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By Ann Getz
There are currently approximately 70 children in the foster system within Mifflin and Juniata counties. Local child welfare agencies are experiencing severe shortages of employees. There is also a need for more foster families with children often having to be placed outside of their school district and separated from siblings because there simply are not enough local foster families ready and waiting to provide a stable, loving environment for these vulnerable children.
But….
We serve a God of abundance and generosity. We can trust Him to provide more than enough of everything needed, even in the realm of foster care and child welfare. Local churches of Mifflin County are partnering with Keystone Family Alliance with the goal of providing "more than enough." What does "more than enough" mean? This means more than enough foster homes to care for children so caseworkers can select the best possible family for children, keeping siblings together and local. It means having more than enough volunteers to support all families caring for vulnerable children.
Kish Valley Grace Brethren's Heart's Led ministry is equipping volunteers to provide Care Communities of five to eight people to wrap around local foster families to provide weekly meals, provide family helpers to support family needs such as housework, yardwork, transportation, and child mentoring along with support and prayer. Studies have shown that foster families that are supported by Care Communities are able to foster longer and stronger.
Along with forming care communities we will also provide support to local child welfare agencies through service projects and prayer and are working to recruit new foster families.
We are excited to be working together with Keystone Family Alliance, laboring and praying for the needs of children to be met and families to be strengthened.
To learn more about Keystone Family Alliance and how you and/or your church can get involved visit http://www.keyfam.org.
Ann Getz
Kish Valley Grace Brethren Church