Get Involved
While foster parenting and adoption are both wonderful ways to have a huge impact on a child’s life, there are countless other options. You don’t have to open your home to open your heart to these children. Below are just a few suggestions of ways to give of your time, talents and resources. The Embrace Ministry is always looking for new ways to brighten the lives of children facing difficult transitions. If you are a foster or adoptive parent who knows of a need, or just someone with a new idea, please feel free to let us know… or get a group together in your community and “Go For It”!
Simplest of Gifts
A Christmas giving program to provide basic household items for teenagers aging out of the foster care system and moving into their first apartment. This is a great way to get your family, your workplace or your church involved in orphan care. For a list of the household items needed or a promotional packet to give to your church staff or workplace administration contact Cindy Coffman (cindy@embracetexas.org).
TRAC Mentoring
Youth who grow up in foster care often do not develop the life skills necessary for success, and are not prepared for life on their own at age 18. Transition Resource Action Center (TRAC) provides affordable housing, livable wage jobs and a safety net for these young adults. Adults from the community may train to become mentors, who act as “life coaches” to aid these youth as they transition into independent living.
CASA
CASA volunteers are specially trained advocates appointed by a judge to children in the care of Child Protective Services (CPS). Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) is based on the belief that every child has the right to a safe, permanent home. By thoroughly exploring a child’s background, dedicated and intensively trained CASA volunteers are able to assess each child’s situation and make objective recommendations to the court. CASA workers have the pleasure of “walking children home” and being beside them every step of the way.
Resource Network
Interact with foster/adopted children in a unique way by becoming part of their family’s circle of support. Each family needs a network of 3-4 families who can provide meals when new placements arrive, cheer at soccer games, bake birthday cakes for these special little people and even throw baby showers for new arrivals! Contact one of our staff members for more information.
Relief and Respite Care
Foster families cannot always travel with their foster children due to court restrictions. They may also wish for a family getaway or break from foster parenting. The state requires that their foster children stay in certified relief care homes. These homes must be willing to fully provide for 1 or more children for up to 72 hours at a time. Likewise, Respite Care is an opportunity to provide care for these children for more than 72 hours at a time. Several hours of training, and a background check are required for this ministry. Contact one of our staff members or a local foster care agency for more information.
Mission Trip
Bearing gifts of hop and encouragement to children around the globe can be a rewarding and life changing experience. The following missions organizations provide a variety of short-term mission experiences for individuals and families. You may also contact one of our staff members to inquire about our next mission trip.
www.arrow.org
www.back2backministries.org
www.glocalventures.org
www.buckner.org
Volunteer
Throughout each year, Embrace hosts a number of events, workshops, trainings and programs in order to provide encouragement and support for children, families and churches. If you would like to learn more about these regular opportunities to meet tangible needs, download our Background Check Form and contact one of our staff members. You can also be in prayer for any of the 6,000 children in Texas waiting to be adopted by downloading any one of the following desktop backgrounds as a reminder of these waiting children (background 1, background 2, background 3 and background 4) or visit the Texas Adoption Resource Exchange to meet them yourself.
