Arizona Faith and Families is a family operated agency. It is one of the unique characteristics that sets us apart and allows us to have rich and intimate relationships with each of our foster families and the children placed in their home. We are also a Christian agency, centering our practices on faith in God, the power of prayer, and the redemptive work of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
As we prepare to begin a new year, we wanted to step back and praise God for some of the amazing ways He has worked through our foster families in 2017. We are humbled by the incredible people we work with and thank all of you for stepping out in faith to serve Arizona’s foster children.
In 2017, our foster families showed that they not only love the children in their home, but the people connected to them. Do you know how many of you emailed and asked to bring the children’s biological family to our agency’s Christmas party? I promise you that is not standard! We are humbled. You never cease to amaze us with your generosity and fearlessness. You supervise visits when parent aid contracts expire and the children are set to go weeks without contact with their loved ones. You coordinate with other foster families to ensure the children see siblings they are separated from and even drive across the county to do so! You model how to be a good parent. This year, you attended doctor appointments and parent-teacher conferences with the children’s biological parents, ensuring they knew what kind of questions to ask and how to advocate for each child’s needs. You even co-hosted birthday parties! We know you were nervous at first, but did that hold you back? No. You are not a group of people ruled by fear but by courage and grace. Thank you. And did you stop there? No. So many of you kept going further. Whether it was having the single mom over to take her children trick or treating or inviting the family with nowhere to go over for Thanksgiving, you continually assessed each situation and found ways to show love and support. Your love is relentless and it is a testimony to the true love of Jesus Christ. Thank you for every awkward encounter, difficult conversation, and uncomfortable situation you overcame to ensure the children in your home were loved, supported, and connected to the important people in their lives. We are so thankful for you.
In 2017, our foster parents persevered. Twice a year, agencies are required to report on the number of disruptions in their foster homes. Do you know how many reports we submitted this year? One. Just one. I promise you, this too is not standard! While we do take pride in the training and support we provide, we know ultimately the decision to keep going lies with you. It is through trauma that the children placed in your home have come to live with you. Children need a place to heal. To bear the ugliness of their trauma in a home that will not judge them for it, but lead them through it. IT – IS – HARD. But you do it. Every day you step up to the plate and do it. Some of you have had a really rough 2017. Thank you for persevering.
In 2017, our foster parents exchanged the ordinary for the extraordinary. There are the empty nesters who gave up quietness and freedom to continue raising children. From newborns to teens this group does it all! And can we all just give a huge round of applause to our single parents? You never cease to amaze us. And our adoptive parents, thank you! Over a dozen children found permanency through adoption into your homes and many more of you are set to finalize in 2018. Such a beautiful picture of redemption and love. 
2017 astonished us. To quote the apostle Paul “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:3-6
Want to be a part of this amazing journey? Attend an orientation today and find out if 2018 is your year to start the foster care or adoption journey: Orientation Events