Our Vision

In Scripture, God calls us to put the lonely in families and to take care of the fatherless.

“Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans…in their distress.” James 1:27

Our Mission Statement

Foster Love is a ministry of Wynnbrook Baptist Church dedicated to organizing and equipping the congregation to be the hands and feet of Jesus as we demonstrate and share the gospel with vulnerable children and families.

We believe that every church and every church member can do something to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children.

There are many aspects of our ministry in which church members can be a part:

Foster Care - The church is made aware of the need for foster families, encourages them in their training, and supports them once they foster. Requirements to Foster or be a Respite: An 8-week Impact Class through Hope Foster Care or DFACS, background check, and home inspections.

Care Communities are teams of families supporting one foster family for 6 to 24 months with a combination of prayer and encouragement, fun family outings, and holiday celebrations.  Each community member provides one meal a month, which equates to one meal a week for the foster family. The primary protective factors focus on parental resilience, social connection, and concrete support in times of need. Requirements: View a one-hour training video with Promise 686, background check, provide a meal one time per month and support where needed. (Commit to one year).

Anne Elizabeth Shepherd Girls’ Home (AESH) is a local residential home that provides care for females, ages 10-17 who have experienced sexual trauma. The Foster Love ministry vision is to have the girls hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ and have a foundation in Him through our monthly programs.  Each month we share a Bible story/lesson and the Gospel, provide a fun activity or craft, provide snacks or meals, provide a gift, collect prayer requests and questions and give cards to those who have a birthday that month.

Requirements:  Join the group of ladies in a planning meeting the week before monthly visit to the home, get a background check (Commit to at least 6x per year)

Prayer Team – A group of church members receives prayer requests by email and pray regularly for our ministry, the families, children, and volunteers involved in the Foster Love ministry.  Each month the team has a prayer emphasis on a different aspect of the foster care ministry. Requirements: Commit to pray as the needs arise.

Families Count is a platform that ministers to and walks with broken families to help them be restored and preserved.  We host a 7 week biblically-based parenting class that focuses on family strengths and purpose. A meal, transportation, and childcare are provided to encourage the families to attend.  Children are not only impacted by growth and healing they see in their parents but are also able to attend church activities while their parents are in class. Requirement:  To be a teacher/leader, you must attend a training meeting and commit to lead one class per year.

Mentorship opportunities during the Families Count class, families will be matched with a church-approved and trained mentor.

Requirement:  Mentors must attend a one-hour training session and will be assigned to one of the families attending the Family Count classes.

Care Portal The CarePortal is a citywide effort by churches to provide needs for families, particularly children.  In coordination with Clement Arts and the Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS), we will collect and deliver material needs as requested by DFCS.  These needs may be as simple as baby wipes to sheets and blankets to tables and chairs or appliances or even monetary donations.  This endeavor is one way we can develop Christlike relationships with case workers as well as share the Gospel as we minister to families.  Often, the requests we meet will allow families to stay together or be a part of the plan that allows children to return to the home.

One way church members may help is to download the CarePortal App.  DFCS will vet and send needs through the CarePortal.  You will then receive emails detailing specific needs. If someone can help meet the need or needs, that person will respond on the app and it will be sent to the point person who will coordinate the connection for the donation and/or delivery.  The other way members can help is to sign up to assist in delivering donations.  There is a training session to familiarize you with what to expect and how to minister when you contact families and/or deliver to them.

Click here to access the care portal

Foster Love Storage Closet is a room where supplies are available for foster families as they take in children with needs.  Clothing, diapers, toys, cribs, bedding, strollers, car seats and supplies of all kinds are collected and stored to have on hand.  Anyone may contribute to the closet. Contact Helen Hall at 706-326-5123 if you have a donation.

We partner with other Christ centered churches throughout the Chattahoochee Valley that are coordinated by the Clement Care ministry.  Clement Care is a Non-profit Christ Centered Ministry that exists to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and families through gospel centered support and creative experiences. For more information, visit their website at clement-arts.org.

Together We Make a Difference!

There are many ways to serve. How can you make a difference? If you feel called to help, please contact Helen Hall or Lisa Dodgen, advocates for the ministry, and we would love to talk with you about it:

fosterlove@wynnbrookbaptist.com

706-323-4374

@fosterloveWBC

https://www.facebook.com/fosterloveWBC