April 2020 Newsletter
Education News
ETC CONFERENCE REWIND
CONFERENCE OFFERED ONLINE
Due to the potential health risks and the many current shelter-in-place restrictions around the country, Show Hope and Empowered to Connect have decided to offer the content of this year’s conference online. We are grateful to Bethlehem Church - Oconee Campus for their willingness to host the event and provide childcare this year; however, we want to make sure that our participants, church staff, volunteers, and all of our families stay safe.
If you have already registered to take part in the ETC Conference, you will receive an email with instructions to access the online content. The materials are ONLY available with special access, so if you would like to receive access, please register.
This is a video conference featuring Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) methods. The content is ideal for adoptive and foster parents, those considering adoption or foster care, and those who are serving and supporting others, including social workers, agency professionals, church staff, and ministry leaders, counselors, and therapists.
Continuing education credits are available through this Simulcast Conference.
Adoption News
HELP + HOPE POSTPONED
Last month we announced that we planned to start something new in 2020 with our first ever Help & Hope fundraiser. However, in light of COVID-19, we are postponing this event. We will announce a new date soon. If you would like to be notified of the new date and to receive details about volunteering with us, simply complete this form.
While it feels like the world has stopped in many ways over the last few weeks, the reality is that there are still children in need of the love, support, and protection of a family. It is our prayer that we can continue to support adopting families that choose to bring one of these children home. To do that, we need your help. If you would like to support adopting families with a donation to our Adoption Assistance Grant fund, simply donate online or mail a check with “Adoption Grant” in the memo.
Foster Care News
SERVING FOSTER FAMILIES DURING SOCIAL DISTANCING
In this unique time of social distance and isolation, our supported families will need our help more than ever as they face unprecedented challenges. We have a unique opportunity to serve our families and children even though we can’t physically be present. Let’s remember that one of the main reasons families stop fostering is because of the isolation they feel in their journey. The added stress everyone in the household is experiencing could mean more fears and triggers in children, resulting in escalated behaviors. We seek to continue to serve families well.How can you help?In the midst of the current health crisis, our communities are all struggling. We want to step in and help by supporting the people and places in our community that care for vulnerable children in our state's child welfare system. To do that, we have created a COVID-19 Response Fund. Make a donation today. Funds will be used to support local foster families and case managers.
If you are currently serving on a Care Team, we encourage you to view the information below for helpful ways to continue serving.
