8-week event geared toward host families
Safe Families for Children will embark on a new venture soon, that of hosting a support group for host families.
In an effort to offer insight into what host families do the organization shared the following.
“This work is tough. There are times we don’t get to see the true fruit from this service. And, that can make it tougher. The perspective we maintain while hosting, friending and giving to the families we are connected with can greatly influence the way we process these experiences and how we continue to offer care through the tough,” they shared.
“The Carters (names have been changed) recently hosted a teen girl, Riley, and if you heard it from the Carters, you would hear about a hosting that is flourishing. They recognize the work God is doing in their lives as he has called and equipped them to continue loving and caring for this teenager. Meanwhile, the teenager continued to deal with her addictions and has since gone into a treatment facility,” they continued.
“Many would consider this a fail. Too hard to continue. But the perspective of the Carters remains to be filled with the grace and understanding that with Christ and His strength they can and will continue to love and care for this girl through the tough,” they said.
“This is a Safe Families for Children success, not because the teenager is in a treatment facility, but because this teenager is being loved by individuals in prayerful hopes that she will learn who she is and thrive. We may not see how this is impacting Riley now, but God is doing his work, and that is what we’re here for,” they said.
With that being shared, Safe Families introduces a Host Family Support Group, an 8-week session for host families that will offer training and a time to process the hosting experience.
“We hope it will also offer an opportunity for host families to build community around shared experiences,” organizers shared.
Priority for the support group will be given to host families currently serving or those who have served in past three months. If the group does not fill, it will be offered to other interested host families on a waitlist.
The group will meet every other Wednesday from 6:30 to 8 p.m., for eight sessions, beginning July 31 and ending in late October. The support group meetings will be held at Grace Church Walworth.
Details are being worked out to offer childcare during the support group meetings and the group sill be conducted by a licensed professional.
For more information, or to sign up, call Sara Schnake at 262-725-5199, ext. 2.
Another upcoming Safe Families event is an appreciation for volunteers with an invitation to bring a friend who may be interested in learning more.
The volunteer appreciation event will be noon to 3 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 10 at Calvary Community Church, Lake Geneva. RSVP is requested at evite.me/6J5cWR97SB or by calling 262-725-5199.
It will feature family-friendly food and activities as well as a short but special program of appreciation beginning at 1:30 p.m.
Volunteers are needed for Safe Families for the following: current family friends to provide childcare during support group meetings; ministry leads which consists of leading volunteers and church congregation in the mission of Safe Families; host families in Kenosha and Racine counties; all volunteer roles in the Whitewater area.
If interested, email volunteer@safefamilieswi.org.
