Put Your Faith in Motion
Wonderful things happen when people with hearts of compassion act upon a call to make a difference in children’s lives. Security is renewed. Hearts are mended. Families are transformed. That is what Faith in Motion is all about.
Faith in Motion is a unique collaboration between the County of Orange Social Services Agency and the faith-based community and community at-large. The primary mission is to find and recruit loving resource parents for children in care. In addition, the Agency actively encourages faith-based congregations and community groups to develop support services for resource parents, children affected by abuse and biological parents.
Faith-based congregations and community groups have the power to dramatically improve children and families’ lives in Orange County. We invite all faith-based congregations and community groups to join us and help support children in care and their families. Here are some ways you can help.
Become a Resource Parent
Resource parents provide loving, temporary or permanent homes for children removed from their families due to abuse or neglect. Prospective parents may be single or married, own or rent their homes/apartments and work inside or outside the home. For parents providing a permanent home, there are no fees associated with adopting a child through the County.
Provide Respite Care
Offer to provide temporary respite care for children in care. Respite care enables resource parents to renew their relationship by being alone together for weekend getaways or to enjoy a few hours of time to go to dinner or a movie. Unlike childcare, respite may involve overnight care for brief periods of time or up to 14 days.
Become a Mentor
A mentor can provide caring and consistent support to a child during a difficult time in the child’s life. Mentors can change a child’s life in as little as one hour a week.
Support Resource Parents
Provide encouragement and practical support to resource parents you know. Tutor a child in out-of-home care, provide dinner for a family on the day a new child is placed in their home or offer to help with the children as needed.
Adopt a Social Worker
Social workers are responsible for the care of over 2,000 children in the foster care system. Their caseloads are large and their resources are sometimes stretched to the limit. By adopting a social worker, you will have the opportunity to meet the unmet needs of children and families and lift the spirits of the social worker. Social workers voluntarily participate in the Adopt a Social Worker program in the hopes it will help them better serve the children and families on their caseload. This program is great for small groups looking to make an impact in families’ lives and the social workers’ lives as well.
Throw a Party
Host a holiday or birthday party or a summer picnic with food and refreshments.
Give
Many children come into care with little or nothing. You can support the children by donating new or gently used blankets, overnight bags filled with new hygiene items, school supplies, back packs, clothing, and toys.
Encourage Families
Children who experience abuse carry with them trauma and they are frightened. Please hold these children, and the adults in their lives, in your thoughts and in your hearts. These children and their families need your compassion and your encouragement.
The faith community is a tremendous resource to children in care and families. We are grateful for your efforts and the many ways you impact our community. For more information, e-mail FaithInMotionOC@ssa.ocgov.com.
Faith-based congregations and community groups have the power to dramatically improve children and families’ lives in Orange County. We invite all faith-based congregations and community groups to join us and help support children in care and their families. Here are some ways you can help.
Become a Resource Parent
Resource parents provide loving, temporary or permanent homes for children removed from their families due to abuse or neglect. Prospective parents may be single or married, own or rent their homes/apartments and work inside or outside the home. For parents providing a permanent home, there are no fees associated with adopting a child through the County.
Provide Respite Care
Offer to provide temporary respite care for children in care. Respite care enables resource parents to renew their relationship by being alone together for weekend getaways or to enjoy a few hours of time to go to dinner or a movie. Unlike childcare, respite may involve overnight care for brief periods of time or up to 14 days.
Become a Mentor
A mentor can provide caring and consistent support to a child during a difficult time in the child’s life. Mentors can change a child’s life in as little as one hour a week.
Support Resource Parents
Provide encouragement and practical support to resource parents you know. Tutor a child in out-of-home care, provide dinner for a family on the day a new child is placed in their home or offer to help with the children as needed.
Adopt a Social Worker
Social workers are responsible for the care of over 2,000 children in the foster care system. Their caseloads are large and their resources are sometimes stretched to the limit. By adopting a social worker, you will have the opportunity to meet the unmet needs of children and families and lift the spirits of the social worker. Social workers voluntarily participate in the Adopt a Social Worker program in the hopes it will help them better serve the children and families on their caseload. This program is great for small groups looking to make an impact in families’ lives and the social workers’ lives as well.
Throw a Party
Host a holiday or birthday party or a summer picnic with food and refreshments.
Support Heart Gallery, Orange County Chapter
The Heart Gallery, Orange County is a group of professional photographers who volunteer their talents by photographing children in care wishing to be adopted. There is always a need for photographers, transportation assistance, gallery venues, and assistance with providing supplies. For more information, please visit www.heartgalleryoc.org.
Give
Many children come into care with little or nothing. You can support the children by donating new or gently used blankets, overnight bags filled with new hygiene items, school supplies, back packs, clothing, and toys.
Encourage Families
Children who experience abuse carry with them trauma and they are frightened. Please hold these children, and the adults in their lives, in your thoughts and in your hearts. These children and their families need your compassion and your encouragement.
The faith community is a tremendous resource to children in care and families. We are grateful for your efforts and the many ways you impact our community. For more information, e-mail FaithInMotionOC@ssa.ocgov.com.