Providing immediate support and ongoing care for families in

THE GREATER GRAND RAPIDS AREA
100 Packard Ave SE Grand Rapids, MI 49503

The Crisis

9,529
Children in Foster Care
and only
5,109
Foster Homes
These are the numbers of a national foster care crisis in Michigan. Of the families who will say “yes” to opening their homes to vulnerable children, about 50% will end up closing their doors within the first year.

Foster the Family imagines a foster care system where the families welcoming children are surrounded and supported by the church and community surrounding them and where foster homes become places of belonging and healing for vulnerable children.



Immediately after welcoming a child into the home, Foster the Family delivers practical necessities to the doorstep of the home. Our FosterCare Packages include everything a child needs–from new clothing and pajamas and school supplies to formula and diapers and comfort items. Foster the Family believes children are precious to God and should be welcomed into homes with dignity and belonging. 



The FosterCare Package serves as an invitation into our community of caring support. Parents are welcomed to monthly support groups and trainings. Children are served at Respite Events and special events. Foster the Family believes that parents should be supported and helped–from the first vulnerable moments of welcoming a child, throughout the placement, and beyond.

HOW WE CAN SUPPORT
REQUEST SUPPLIES + SUPPORT
FIND
new jersey
SUPPORT GROUPS
contact
New Jersey
directly
Foster the Family imagines a foster care system where the families welcoming children are surrounded and supported by the church and community surrounding them and where foster homes become places of belonging and healing for vulnerable children.



Immediately after welcoming a child into the home, Foster the Family delivers practical necessities to the doorstep of the home. Our FosterCare Packages include everything a child needs–from new clothing and pajamas and school supplies to formula and diapers and comfort items. Foster the Family believes children are precious to God and should be welcomed into homes with dignity and belonging. 



The FosterCare Package serves as an invitation into our community of caring support. Parents are welcomed to monthly support groups and trainings. Children are served at respite nights and special events. Foster the Family believes that parents should be supported and helped–from the first vulnerable moments of welcoming a child, throughout the placement, and beyond.

How we help

SUPPORT GROUPS

GRAND RAPIDS
3rd Saturday of the month
9:30-11 a.m.
Hosted at Hope Lutheran Church100 Packard ave Se ⬩ Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Childcare is provided
Please register HERE.
Contact: grandrapids@fosterthefamily.org
WHAT TO EXPECT

We will watch a 10-15 minute video with a word of encouragement and education from Board President and Founder, Jamie Finn, and then break into discussion groups of about 8-10 people.

The goal is for you to leave feeling equipped, connected, and supported as you love and care for the children in your home.

We offer childcare during our support groups led by a team trauma-trained childcare workers who will provide fun and engaging activities for your children during your time at support group.

upcoming events

Family Day at the zoo!
bring the whole family for a day of outdoor fun
September 6 at 9:30 a.m.
*Meet us at the front entrance between 9:30 a.m. and 9:45 a.m. for a free family pass!
Grand Rapids Zoo
Register Here
Partnership Celebration and Birthday Party!
for the volunteers, donors, nonprofits , agencies, and individuals who work alongside us for vulnerable chidlren, we celebrate you!
Event Postponed - Stay Tuned for Updated Details! 
Register Here
3rd Annual 5K and Family Fun Day
Save the date!
June 7, 2025 - Details to Come!
Registration Coming Soon

GET Involved

Invest Financially

Our work is impossible without your partnership. When you invest financially in Foster the Family, you are investing in a vulnerable child's healing and future.
MAKE DONATION

Amazon Shop

Purchase an item from our Amazon wishlist. This list is regularly updated to reflect our most needed items. Items are shipped directly to our offices, where we organize them and deliver them to a child entering foster care.
Shop now

Volunteer Your Time

You can make a difference in the lives of the children & families we serve. We believe that everyone has a role in caring for children in foster care! Volunteer opportunities are available in childcare, package delivery, events, and more.
Sign me up!

Get A Group Involved

Hosting a donation drive, volunteering at an event, or holding a meal prep night are just a few ways that corporate, church, student, or even friend groups can get involved at Foster the Family.
Sign us up!

Meet The Team

Heather
 
Win
Grand Rapids Director
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Jessica
 
Mayhew
Family Care Manager
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Faye
 
Veltman
Volunteer and Events Coordinator
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Recommended Resources

We’ve put together a list of various resources to help you in your foster, adoptive, and kinshi journey.

Click here to view books, podcasts, events, and national organizations, and contact us if you don't see what you are looking for!  

Faith-based resources are listed with an *asterisk.

Recommended Resources
LOCAL PARTNERS