Have you ever thought about what the “homes” in Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes & Family Ministries means?
Back when the ministry started in 1891, it meant group homes for orphans — and though few may recall their original location in Evergreen, many people will likely remember their long-time location in Troy.
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These beginnings played an important role in the lives of thousands of children through the years. Now even more children can receive the love, care and stability provided by foster families who serve through ABCH.
New season of ‘homes’
“Homes” in the current season of ABCH refers to the nearly 300 individual foster homes spread across the state and provides a much broader opportunity to help care for many more children. The ministry is an entity of the Alabama Baptist State Convention and receives support from Alabama Baptist churches, individual donors and businesses.
ABCH staff and advocates work to support and resource foster families as well as help biological families reunify where possible. They also assist in finding children’s forever homes through adoption efforts when reunification isn’t possible.
While nearly 600 children are currently served by ABCH foster families, the ABCH team seeks to increase that number since 6,000 children in the state are in the foster care system.
Support provided
With nine regional locations throughout Alabama, ABCH team members provide the necessary training for foster families who will then be connected to children in need through the Alabama Department of Human Resources.
Families who work through ABCH to foster children also receive ongoing support, complimentary professional counseling and a variety of resources not available through other avenues.
ABCH leaders state, “We believe God has called us to serve children and families. He will equip us for this ministry.”
They seek “hope and wholeness for children and families through knowing God.”
Not everyone is called to foster a child, but ABCH leaders believe everyone can play a part in helping nurture the children in the foster care system.
“Everyone can do something,” they emphasize. Find out more at alabamachild.org.
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