Add Row 
Add 
Rethinking Foster Care Through Community Support
Every day, approximately 400,000 children in the United States live in foster care, with around 100,000 waiting for a permanent home. While there’s a growing interest in foster care, the system's lack of support discourages many potential foster parents. Susan Silverman, founder of Second Nurture, aims to change that narrative. By creating communities of support, particularly through faith-based organizations, she transforms the isolating experience of fostering into one of collective belonging.
Transforming Isolation into Community
Susan Silverman's journey started with a vision to collaborate with synagogues and churches to attract new foster families. However, she soon realized many attendees were already foster parents facing challenges. With a staggering 30-50% drop-out rate among foster families within their first year, Silverman pivoted her focus to support those currently fostering. The result? Since resuming in-person meetings post-COVID, there has been a remarkable retention rate—none of her families have stopped fostering.
The Power of Practical Support
So, what kind of support does Second Nurture offer? The organization reaches out to community members with specific requests, whether it’s finding a tutor for a foster child or organizing a meal delivery. This method transforms overwhelming desires to help into actionable tasks that many feel empowered to tackle. Silverman emphasizes, “So many people want to support foster kids and families, but it feels overwhelming. When there’s something specific they can do, they step up.”
Why Faith Communities Are Key
Faith-based organizations are ideal partners for fostering initiatives. They usually gather with shared values and a common purpose, making it easier to mobilize support. Communities like synagogues are often already involved in addressing issues like homelessness, addiction, and human trafficking, which intersect with the foster care system. Silverman points out, “If you asked people at a soup kitchen about their past in foster care, you might find 80% of them have that experience.” Successful foster families can help break this cycle by providing stability and support.
Conclusion: Join the Movement to Support Foster Families
Communities can play a pivotal role in nurturing foster families and supporting vulnerable children. By creating collective environments of care, humans can deliver impactful change. Want to contribute positively to this cause? Start a discussion, volunteer your time, or simply reach out to learn more. Your involvement can make a difference in the lives of many children!
Write A Comment