We need families who are willing to open up their homes to provide short-term respite care to children who are in foster homes.

Divorce among foster parents is more common than we might think. This is in part due to the stress that comes with being a foster parent. We created the Renewed Strength Respite Care Program to provide parents with opportunities for rest and relaxation, renewal of the mind and body, and the opportunity to refocus on their marriage and family.

Though our volunteer families will mostly be providing respite for only foster children there may be times when a foster family also requests respite care for their biological children. Sometimes foster parents may want to leave all of their children and sometimes they may choose to leave only some. This can be for a variety of reasons. For example a foster family may need to leave the state but cannot get DCS approval to take a foster child out of state. Sometimes they have a court appointment or other appointments where children cannot or should not be present. Sometimes foster parents may want to focus building relationship with just a few children. Whatever the reason may be, this is where we can serve and show these families that their community stands beside them. Everyone may not be called to be a foster parent, but we can all provide love and support to those most vulnerable and in need.

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Renewed Strength wraparound teams provide additional support to foster families through tangible acts of service. The program aims to reduce stress for foster families by providing tangible acts of services such as meals, childcare and prayer. In doing so we give those we serve the opportunity to renew their own strength, as well as that of their family and marriage.

Our mission is to encourage and support foster families, empowering them to navigate the challenges of foster care with renewed strength and resilience. Through our network of volunteers, we help to directly impact the lives of those working with foster children and the children themselves.

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Help us brighten the day of our local foster parents. We are currently collecting hand-written notes and $10 gift cards which we will mail out to our foster parents in the community. This is our way to thank and encourage them for what they are doing by loving and caring for the children in their homes.

If you unable to donate a gift card but would still like to send a note, we still want you to do so. We will add a gift card once your note is received. If you are able to donate both a note and gift card be creative in where your purchase gift cards; anywhere you think a parent would like.

Click here to encourage a parent.

Many of us have benefited at one time or another from having a family member or friend drop off a meal during a time of great need. In the same way, we are able to pay it forward and help carry this same burden for our foster parents. As they are navigating not just parenting, but also guiding their hurt children through their trauma, we can offer the simple yet impactful gift of a meal.

There are several ways to help get meals to our foster families including signing up for our meal train email list, having a meal delivered to a family or giving a financial donation.

Learn more below.

Growing up and moving out on your own can be an exciting and sometimes scary season for a young adult. Many teens aging out of the foster care system need extra support to help them start their new lives as adults. We can help ease this transition by giving them a gift to help them on their way. Fill a cloth laundry basket with basic necessities and supplies for a young adult aging out of the foster care and help launch them into independent living.

Click here to find out how you can help.

Each year we partner with the Department of Children's Services in Middle TN and the Stars and Strikes Corporation in Smyrna to throw the annual DCS Foster Care Christmas party. We collect gifts all year long and have several toy drives throughout the year to meet our goal of 1000 gifts for all ages. You can purchase a toy from the store and deliver it to us or make a financial donation that we can use to purchase toys. You can also purchase a toy from our Amazon Wishlist. The purchase will be directly delivered to us.

To purchase a toy from Amazon please click here. To schedule a toy for pick up please click here.

Bridge Family ministries hosts several groups and events for foster families and children throughout the year. Events such as Parent’s Night Out, allow parents an evening of rest and recovery while their children enjoy a time of games, crafts and food. While groups like Bridge Teens, teach young teenagers life skills such as communication and relationship building. Our volunteers are essential to not only helping our groups and events run smoothly, but also making our families and their children feeling loved and cherished.

To see what volunteer opportunities we have available click here.

Your partnership and donations enable, whether in-kind or financial, helps Bridge Family Ministries to provide support to those most in need. Your donation helps to cover such necessities as salaries, supplies and materials. Most importantly it gives us the ability to help families in tangible ways. Your donation is making a difference in the lives of so many and we think you.

Click here to find out more.