It is National Foster Care Month, so this week's Feel-Good Friday gives attention to the programs and people that give a home, hope, and relief to foster children across the nation. According to Adoption and Foster Care Reporting System numbers, almost 400,000 children and teens are currently in foster care throughout the nation. Since 1988, National Foster Care Month aims to support these vulnerable youth as well as promote families and family well-being. 

Sponsored by organizations, non-profits, and government organizations, the month features programs and events that raise awareness of the challenges faced by children and young adults who are currently in, or have gone through the foster care system. The month also recognizes and honors the work of foster parents, social workers, and other child welfare professionals. 

Events like Wednesday's "Breaking Barriers," hosted by the Indianapolis-based organization "Foster Success," bring awareness to the challenges faced by older foster children. The evening featured youth-led presentations from the young adults who have walked through the process and are now transitioning out of the system into the real world. The young adults were not only able to share their stories, but were there to support each other on their journeys.

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Shalise Truxler, a mentor at the event, said, “You get anxiety about public speaking or even about sharing your story. But, once you’re able to share and get people to get those laughs, and it’s more like a discussion not just an interview, then it’s really rewarding to watch someone else be able to get out of their shell using the tips that helped me.”

Organizers of the fundraiser expressed hope that the yearly event would break barriers and help the community understand the challenges faced by foster teens. The initiative aims to raise awareness and foster a supportive environment for people transitioning from the foster care system.

Thursday's, "First Chance for White Pants" was hosted by the Methodist Home for Children of Greenville, North Carolina. Its aim was also to raise awareness, as well as funds toward foster care and placement.

As Methodist Home President and CEO Bruce Stanley said in the companion video below: 

100 percent, we have need for families to step up. You don't need to own your own home. You can do fostering with your own children, your biological children already in place. You do not need to be married in order to be a foster parent. And Methodist Home for Children offers incredible training, and we will walk alongside anyone who is willing to serve in this way.

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In past Feel-Good Friday columns, I have highlighted unique foster parents and foster situations; and National Adoption Day, where adoptions, particularly of foster children, were given special notice and spotlighted. Unlike adoption, foster care has a unique set of circumstances, balancing giving a child a safe haven coupled with (in some cases) the goal of reuniting them with their families. 

I first wrote about Peter Mutabazi in April 2024, and his innovative way of highlighting his role as a single man who acts as a foster father to displaced children. Mutabazi not only fosters children, but he has adopted three. His first adoptee was Anthony, who came to him as a foster at the age of 11, and their story always brings tears to my eyes. In 2025, Anthony told his story in his own words, and even if you have not heard it, it is well worth hearing again.

WATCH: Anthony's story here. 

In his social media videos, Mutabazi will tell you that it is the support of his community resources, especially those centered on faith, that allows him to give to the children who so desperately need it. 

Second Nurture, founded by Susan Silverman, is one of those faith resources. Silverman mostly works with synagogues, and offers support and direction for foster parents and those who wish to explore foster care. Silverman was asked, "Why are faith communities good partners?" Silverman responded,

They’re already gathering with a sense of purpose and values. No community is like, "Oh, screw the orphan." Most, at least in theory, want to help. Our partners...are already engaged with issues like homelessness, mass incarceration, drug abuse, human trafficking—and the foster experience is the number one feeder into all those problems. If you went to a soup kitchen and asked how many people were raised in foster care to any extent, maybe 80% would raise their hands. That’s because when you “age out” of foster care at 18 or 21 with no safety net, no one to say "come live at home and save money," you're vulnerable. If foster families are successful—whether through adoption or helping biological families get back on their feet—children don't age out without support.

Especially during this month focused on foster care, perhaps find an organization in your community which works with and supports fostering and the foster care system. Or if you've been on the fence, perhaps it's time you stepped up to be family to a vulnerable child in need.