What if your entire city rallied around foster families? Rebecca from Georgia Kids Belong reveals how that vision is becoming reality through the Foster Friendly initiative, a movement transforming how communities support foster care.

Rebecca shares the powerful work of their I Belong Project, which creates advocacy videos for children waiting for adoption. These videos don't just share statistics- they amplify children's voices and help them find forever families. But the heart of our conversation explores their groundbreaking Foster Friendly initiative, which identifies businesses, faith communities, and nonprofits willing to support foster families through discounts, services, and resources.

The Foster Friendly app connects foster families with these supportive resources based on their location. What began as a small idea has grown into a movement, with entire cities now declaring themselves "Foster Friendly" and taking concrete steps to support foster families. Rebecca shares inspiring stories of how these initiatives are breaking down longstanding silos between organizations and creating organic communities where foster families find much-needed support and connection.

We dive deep into why community support is so crucial for foster families. Unlike other forms of service, fostering doesn't end when you come home- it is home. The 24/7 nature of this commitment, combined with the complexities of navigating the system, leads most foster parents nationally to quit within the first year. Community support through initiatives like Foster Friendly helps extend the longevity of foster families, directly benefiting children who desperately need stability.

Whether you're fostering, considering fostering, or simply want to support those who do, this conversation offers practical ways to get involved. 

Download the Foster Friendly app today to find supportive businesses in your area and discover how you can be part of building a community where foster families thrive!

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Connect with me on Instagram: @Fosterparentwell
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Website: https://nicoletbarlow.com/