“I find that the general population has no idea what social work is or what social workers do. Social work is not something often depicted in Hollywood TV shows or movies (when it is depicted, it is usually inaccurate), and frankly, the tasks of social work are so varied that the work can be hard to categorize.”

Before volunteering with this family, I had no proximity to the American foster care system. When I was given an opportunity to provide a small amount of help, little did I know a simple “yes” would become a life-changing and empowering experience. 

Do you want to learn more about adoption and the foster care system? Are you on the fence about fostering or adopting?

Hear from Amber Cooper, Winchester County foster and adoptive mom. Amber tells the story of what led her to adoption and foster care and shares words of encouragement for those who may be thinking about it themselves.

Hear from a friend of Project Belong who chose to create belonging for an older young man. They're a kinship family who worked with a therapeutic foster agency called United Methodist Family Services (UMFS). Kinship Care is when a family member or close family friend steps in to care for a child. This is a great 30 minute interview that shines a light on what blending a family and working with an older child is like.

The Gentrys discuss their experience with foster care, the ways their church showed up for them, and the lessons God taught them through their journey.

The local church can be a part of that restoration as they serve hard working foster/adoptive parents. One way is by providing a free Parent Night Out. The Fairfax PNO served 25 children who played, enjoyed pizza, games, art projects, and a movie, while adults, sensitive to their situations, cared for them. Those foster parents enjoyed four hours of rest.