Some of our wonderful foster parents share their "why" and explain their hearts to foster. Mark & Alexia Wengerd Alexia shares, "My husband and I wanted to foster because it was an opportunity to share the love of Jesus with a child who may never otherwise get to experience this. Being a foster parent has allowed children to experience a loving environment while they are in our home. Foster care does not have to be a last resort, it can be a first choice. Mark & I felt called to foster care as a first choice. As a follower of Jesus, we felt called to share the love of Jesus through ..read more

It’s an honor to share that CCHO and our family of ministries has been recognized as a Best Christian Workplace for the eighth year in a row! We were recognized among 262 faith-based organizations across the globe for our commitment to grow in areas such as Inspirational Leadership, Healthy Communication, Life-Giving Work, and more. Our employees once again completed an annual anonymous survey that evaluated the workplace based on Best Christian Workplaces Institute’s proprietary “FLOURISH Model”: Fantastic teams, Life-giving work, Outstanding talent, Uplifting growth, Rewarding c ..read more

Maria Reina, Trainer & Intake Coordinator, shares a sneak peek into the 24-hour Pre-Service training for foster parents. At Encourage, our main goal is to connect and support prospective foster families and provide them with the information and resources they need. There is a great need for homes for foster children and healing would not be possible if it wasn't for the families who have the heart to love and care for them.   On Day 1 of the Pre-Service classes our staff welcomed the new foster families with open arms! Kevin Hewitt, CEO, Jessica Berry, Encourage Director, Heather Hue ..read more

As a foster parent you show children they are loved each and every day. Valentine’s Day creates a unique opportunity to open the floodgates of love and create special memories for your foster children. While teachers, peers and the community are highlighting relationships, children in foster care are reminded of the heartache they have endured. What an opportunity to show them they are loved. Below are some ideas that can help create memories filled with fun, love and connection!   Bake, Cook & Eat What a great time to decorate some cookies, make heart-shaped rice krispie treats or c ..read more

"I am so excited to announce Jessie Berry as our new Director of Encourage Foster Care! Her passion for the children in foster care is manifested in both her professional and personal life." Kevin Hewitt, CCHO President & CEO announces. "I look forward to Jessie leading our Encourage staff, foster parents, and foster children with her quiet strength, wisdom, and grace. Jessie Berry shares, "I am excited and blessed to take on the position of Director of Encourage. I look forward to finding ways to strengthen our program, provide quality support for our foster families and foster youth, an ..read more

We were honored to sit down with one of our foster families, The Beery Family, to ask them some questions about fostering with Encourage. Amanda and Elijah share their heart for fostering. ,What drew you to fostering? We weren't particularly interested in fostering, but as we pursued adoption, foster care found us. So I would say it was something we never planned to do, but was the best decision we ever made. ,Why did you choose Encourage Foster Care? We knew we wanted to pursue adoption and in the process we both were feeling internally maybe fostering was something we wanted to do but we ha ..read more

For many of us, back to school means shopping for new clothes, backpacks, and other supplies. For others, it’s the excitement of reconnecting with friends and meeting new teachers. But for kids in foster care, the start of a new school year can be yet another difficult transition. Separation anxiety can be a very real struggle for children in foster care, due to past trauma and their growing attachment to you. For children and teenagers in foster care, a new school year can be overwhelming and may include some unique challenges, including navigating a new building, learning new rules and a new ..read more

As we are in the full swing of summertime, The Forgotten Initiative reminds us that summer can be a stressful time for any family. Routines have to change. Work schedules are adjusted. Often, we feel even busier with sports and activities. For some children in foster care, this can be an extra stressful time, as change in routines can spark feelings of insecurity or a lack of safety. As your family navigates the transition into summer, here are a few reminders: Give space for big emotions. This is normal and it can be helpful to expect them. Remember to talk through upcoming plans beforehand ..read more

What do you know about foster care? And how do you know what you know? Sometimes we carry preconceived notions that are not as accurate as we first thought. Foster care is complex. The youth being served have diverse needs. No two foster families are exactly the same. There are a variety of guidelines and structures you may have never heard of before. Some exist to provide safety for hurting kids. Others are a reminder that there’s room for improvement in the foster care system. Take a look at these 20 foster care facts that most people don’t know. What surprised you about foster care? What d ..read more

We are pleased to share that CCHO and our family of ministries has received the designation of Best Christian Workplace for the seventh year in a row! We were recognized among 241 faith-based organizations across the globe for providing meaningful work, promoting career growth, building trust-based relationships, and emphasizing healthy work-life balance. It’s an honor to celebrate this special recognition. Our employees once again completed an annual anonymous survey that evaluated the workplace based on Best Christian Workplaces Institute’s proprietary “FLOURISH Model”: Fantastic teams, Lif ..read more