Rich Fork's story
A Deeper Dive with Rich Fork's Foster & Adopt Support Group
Members of Rich Fork's foster & adopt support group reflect on the encouragement they find each week, the role the wider church can play, and their advice for any church who wants to begin supporting vulnerable children and families.
What changed for a family that fostered for years without a group?
"We're going into our 11th year of fostering and did that without this group for eight or nine years. And it was infinitely harder than it is now. … When you don't have someone who relates to that, it's so isolating. But then God puts together something beautiful like this and it just feels natural and it feels home."
Jesse Wilson, foster and adoptive parent
What practical first steps can a church take?
"Make sure that all of your children's ministry, youth ministry, preschool ministry volunteers are trauma informed, and Baptist Children's Homes can help with that. … And contact your local DSS and let them know that you're starting a support group and you have a space and they'll share it."
Bailey Bowers, foster and adoptive parent
Our church feels led, but we don't know where to begin. Should we wait?
"I would just say children in care can't wait. The foster families trying to support them can't wait. Churches don't have the luxury of waiting."
Grace Wilson, foster and adoptive parent
I Want to Learn More
To read the full Rich Fork Q&A, visit the blog post.
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