Why Foster Families Need Community Support
Opening your home to a child in foster care is one of the most courageous and selfless choices a family can make. Foster parents provide love, stability, and guidance to children who often arrive carrying the weight of trauma, neglect, or loss. Yet, as rewarding as fostering is, it comes with challenges that no family should face alone. That’s why community support is not just helpful, it’s essential. At the Good Shepherd – Mark & Jacob Iskander Foundation, we believe fostering takes a village, and every person in the community has a role to play.
The Challenges Foster Families Face
When a child enters foster care, families often have little time to prepare. A call may come at night or on a weekend, and within hours a child may arrive with only the clothes on their back. Foster families step in with open arms, but they face three common struggles:
Limited resources – Many children arrive without basic necessities like clothing, shoes, backpacks, or hygiene items. Families must quickly find ways to provide comfort and stability.
Emotional needs – Children in foster care may struggle with fear, grief, or trauma. Meeting these needs requires therapy, counseling, and extraordinary patience from caregivers.
Financial strain – While foster parents receive some support, the costs of school supplies, sports activities, and medical needs often exceed what’s provided.
These challenges can be overwhelming, but they don’t have to be faced alone.
How Community Support Transforms Lives
The strength of a community can make all the difference. When neighbors, churches, schools, and local organizations come together, they lighten the load for foster parents and help children feel safe and valued. Here’s how support can transform lives:
Donations – Essentials like clothing, bedding, backpacks, and toys give children comfort and dignity. Donors can shop our Foster Family Wish List to meet immediate needs.
Mentorship – Experienced foster parents can guide new families through challenges, offering practical advice and encouragement.
Volunteers – Tutoring, babysitting, delivering meals, or helping with transportation are simple acts that bring lasting relief.
Encouragement – A kind word, prayer, or handwritten note reminds foster families they are not forgotten.
Community support not only eases burdens but also tells children, “You matter. You belong. You are loved.”
Our Foundation’s Role in Building the Village
At the Good Shepherd – Mark & Jacob Iskander Foundation, we are committed to equipping foster parents and children with the resources they need to thrive. Through our Programs, families gain access to training, mentorship, and ongoing support. Our Foster Family Wish List connects donors directly with practical needs, while our Get Involved opportunities invite volunteers to be the hands and feet of compassion.
We know that fostering is not a journey meant to be traveled alone. That’s why we work tirelessly to build networks of support that extend far beyond individual households, creating a community where every child feels safe and every parent feels supported.
Real Stories of Community Impact
One foster parent recently shared:
"When our foster child arrived, we weren’t prepared. Within days, the Foundation connected us with clothing, school supplies, and even a mentor who guided us through the first weeks. We didn’t feel alone anymore."
Another story came from a child:
"I got my first backpack from the Foundation. It had notebooks and crayons inside. It made me feel like I belonged at school just like everyone else."
These stories are more than anecdotes, they are proof that when a community rallies together, it changes lives.
How You Can Be Part of the Village
You don’t have to become a foster parent to make a difference. Everyone has something to give:
Donate – Your gift provides immediate relief for families and children. Visit our Donate page to make a one-time or monthly contribution.
Volunteer – Whether you tutor a child, cook a meal, or help with events, your time makes a lasting impact. Explore our Get Involved opportunities to find your place.
Advocate – Share stories from our Blog/Updates page to raise awareness about the needs of foster families.
Shop the Wish List – Explore the option directly from our Foster Family Wish List to meet tangible needs.
Every action, big or small, plays a part in lifting up children and families.
Conclusion
Fostering a child is one of the most powerful ways to change a life, but no family should feel they have to do it alone. By surrounding foster parents and children with compassion, encouragement, and practical resources, we create a safety net of love that transforms both hearts and futures.
At the Good Shepherd – Mark & Jacob Iskander Foundation, we are building that safety net every day. Join us by donating, volunteering, or simply spreading the word. Together, we can ensure that every child in foster care knows the warmth of family, the strength of community, and the promise of hope.
