Cultivating Families

About Cultivating Families

The purpose of Cultivating Families is to inspire and equip the rich and diverse multi-faith congregations in the Houston area to be with and nurture the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of foster and adopted children and their families. The issue we are addressing is that 1500 children in the greater Houston area need forever homes (or forever relationships). Greater Houston has approximately 6,000 children in state care, of which 1,500 are legally free for adoption. There are over 4,000 communities of faith in the same geographic area, and of these, approximately 2 percent are successfully engaged in activities that help the foster care community. If foster children are not adopted, they "emancipate" and are left to navigate the world on their own without lifelong families and relationships. Tragic consequences for these children, and ultimately for the greater Houston community, include: adoption placement failures, academic difficulties, increased school dropout rates, incarceration, unintentional pregnancy, unemployment, homelessness, drug abuse and addictions, gang involvement, human trafficking, sometimes death. ● More foster and adoptive families are needed to provide safety, love, and nurturing for children removed from their homes due to abuse and neglect. ● Foster care and adoption can be an isolating experience for families who step up to the task, and support of their faith family is crucial to successful long-term placements. ● Faith communities are uniquely positioned to make a positive difference in fostered and adopted children’s lives. ● Faith-based congregations need training and preparation to welcome and nurture these children and families who may not look or behave like other members.

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