LET THE LITTLE CHILDREN COME TO ME AND DO NOT HINDER THEM, FOR SUCH IS THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN,”
(MARK 10:14).
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In 2017, a family we were close with began fostering- we immediately saw the burnout that can happen and wanted to offer a solution. Originally we wanted to start a group home or foster ourselves, but with 6 children in our home already we were unable. Instead we began offering overnight, weekend, and long term respite for children (and ended up adopting a little girl)! We fell in love- and God led us to start Bridge Family Ministry in 2021. From the very beginning we committed to being what the ever-changing world of TN foster care needs us to be and will continue changing as the demands do.
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There are 8300 children in the foster system in Tennessee, with 1000 of these kids aging out of foster care each year. Of this number, 20% will experience homelessness. Tennessee is also the #1 ranked state for children repeatedly moved to different foster homes throughout their time in the system. Foster parents typically burn out between 12-18 months of parenting foster children and are unable to continue their vital role in keeping these kids off the street and away from harm.
You can make a difference in the lives of these young ones and their foster parents.
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Our ambition is to promote a local community to support the foster care families, both children and parents, to encourage them and aid them as they grow with one another. We want to see the foster care system succeed- helping to heal hurting children, give the parents the resources and tools they need, and assist the organizations and workers as they work in a stressful vocation. By working together, we can make a positive and personal impact in many lives.
A few ways you can help
Send a care box/bag
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A large tote filled with necessary items a young adult might need when they age out of the foster care system. Think back to the moment you moved out of your parents home- what were items you needed that you hadn’t thought of or practical, everyday things you hadn’t realized were necessities? These are what fill this box, along with some gift cards and games to encourage positive activities as they get on their feet.
Many of us have benefited at one time or another from having a friend or family member drop off a meal during a time of crisis in our home. This is one way we are able to help carry the burden of foster parents as they are navigating not just parenting, but guiding hurt children through their traumas.
You can sign up to be on the meal train email list so that when a family has a need you will get an email, along with all the others who have expressed an interest in helping in this way. You are then able to choose a day and time that is most convenient. Other options include gift cards or having a frozen meal on hand that we will deliver to the family!
meal train
Renewed Strength
Our mission is to provide reprieve and support to foster families, empowering them to navigate the challenges of foster care with renewed strength and resilience. Through our network of helper families, we aim to create a community where foster children feel safe, loved, and supported, while foster parents find the rest and resources they need to thrive. Together, we desire a future where every foster family has the support they need to continue their vital work, fostering brighter futures for children in need.
You can join the team to wrap around a foster family or become a helper family and be available to care for children for short periods of time all while building closer relationships with the entire foster family. We are looking forward to having you on the team.
➜We will be hosting monthly fellowship events for foster families and need your help to make it happen! Whether you have a church, organization, or a group interested in hosting these impactful experiences, we can help tailor it to your strengths and creativity. What food would you like to provide? Do you have unique equipment or property that the kids would love? We are here to make sure your foster event is a success!
➜We are starting once a month teen nights! These are also sponsored events feared toward fellowship and relationship building for young adults, both biological and foster, in the foster family homes.
➜Parent’s Night Out events include all the children in the foster family’s home. The goal is to provide a reprieve from care for the adults so they can go on a date, take a nap, run errands, or whatever they choose! The children enjoy games, crafts, lots of love from our volunteers/sponsors, and dinner!
volunteering for events
brent and anna are full-time missionaries
“RIPE FOR HARVEST”-
Brent and Anna and family are full-time missionaries serving the foster care community of middle TN under Ripe For Harvest. Ripe for Harvest is a mission sending agency that sends missionaries who are called to non-traditional ministry. We chose this organization for the accountability it provides- both financially and spiritually. Being transparent and good stewards of the donations we receive is of the utmost importance- “To whom much is given, much will be required,” (Luke 12:48).
funding-
Our fully funded financial goal is $12,000 per month based on the current financial needs along with some growing room as we have seen the ministry grow in leaps and bounds over the last three years. We are currently 1/6 of the way to fully funded and prayerfully seeking ministry partners to join us in the important work in our own backyards.
Currently we are working full time outside the home to support our family while being full time missionaries. We are trusting God to continue to provide for both the financial and physical needs of our family while we continue to say yes to his call on our lives.