MIFFLINTOWN — Any family that welcomes a new child into their home needs the support of their family, friends and community. This is especially true of foster and adoptive families.

Just ask Melanie Stoltzfus, who founded Juniata County Foster and Adoption Group in Mifflintown in 2019.

“We have the vision to help bring hope and healing to every local foster and adoptive child,” Stoltzfus said. “This group is a place to ask your questions, find information and have honest discussions. We want to see a community that supports and encourages each other.”

The group serves Juniata and Mifflin County counties as well several surrounding counties including Perry and Snyder counties.

“We want to see loving homes open up for all the children in our community,” she added. “We want to love and care for the ‘orphans’ in our community and to provide love and support for the foster and adoptive families.”

Of course, that takes money, which is why the support group hosts its annual Soup, Salad and Baked Goods Supper. This year’s supper, which marks the fifth annual event, will be held from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20, in the Community Room of the River Church of Juniata County, 105 CJEMS Lane, Mifflintown.

The supper is either all-you-can-eat dine-in or takeout. Donations based pricing. Proceeds benefit the group for ongoing support of local foster and adoptive families and children.

“We don’t want anyone to feel alone on this beautiful journey of foster care and adoption,” Stoltzfus explained. “Our biggest aim is to create a community of trust and relationships within our foster and adoptive families. A group that leans on each other and is there for each other in all the highs and lows.”

Funds from the supper enable the group to provides support through continuing education, monthly meetings and activities for kids and families. They also use it to deliver meals or non-perishable items like formula, diapers or clothes to families who can benefit from these things.

Families with new placements are also provided with care packages that include new socks and underwear, stuffed animals, backpacks, soft blankets, water bottles, craft supplies, Legos, etc. They also run a foster closet with clothes, strollers, cribs, car seats and even a few bicycles. New for 2024, they are launching a new program where kids or families are matched with a mentor who can provide dedicated one-on-one support when needed.

They also provide support to at-risk families, who are working to keep their families intact. They have donated beds and provided temporary care as a substitute to foster care for struggling families. They also mentor and support these moms.This includes supporting families after kids transition home after leaving foster care.

“We meet those needs as well as we can,” Stoltzfus said. “We do actually take meals every time we are made aware of a foster family that has taken in a new child, or families that we serve through the foster closet ministry. We bring them a meal and a care package, and we ask what they may need from the foster closet or otherwise. We make a lot of the meals ourselves and also have some freezer meals donated from a local caterer.”

The supper is their main fundraiser for the year. The soups include cheesy broccoli, chicken corn, creamy sausage, ham and bean and chili. The salad bar offers lettuce, vegetable toppings, cheese, croutons and dressings. The breads and desserts include sourdough bread, dinner rolls, corn muffins and cookies, cakes and bars.

“Every year, the supper keeps getting bigger,” Stoltzfus added. “The first year was smaller, I think we made 30 gallons of soup. Every year, we’re making more and more food. Last year, we made 60 gallons.”

Pre-orders for takeout are not required but can be made by calling or texting (717) 250-3401. Walk-ins are welcome.

“People can just come and eat, get connected and see what we’re all about,” she said.

After all, every child needs the love of a family.