You do not have to become a foster parent to make a difference in the lives of children and families involved in foster care. Learn how respite care, mentorship, donations, advocacy, and community support can help strengthen the village around children who need it most.
Specialized Alternatives for Families and Youth of Ohio, Inc. (SAFY) is proud to celebrate the 10-year anniversary of its Youth Drop-In Center (YDC) in Lima with a ribbon cutting event in partnership with the Lima/Allen County Chamber of Commerce. The event will commemorate a decade of connection, growth, and support for youth in the community.
I spent years knocking on doors, talking to strangers at community events, and making phone calls I wasn't sure someone would return. My job was to recruit foster parents, finding those willing to open their homes to children who needed a safe place to land. What I didn't expect was how much those families would teach me about what it means to live in a community.
In twenty-plus years as a social worker, I’ve accompanied many people on some difficult journeys. Whether it was assisting a family to tell their children about the death of a beloved family member or helping young children express their worries after a SWAT team removed them from their family, I know firsthand that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are common.
Strong families are built with intention through supportive relationships, practical skills, and access to resources that help caregivers navigate everyday challenges. In child welfare, these strengths are known as protective factors which are the conditions that reduce stress and support healthy development.
What helps youth in foster care feel safe, grounded, and supported? This post explores why connection to community, culture, and belonging is essential and how foster care works best when those connections are preserved.
Consistent support can make a meaningful difference for foster parents. Learn how emotional well-being is strengthened through connection, guidance, and partnership.
Lisa, a foster and adoptive parent and Lead Foster Parent Recruiter with SAFY of Ohio, shares her family’s journey through foster care and adoption emphasizing connection, respect for birth families, and the importance of community support.
Contact us today to begin your foster parent journey.
