become a RENEWED STRENGTH Respite Family
– Isaiah 40:30-31
Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord shall renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they shall walk and not be faint.
A program of Bridge Family Ministries
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 respite 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 envision a future where every foster family has the support they need to continue their vital work, fostering brighter futures for children in need.
The Renewed Strength program aims to provide additional support to foster families by engaging respite families in the community. Here's a breakdown of the program and its expectations:
Purpose: The program aims to reduce stress for foster families by providing them with rest and support in doing so giving them opportunity to renew the strength of themselves, their family, and their marriage.
Role of Respite Families: Respite families will be available to provide overnight, weekend, or occasional week-long care for foster children from licensed foster homes. There is no fixed commitment, but respite families will be called upon based on their availability when there is a need. Once a family indicates interest as a respite family they will be asked to fill out a questionnaire that will help us know which foster families to connect them with. This will include asking about age, gender, and number of children they are able to accommodate during a short-term stay.
Building Relationships: Respite families are encouraged to reach out to foster families, attend foster family fellowship events, and build relationships. This helps in finding a good fit between the foster child and the Respite family, making the experience smoother for everyone involved.
Creating a Safe and Familiar Environment: Foster children feel more relaxed and secure when they are placed in homes where they are familiar with the family and surroundings. The program aims to reduce trauma for these children by ensuring they feel safe and loved during their time away from their foster homes.
Long-Term Vision: The ultimate goal is to have several respite families supporting each foster family in Middle TN, reducing burnout for both foster and support families.
Requirements for Respite Families: Respite families need to undergo a background check and fingerprinting. There is no home study or involvement with the Department of Children's Services (DCS) beyond being cleared to provide overnight care for foster children.
Invitation to Participate: Families are encouraged to prayerfully consider joining the program as respite families. Any questions or concerns can be addressed to the program coordinators, Brent and Anna Morgan 615-525-0707 or email bridgefamilyministries@gmail.com.
Overall, the Renewed Strength program seeks to strengthen the foster care community by providing practical support and fostering meaningful relationships between foster and respite families.
To request more information or express your interest in becoming a respite family please fill out the form below and submit. Once we receive your request we will send you the pdf training booklet, and release form for background check and fingerprinting.
RENEWED STRENGTH GROUPS
Would you like to serve with a group whose goal is to serve a foster family directly? By providing tangible acts of service such as encouragement, meals, prayer, or childcare? You can directly impact the lives of those working with foster children and the children themselves. Each team will consist of 10 individuals, and each one will have a role in the life of their matched foster family!
Requirements:
10 participants (can be a church, business, friends, family, or we can match you to a team)
6 month commitment
Free Training with Bridge Family Ministries
Please fill out the form below if you have a team interested, would like to build a team or be added to a team that is being formed!