Being a Foster Parent
Being a foster parent is one way to help a foster child, but it isn’t the only way. This work takes a team approach and sometimes the best thing you can do is bring dinner. You may wonder how dinner helps, other than just the physical provision of food, but the time you invest in making that meal is time that foster parents can invest in relationship building with the child. There are so many other examples– bringing diapers, having groceries delivered, praying for the child and family, dropping off coffee for an exhausted mom, taking their bio or adopted kids on a fun adventure so the focus can be on the foster child, providing childcare so the family can go to court.
There is a wrong impression that doing something for foster kids requires actually being the one to invest in the foster kid. What many of us know is that when you invest in the foster FAMILY or the foster PARENTS you are actually doing the best thing possible for the foster child. They need to bond with those parents. They need to feel safe and loved by consistent adults who can provide nurture, structure and stability for them. They don’t need a rotating parade of adults in and out of their lives to say nice things to them. When you can build into the foster parents, the foster child will reap the rewards.
Local Foster Care & Adoption
NEED: North Texas is in need of people who have a calling to become foster and/or adoptive parents to children in need of a home.
DESCRIPTION: Four times a year we offer a basic orientation class designed to give you practical information on the process on becoming a foster/adoptive parent. This class focuses on the biblical calling and provides you with practical information. It is our desire to partner with you as you take this journey through the licensing process. If you decide to continue with the process, you can move on to the training required to begin the foster/adopt journey.
To learn about our next orientation, scroll down to the bottom of this page.
Leader Information
Contact: Dustin and Katie Gullett
Email: katie.gullett@outlook.com
Click Here to Complete a Contact Questionnaire
International Adoption
NEED: There are tens of thousands of children around the world who are awaiting adoption into a loving family. As people who have been adopted by our Heavenly Father, we have the opportunity to change a young life forever by adopting them into our families.
DESCRIPTION: Oaks Church is committed to walking alongside families that are currently considering international adoption. We want to open a dialogue with prospective families interested in adoption and see what needs the church can meet. We use current Oaks families that have a history of adoption internationally to help mentor and coach other families in this process.
Leader Information
Contact: Matt and Sara Moreland
Email: mattm@presenceministries.org
Phone: 972.467.2235
Foster and Adoptive Family Prayer
NEED: The process of fostering/adopting is not only challenging from a practical standpoint, but it is also a spiritual battle for the lives of these children and the health of their families.
DESCRIPTION: We believe that God will do amazing things through our prayers for your family and that the lives of the children entrusted in your care will forever be changed through God’s love. If you are a foster/adopt parent in need of prayer, please click below and your request will be forwarded to our Intercessory Prayer Team Leader and Care Ministry Department.
Click here to request prayer.
Contact: Barbara Johnson, Orphan Care Director
Email: barbara.johnson@oaks.church
Foster Family Babysitter (4 Hour Family)
NEED: Foster Parents are under constant pressure to perform above and beyond normal parenting obligations. Due to foster care regulations, it can be nearly impossible to find someone to take care of the kids to fulfill other commitments or even get a break for a few hours.
DESCRIPTION: If you are a licensed foster family that attends Oaks Church, we have a team of caregivers who are available to care of your children from up to 8 hours. All of our caregivers are approved through Arrow Child and Family Minstry or Cherished Impressions CPA. If you are with another child placing agency, please check with them before securing a sitter.
For most requests, please use our private Oaks Church Foster/Adopt Support Group Facebook page to state your preferred dates and needs.
For emergencies, please contact Trisha Porter or Barbara Johnson.
Leader Information
Contact: Trisha Porter
Email: trishakporter@me.com
Phone: 417.581.5695
Handyman Ministry
NEED: Single moms, widows, and foster/adopt family homeowners are always in need of small repairs, yard projects, etc. around their homes. Whether it is helping fix leaky faucets, broken fences, lawn care, or hanging a baby gate, we have a team of volunteer handymen ready to help. If you are an Oaks Church foster or adoptive family, single parent or widow in need of small repairs around the house
click here to request help.
Leader Information
Contact: Scott Hambrick
Email : dr.hambrick@yahoo.com
Take a Meal
NEED: We know the first week or two after being placed with a new foster child can be a very hectic time in the life of your family. By providing a dinner meal for up to two weeks, we can tangibly meet a very real need, allowing you to focus on building a relationship with the child(ren) entrusted to your care. You can also request meals if you have a challenging circumstance in the home ie., illness, death in family, etc.
If you are a foster family in need of meals, please
click here.
Leader Information
Contact: Jesica Colley
Email: jesicacolley@yahoo.com
Phone: 817.823.9676
Foster Care Book and Bible Study
Several times a year we host a bible or book study focused on foster care and or adoption. This study is open to anyone interested in learning more about what God’s word says about the space of foster care. Please contact Barbara Johnson at 469-218-1278 for more information on when the next class begins.
Foster Care and Adoption Support Group
NEED: Foster and adoptive parents need a safe place to share, pray and learn more about caring for the children God has entrusted into their care.
DESCRIPTION: We have a support group that meets once a month. Certificates for training hours can be provided for foster parents. This support group is open to any foster/adopt parent in the community.
As an additional resource, we have a private Facebook Support Group page exclusively for Oaks Church Foster/adoptive families and their caregivers.
PLEASE NOTE: All in-person support Groups are not currently meeting at Oaks Church.
Contact: Barbara Johnson at barbara.johnson@oaks.church for more information.
