PRAYER INITIATIVE
Our goal is to cover each child in state care within the greater Houston area in prayer. Vertical Divider
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PARENTING
Resources for those parenting through adoption, foster care, or kinship care. Vertical Divider
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CONGREGATIONS
Congregations are uniquely positioned to make a difference in their community. |
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CHILDREN IN STATE CARE IN GREATER HOUSTON
The Greater Houston area has approximately 5,500 children who were removed from their homes due to unsafe conditions. Foster care is intended to serve as a temporary haven for children who cannot safely remain with their families. Often, their parents are battling poverty, substance abuse or mental illness, and have neglected their children’s needs. Many of these children have experienced physical or sexual abuse at the hands of a trusted adult. |
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CHILDREN LEGALLY FREE FOR ADOPTION
Of those 5,500 children in state care, about 1,500 are legally free for adoption – their family’s parental rights have been terminated and they are in need of a forever home. If foster children are not adopted, they “emancipate” and are left to navigate the world on their own. Over half of the foster children who were not adopted by 18 years of age are homeless, unemployed, incarcerated, pregnant, dead, victims of human trafficking, or involved in gangs. But, their story doesn’t have to end this way … |
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LOCAL CONGREGATIONS CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
If each of the approximately 4,000 faith-based organizations in our community encourages one family to adopt a child or sibling group, and that congregation surrounds the adoptive family with a support system of tangible love, resources, and guidance – every child will be cared for, every family will have a support system, congregations will be strengthened, and communities will be healthier and safer. What can your congregation do to make a difference? |
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WAYS YOUR CONGREGATION CAN GET INVOLVED
It’s not all or nothing. We don’t need all congregations to offer all possible Adoption and Foster Care activities. However, we can all do something, be it small or large, and we are all needed. Here are 7 ways a congregation can get involved immediately: Prayer Initiative, Supportive Care Groups, Adoption/Foster Care Awareness Event, Adoption/Foster Care Decisions Class, Empowered to Connect Parenting Class, Host Local Child Placing Agency Trainings or Special Events, and Prayer Shawl or Weighted Blanket program. |