Tennessee Kids Belong (TKB) provides resources to help communities support their local foster care families. Whether it’s partnering with businesses or walking individuals through support steps, Charlotte and her team are passionate about getting the community involved. With foster parents typically burning out at a rate of about 50% within the first year, supporting foster parents and foster kids is crucial. “It’s really important that we don’t forget these families that are taking care of these children,” Charlotte shares. “Research shows that the longer a child remains in a stable, nurturing environment, the greater the potential for healing.”
A fundamental view of TKB is that while everyone is not necessarily called to foster, everyone is called to support in some capacity. Here are several ways communities and individuals can support the foster care system:
TKB's Belong Project allows children eligible for adoption can come to a fun location to be celebrated. On I Belong days, kids can choose to record a video sharing their interests, dreams, and hopes for a family. “These videos give children an opportunity to highlight their unique personalities,” Charlotte explains. “Then, we use these videos to match these kids with families that are looking to adopt.” Communities can help by volunteering for the day, donating lunch, or providing a location for the event.
The Foster Friendly Business Program provides an opportunity for local businesses to give a discount to foster families to suppor` t and thank them for their work.
Faith communities can partner with TKB to provide resources for supporting foster families and children. Some ways churches can support are making care packages, hosting a foster parent night out, or starting W.R.A.P. teams, which focus on supporting foster parents through Words of encouragement, Respite care, Acts of service, and Prayer.
For those interested in getting involved or learning more about what TKB does, Charlotte is over the Chattanooga area and excited to connect. Email her at crichardson@tnkidsbelong.org or head to AmericasKidsBelong.org/states/TN/ to find more ways to create a foster friendly community.