Not everyone is called to be a foster parent — but everyone can do something that positively impacts foster families. There are a lot of different ways to support the different pieces of the foster care community, but here are some ways you can come alongside foster families in practical, everyday ways.
- Gift Cards – Gas, groceries, other store gift cards are such a simple way to help. They let foster parents meet needs as they come up and ease the stress of daily added expenses.
- Amazon Lists – Many foster parents create Amazon or other store wishlists for specific items kids need right away. Sending something directly to their doorstep is quick, practical, and deeply appreciated.
- Meal Support – Whether it’s dropping off a freezer meal, sending a DoorDash gift card, or organizing a meal train, meals give foster parents one less thing to worry about when a kid enters their home or on an extra busy or taxing day.
- Errands/Groceries – Picking up diapers, wipes, groceries, or snacks when you’re already headed to the store can mean so much. Little errands sometimes pile up the quickest.
- Household Help – From laundry, dishes, and cleaning to mowing the lawn, some of the mundane things that can be difficult to juggle with foster family schedules and challenges. A helping hand every once in a while takes a weight off and focus can be given back to the kids.
- Childcare/Babysit – Offering safe, trusted childcare for an appointment, errand, or a break for some self-care for the foster parent provides a rare moment of rest. Sticking it out through the paperwork and approval process to support this is not lost on a foster family.
- Prayers – Covering the kids, their families, foster parents, judges, case workers, and anyone else involved in prayer matters more than words can express. Knowing others are interceding gives strength and comfort on the hardest days.
- Encouragement – Writing a simple note, sending a text, and checking in with the foster parents to say “what you’re doing matters and is making a difference” can go a long way. Little reminders that people are out there supporting can remind foster parents they’re not alone.
- Listening Ear – Sometimes a foster parent needs someone to listen as they process. No fixing, no judgement, no prying for more details. A select and trusted person that is willing to listen.
- Respect – Respecting boundaries and privacy is one of the best ways to support foster families. Every child’s story is theirs alone, and honoring that is loving and caring for the child.
If you don’t have someone in your church or circle that you can support in the ways above, or even if you do, you can donate gently used or brand new items to local organizations that directly support foster families in your community. It may be a church or other nonprofit whose mission is to provide resources to foster families and children in foster care. Other foster care organizations could use your support too, such as Foster the Family or America’s Kids Belong.
There are many ways to help a foster family without becoming a foster parent. Foster care is not something that can be done alone. As a community, wrapping around in different ways greatly impacts foster families. Just as it takes a willing person to become a foster parent, it takes a willing person to step in with meals, errands, encouragement, and prayer. To come alongside and be the hands and feet of Jesus. To build a stronger community.
You don’t have to say “yes” to a child in your home to make a difference. You can help a family keep going when the nights are long and the days are heavy. When things are constantly changing, and unknown. When it’s time to say goodbye and grieve.
So I’d love to challenge you: pick one thing from this list and put it into action in the coming weeks. Text a foster parent to check in, drop off a meal, pray over their family, or send something from their Amazon list. Ask questions to learn more about foster care. Your “yes” can mean the world to a child and the family caring for them.
This is Part 1 of my series “Beyond the Yes: Foster Care and the Gift of Community”. Stay tuned for Part 2 & 3.