On the second Tuesday of each month, many YFC foster families gather together for our monthly support group.  A family style dinner is catered by Charlotte Lute.  Families are able to come after a long day…..with no need to prepare anything!  This hour is spent connecting families wtih each other.    Dinner is loud, fun, messy and chaotic.  But friendships are being enjoyed. 

At 6pm, Diedre Baker and volunteers, provide childcare for the next hour and a half.  For many children, this has become a highlight of their month.  This is where our foster children make friends with each other….and learn that they aren’t the only ones going through this incredible journey.  Often, it’s our foster children that encourage our families to come that night.  It has become a place where someone understands them.

While their children are cared for, parents meet together for an uninterupted time together.  Here is where families learn there are others that can relate to their story.  Strong friendships are made.  Stories are told.  Funny, heartwarming stories…..and stories that make you cry.  Parents laugh together, cry together, and pray together.  It’s here where parents learn from each other.  It’s a great thing.   

I can’t imagine taking this journey of foster care alone.  Over the years, our families have built meaningful friendships with each other.  These friendships have often made the difference in “hanging in there” with a child…..or “going around again”.  Hopefully, we can continue to connect families with each other……..to their benefit……..and to the benefit of the children.