Getting Involved with Foster Care

Our ability to provide quality care to the children in our program is directly linked to the time, talent, and treasures of our volunteer partners. From becoming a foster parent to volunteering a couple of hours in our office, there are many opportunities to get involved. Below are some of the possibilities but if God is leading you in a new and innovative way, we would be glad to speak to you. We ask that you pray and decide where the Lord is leading you to serve with Youth for Christ.

Our volunteers are a vital part of this ministry. Volunteers allow us to be able to expend our resources more efficiently, thus providing better services to our foster parents and the children in their homes.

*Case Aide
*Mentor/Tutor
*Mentor of a Birth Parent
*Support Dinner Childcare
*Events (YFC auction and banquet)
*Financial Partner

Help By Becoming a Case Aide
As a part of contract with DSHS, Youth for Christ is responsible to provide the supervision of our foster children with their birthparents. In many cases case aides support us by providing transportation to or from these important visits and provide support for the children before and after this emotional time. Having the support of a caring adult can bring security to a child experiencing the uncertainty of being away from their family.

Mentor/Tutor
Children in the foster care system often are in need of extra support. Often, when children are removed from their families it is difficult to focus on their school work and therefore, they get behind academically. Having a volunteer able to support a foster child through this time of their life can make the difference between a child being a successful student.

Birth Parent Mentor
All biological parents have a personal story of their own that led them to be in the position they are in. In several circumstances, Youth for Christ has provided a biological parent with a mentor to help provide additional support in their endeavor the get their children returned. When biological parents are willing to receive this type of help it is exciting to watch the progress they can make. Becoming a birth parent mentor can be a very rewarding experience.

Support Dinner Childcare
Each month (second Tuesday of each month) Youth for Christ foster and foster/adopt families come together for training and support. A family style dinner (suggested $5 family donation) is provided from 5pm to 6pm. Childcare is provided for all children from 6pm to 7:30pm while parents meet for training and support. This is a fantastic way to support Youth for Christ families in their tireless work as foster or foster/adopt parents.

Events
Our staff is always looking for volunteers that are willing to serve in different capacities for our events. Currently, Youth for Christ hosts three fundraising events including an auction, golf tournament, and a banquet. In addition, our foster care staff provides our families with a full day of training hours that can be credited toward their annual requirements. Supporting our staff by assisting in different roles can make a big difference!

Financial Partner
Of course a ministry of this size must have a large cast of financial partners. Not everyone can open their home to children. However, by supporting this ministry financially you are partnering in the mission of caring neglected and abused children. Youth for Christ is a not-for profit 501(c)3 organization and any donation is tax-deductible. Your financial partnership is greatly valued.