It's hard to believe that it's been over a year since we, as a church, began supporting local foster families -- and what a year it has been. The year 2020 was a particularly difficult year for our foster families as they navigated virtual school, stay-at-home orders, and lots of unexpected "quality" time together with their foster kids. To say that your support was an encouragement during these difficult times would be an understatement. I want to offer my sincere gratitude as well as a big helping of hope and encouragement.

A SUMMARY OF FOSTERING HOPE 2020 BY THE NUMBERS:

• 7 foster families provided with Care Communities - touching the lives of 17 precious hurting kids.
• 18 foster families receiving our monthly Foster Moms Connect neewsletter with excellent information about parenting kids with trauma backgrounds.
• 2 foster children received a free week of a summer camp (a much needed break for foster parents after schools were shut down in March)
• 2 suitcases provided to children who transitioned out of their foster homes (replacing the usual trash bag)
• 1 giant playground built by volunteers in the yard of a foster family with small children.
• 6 care packages given to help with schooling children during the pandemic school shut down.
• 12 care packages delivered for foster moms
• More than 100 meals delivered to foster families!
• Countless hours of babysitting as well as some teen mentoring.

IN THEIR OWN WORDS...

"After no less than three therapy/doctor appointments for my foster kids in one day, I cannot tell you what a beautiful thing it was to have a dinner delivered that evening."

"Oh. My. Goodness! This is the sweetest care package ever!"

One foster mom was feeling particularly discouraged when a team member dropped off dinner. When she later received a note of encouragement from that same team member, she said, "It brought me to tears! What you people are doing is such a wonderful thing!"

Another foster mom of a teenage girl recently shared this about her daughter's Foster Hope mentor, "She is the only person in my foster daughter's life who isn't getting paid to hang out with her."

Thank you for being the kind of church that helps care for families who foster children, many of whom are hurting, needy and broken when they arrive. Because of your support these families are helped and encouraged.