of us serving this way, we knew God was speaking clearly about us expanding our family permanently through adoption. We are taking a long break from hosting and hoping to fill the role of  Coach and supporting the Host Families since I can put myself in their shoes and imagine more easily what their needs may be.
There are so many amazing ways to be involved, big and small!! Check out the list below, as well as the website for further information!

Opportunities to Serve

The Safe Families movement is only successful when entire communities come together to support both volunteer and biological families. Volunteers are needed at every level to help provide for the needs of our children. Volunteer opportunities in your area may include: 

Host Families
Volunteer families willing to open their homes to children in crises and provide a safe and loving home and family atmosphere for them on a temporary basis. 

Providing Resources
Most children come to Safe Families with very few supplies and possessions and Host Families are not reimbursed for any expenses they incur. Therefore the donation of children's items including (but not limited to): diapers, formula, cribs, car seats, strollers, and clothing are essential. 

Professional Services
A comprehensive network of professionals willing to provide services on a donated or discounted rate for the support of children in crisis and/or volunteer families. Doctors, dentists, hair-care professionals, handymen and house cleaners are just a few examples.

Respite Care
Volunteers willing to provide temporary (less than 1 day) care of children to allow volunteer families to run errands, shop, or simply get a break. 

Support Groups
Groups of individuals providing prayer, encouragement, and support to volunteer and biological families. Examples include play groups, coffee talks, burger night, etc. 

Mentors 
Mature Christians serving in a mentoring role to connect with biological families; assisting with and addressing the circumstances that led to their crisis. 

Case Coaches
Volunteers who facilitate the relationship between the biological and volunteer Safe Family during a placement. Their primary focus is ensuring the well-being of the child(ren) while coordinating communications between the various agencies, Host Family, and the biological family. 




http://www.safe-families.org/