The need to care for orphans is great, but if everyone does their part we will see real change in lives of children and families around the world. Stopping the often generational cycle of broken families means that your impact doesn't stop with just one child. We will see real change for the better in prisons, hospitals, homeless shelters, substance abuse centers, and more. What's stopping you from taking the next step?
Anyone can pray, and everyone should! Pray for orphans regularly, for foster and adoptive families both current and prospective, and pray alongside families who are considering adoption/foster care. This is something that even kids can be involved in doing!
Here is a PDF with 20 days of devotional prayers for vulnerable children
Respite care is one of the best ways that you can support foster families. By becoming a licensed respite care provider, you can provide childcare for families with foster children. Giving foster families and children the chance to recharge and come back stronger means that foster families can continue with strength, support, and encouragement. I encourage college students to consider being respite care providers, especially if you enjoy babysitting as respite care is similar to babysitting for foster children. The requirements and process to get licensed are unique to each state and agency. To be a respite care provider in Kentucky you must be over the age of 21 and have access to an open room in your home. To be a respite care provider in Ohio you must be 18 and you do not have to have an open room, you can provide child care in the foster home. For both states you must pass a background check.
You can contact and private agencies or the state system to inquire about getting licensed.
Kentucky:
Ohio:
I am a licensed respite care provider through Beech Acres in southern Ohio. I live in Northern Kentucky so I am able to do respite for families at Beech Acres who live in southern Ohio.
Learning more about this issue is an important step in taking action. You can start conversations with foster and adoptive families, read books, listen to podcasts, watch videos and educate yourself on this issue through all kinds of resources.
Start here to learn more and find additional resources like podcasts, books, videos, and more!
It is important to advocate for orphan care in your community. Speak up for the powerless and voiceless. Kids are the most vulnerable population, and orphans even more so. They have no way of advocating for themselves, so it is our responsibility to raise awareness and advocate when and where we can! Talk at your school or church, talk to your family and friends, you can even advocate to your politicians. Share what you know and resources that you have found helpful.
You can also visit CAFO to find out more about the next steps for you and your family, for your church, for your organization, and for your community.
Foster care and adoption are two great ways to get involved and make a huge impact in the lives of children and families.
Click here to explore foster care and adoption
Serving foster and adoptive families is a great way to so get involved. Foster and adoptive families are facing unique challenges, but we can bless and support them in many ways. Contact agencies or foster families you know to find out what their needs are.
Donate items like furniture, clothes, and toys for foster kids in need
Donate grocery and gas cards
Mow their lawn
Cook a meal
Help with housework
Use your gifts and talents to serve! (ex. If you are a teacher you could offer tutoring)
Invite families and single mothers/ fathers into your home, mentor children, provide transitional assistance for children who age out of the system, etc. Help, support, love, and do life with those in your community who are fostering and adopting and attend the adoptions of children in your community. Help prevent orphans by supporting and mentoring single mothers and fathers, fight poverty and poor education, combat the breakdown of the family unit.
Contact agencies to find out how can volunteer/ mentor.
Donate what you can, provide and organize funding, etc.
Center for Children and Families (Foster, Volunteer, Donate)
Pregnancy Help Center:
Court Appointed Special Advocate:
https://casaofcampbellcounty.org/
Helping the poor:
https://www.idealist.org/en/volunteer?actionType=VOLOP&q=
https://www.welcomehouseky.org/
https://bethanyhouseservices.org/volunteer-opportunities/
https://www.marymagdalenhouse.org/volunteer
Helping the sick:
https://www.cincinnatichildrens.org/giving/volunteer
https://www.stelizabeth.com/care/about/volunteer-services/volunteer-positions/
Helping the hungry:
https://www.covingtoncharities.org/parish-kitchen
Helping prisoners:
https://www.thefourseven.org/about.html
https://kjministries.org/?fbclid=IwAR1f5Qvdt-qElAhLTdL4bFhyQJxzYSyGok3Kv4XsG3yE6IFtaNjOXr8ijPc
Supporting the family unit:
https://www.brightoncenter.com/
Serve the needy (victims of natural disaster, refugees, etc.):
https://www.svdpcincinnati.org/
https://easternusa.salvationarmy.org/greater-cincinnati/home/#whatwedo
Contact me for any questions and I would be glad to help you in any way!