Volunteer Opportunities
Foothills Calvary believes that God not only calls each one of us to be part of His ministry to help foster and adopt families but, we also believe that he qualifies us to fulfill that calling. There is a place for each person to help in small and in big ways. From prayer to becoming a foster parent and everything in between, there is a place for YOU to follow God’s direction to look after the orphans in their distress.
“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. - James 1:27”
FOSTER/ADOPTIVE PARENT
Being called to be a foster/adoptive parent can be intimidating. Foothills Calvary’s FAM Ministry is here to help navigate the pathway to fulfilling that calling. Begin your journey as a foster/adopt parent knowing that FAM will be here to support you.
RESPITE CARE
All parents need a break now and again. The pressures on foster parents are a big part of why 40-50% quite after the first year. You can volunteer to work a monthly kids fellowship night/parent date night or a support group.
CHILD ADVOCATE
Many of the children in foster care are victims of abuse and neglect. A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer is a trained citizen who is appointed by a judge to represent the best interests of a child in court.
PARENT ADVOCATE
A FAM Family Advocate is the Parent’s ally during their foster/adopt journey. Family Advocates are there to support, empathize, listen, encourage (spiritual mentor), and be a spirit of calmness during their time of change. *It is preferred that a parent advocate have experience with foster and/or adoption.
ENCOURAGEMENT
Encouragement comes in many forms. Purposeful conversations with foster families to ask how they are doing and be a sounding board for their experiences, thoughtful notes or gifts or just letting them know that you care and are praying. Make an effort to reach out to the foster families in our church!
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Reaching foster/adopt families outside of our congregation as well as raising awareness and support for the foster/adopt need is another extension of FAM. Our community outreach volunteers work to plan and organize events such as Kids/Parents Night Out, establish support groups and host promotional and marketing events to bring our community together.
CHILD MENTOR
Children in foster care experience instability, neglect and abandonment, among other abuses. Having a caring adult that can be relied on and trusted can give a vulnerable child the positive experience he or she needs to grow into stable and trusted adults themselves. Being a child mentor is being another ear, a friend and an ally to a child who may feel lost and alone.
FAMILY SERVICES
Everyone needs a little help now and again. With the added responsibility of court appearances and family visitations and other duties unique to a foster parent time disappears even more quickly. Housekeeping, lawn care, grocery shopping, transportation or running errands are small ways you can give a helping hand.
DONATIONS
Foster parents may give a home to an infant, toddler, pre-teen and teenagers of both genders all in one year. It can be difficult to be prepared. Your donation can help them acquire the things they need to make a house a home for a child in foster care. Visit our Giving page for more information.
MEAL PREPARATION
The first few days a new child is brought into the home of a foster family can be a whirlwind. Preparing and a meal can ease the stress for the entire family as they get to know each other.
PRAYER TEAM
Families engage in both spiritual and earthly battles for the lives of the children they foster and in turn, the children, often neglected and abused, have spiritual battles of their own. Fulfilling the command of God to care for His orphaned children makes them targets of the Enemy’s attacks in ways we cannot imagine. Becoming a prayer warrior for these families is a vital role that anyone can fill. Visit our Prayer Warrior page for more information.