Effective Faith Based Partnerships

Working together.
That is the heart of Patch Our Planet.

We want to help end the orphan crisis and not just work on it.

To do that, we have to work together in the public, private and faith sectors.  This is what Pastor Rick Warren calls the “3 legged stool” that provides stability. Each partner brings something to the table that the other does not.

In that spirit, I would like to recognize some of the great work that is happening across our country in the foster care system.  Faith based organizations are teaming up with Social Services and governmental agencies to get these kids into loving families.

There are other great examples, but here is a short list.  I hope these will serve as motivation and encouragement for you!

1. Orange County Social Services – http://egov.ocgov.com/ocgov/OC4Kids/Other%20Ways%20to%20Get%20Involved/Faith%20In%20Motion

-Currently working with 64 churches in Orange County.
-Developed the “Faith in Motion” initiative which helps recruit foster parents and adoptive parents   in the faith communities.  It also encourages faith communities to develop support services for foster and adoptive families.
2. 4Kids of South Florida – http://www.4kidsofsfl.org/
-Every child in Broward County who is brought into the Child Welfare system, from newborns to 17 year olds, upon being removed from their families due to abuse, neglect and/or abandonment is given tender care, support and supervision at SafePlace 4KIDS while they await a more permanent placement.
3. The C.A.L.L., Arkansas – http://www.thecallinarkansas.org/
-According to DFC’s Allison Bennett, the C.A.L.L. is working in 22 counties in Arkansas.  They have recruited around 300 families.
-The Foster Care Church Initiative has rapidly emerged as churches are joining together with an unprecedented level of support from the top levels of leadership of the Arkansas DHHS’ Division of Children and Family Services.

-The C.A.L.L. vision is to have no waiting children in Arkansas foster care, but instead to have waiting, Christian families ready to take them in!

There are many more that I will try to highlight in future posts.
So, what about Patch Our Planet? 

You can check out our work in Buffalo, NY at The Chapel here – http://www.oneorphansolution.blogspot.com/#!http://oneorphansolution.blogspot.com/2012/06/every-child-chapel-in-buffalo-ny.html and view the web page for the Western NY effort here – http://every-child.com/

So, what’s happening in your area? 

Steve Gillis
Founder | Executive Director
Patch Our Planet
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