The Church Rallying Around the Local Foster Care System
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Our mission at The Alliance is to prevent and heal childhood trauma by leveraging the power of collaboration.
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Unfortunately, because of addiction, incarceration, domestic violence, or mental health challenges, some parents are unable to care for their children. In these situations, kids need individuals or families who are willing to step in with open hearts and open homes.
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The Greater Sacramento Foster Care Initiative was launched in response to the urgent need for foster homes—especially for teens, sibling groups, and children with higher needs. It is a collaborative effort among local churches to raise awareness, provide clear next steps, and offer support to families who say “yes” to fostering a child.
Get involved
Want to learn more about this initiative and how you and your church can get involved?
Join us on September 18th at an Interest Meeting to explore the variety of ways local churches can make a difference.
You can also email any questions to Alliance Church Relations Director Heidi White at heidi@defendingthecause.org.
INTEREST MEETING
Thurs. Sept. 18 | 3-4:30pm
The Alliance Office | 1380 Lead Hill Blvd. #210, Roseville, CA 95661
Foster Care Statistics
Initiative details
​What Types of Things Can My Church Do To Help?
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If You Are on Church Staff
Churches can support foster and adoptive families in a variety of ways, depending on their passions, resources, and role in the community.
For example:
One church might host a support group.
Another might offer respite nights for foster families.
The next church could start a meals ministry or clothing closet.
Others may train volunteers to wrap around and care for foster and adoptive families.
Every church has a unique calling—and when churches work together, the impact multiplies.
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If You Attend a Local Church and Want Them to Get Involved
Even if you're not on staff, you can still make a big difference by:
Sharing the vision with your church leaders and encouraging them to attend the Interest Meeting
Offer to be a point person or volunteer to help start a support initiative.
Connect with Heidi White at heidi@defendingthecause.org to brainstorm.
Your passion can be the spark that brings change!
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If You Want to Help Personally
There are many ways you can support foster youth and families in our community:
Interested in becoming a foster parent? Learn more through our free workshop Foster Care & Adoption 101
Volunteer or meet practical needs through our Love in Action Database
Become a menor or advocate by connecting with one of our Nonprofit Members
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Do I (as a pastor or staff member) need to foster to invite to my church to foster?
No...you don't need to be a foster parent to be a voice for the kids in the foster care system. It is helpful to have someone with experience on your team, but it is actually beneficial to have leaders that are not fostering so that they have capacity to lead or advocate.
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What Is the Commitment for the Foster Care Initiative?
We’re not asking for you to launch huge new program—just take a few intentional steps to explore how your church can be part of the solution. Here’s what the commitment includes:
1. Attend the Interest Meeting
📅 September 18 - RSVP Here
Learn more about the need, the vision, and practical ways your church can get involved.
2. Participate in Church Coaching
🗓 January 2026
The Alliance has a custom coaching curriculum for churches where we will train your volunteer team to develop a ministry plan that fits your unique calling, culture and capacity.
3. Share with Your Congregation
🗓 At least twice in 2026
Use a Sunday service, small groups, or other church-wide channels to raise awareness and invite involvement.
4. Join Two Follow-Up Meetings
Stay connected, share progress, and collaborate with other churches in the initiative.
You don’t have to do everything—just something.
This initiative is about finding your church’s place in caring for vulnerable children and families.​​
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