As a first-time adoptive parent, Dr. Kimberly Offutt had an idealistic vision of what “happily ever after” would look like. As a foster care worker, she knew the need was great for teens with trauma history, and she thought she was ready. But love, it turns out, does not undo a child’s deep wounds.

Will and Colleen don’t do anything halfway. So when they said yes to foster parenting, it changed their whole lives.

Families should remain together whenever it's safe to do so.

When parents are isolated without community, they miss an essential element their children need to thrive: connection. Parent Cafés are a growing movement to give parents the support they need for their families to grow stronger.

As a Safe Families for Children host, Amber explains how and why her family supported a mom facing a crisis by giving her son a temporary safe place to stay.

The care and support of Safe Families for Children volunteers helped a young single mom safely parent her son.

When Maria attended a Parent Café, she realized the value of being heard, understood, and supported by other parents. Parent Cafés are designed to create transformative conversations, promote well-being, and build strong families. Led by parents for parents, these support groups provide a space for sharing information, teaching parenting skills, and fostering connection.

As a youth basketball coach, Stacey was skilled at making connections with teens. And she realized she could naturally transition her coaching skills to provide care and opportunities for teens as a foster parent.

Bekah shares that her addiction led her to dark places, where she lost family, friends, and eventually custody of her 5-year-old son.

When women enter the Bethany Recovery Center, they begin a holistic journey of healing for their mind, body, and spirit. Once in the grip of trauma and addiction, they find release as they discover and embrace their own strengths.