Foster Care + adoption
Who are we?
We at North Mountain would love to support, equip, pray, or just be a listening ear for those in or around the foster or adoption realm. If that’s you, please reach out! Our Foster Care and Adoption leaders understand the idiosyncrasies of the system in the state of Arizona after being foster parents themselves and adopting their kids from foster care.
Why is this important?
There is an orphan crisis around the world. Children who have lost parents, been abandoned by parents, or been taken out of dangerous environments, are in need of stable homes and loving families. James tells us that caring for vulnerable children such as these is close to the heart of God. Therefore we, the people of God, must lead the way in recognizing this great need and stepping up to meet it.
This issue is very near to us. Arizona has a massive foster care crisis, with thousands of children in the foster care system. The state simply does not have enough homes to care for them all and they are asking for the church’s help.
What do we do?
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One of the ways we have responded is to join other churches in Arizona in a movement called AZ127 (based on James 1:27). Its purpose is to educate people on the great need in front of us and aid those interested in foster care and adoption to navigate the process.
AZ127 is a broad movement that we support. But in order to come alongside and mobilize the people of Redemption, we have formed a ministry for those who are currently involved in foster care or interested in getting involved.
Simply put, we are calling our church to engage the great need by taking children into our homes by fostering or adopting. In addition, and just as important, we are calling our church to relationally support families who choose to open their homes.
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Christian Family Care’s Mentoring Program is designed to provide youth impacted by the foster care system with a consistent adult presence in their life. A mentor at Christian Family Care is a volunteer position that requires a minimum time commitment of four hours per month for at least one year, with a deep care for children and families. We require mentors to have a deep love for Jesus, they may be the child’s first exposure to the gospel. The overall goal of the mentoring program is to provide healthy, safe relationships for struggling youth and adults that may not otherwise experience consistent and long-term relationships. You and your mentee can attend a sports game, a movie, get dinner, etc.
We have an especially high need for male mentors.
Requirements:
Be at least 18 years of age
Have reliable transportation and proof of insurance
Ability to pass background check and submit three character references
Ability to obtain level one fingerprint clearance card
Obtain 39-month motor vehicle record
Willingness to attend trauma-informed care training
Resources
CODY + HEATHER LINGELBACH
Cody and Heather have been married for 15 years and have 5 awesome kids!
They spent 10 years as foster parents taking care of over 12 kids. They lead the Redemption Foster and Adoption Ministry at North Mountain - allowing for connection, understanding, training, and more.