There are more than 7,000 foster children in West Virginia right now.  Addiction, multiple house placements and childhood trauma can complicate matters and exhaust foster families.  In the last two years, foster families have increased by 34 percent. After adopting their son Deacon through a private adoption last year, Aimee and Dave Goddard felt led to do something about the foster care crisis in West Virginia. This led the Goddard’s to start a ministry for foster families that will help them navigate their way and provide necessary resources

 

After months of planning, “Hands of Hope,” a foster family ministry at Simpson Creek Baptist in Bridgeport, will be hosting a kickoff event on August 23.  The free event will give foster parents a much-needed night out while trained volunteers watch foster children and their siblings.  Generous donors have provided gift cards for foster parents to dine out and a limited number of the cards are available upon registration.

 

While their parents are enjoying an evening out, foster kids, foster kinship children, and any biological kids in the home who are between birth and 12 years old, will be having a great time.  Dinner and snacks will be provided for the children and, after dividing them by age, they will rotate through activities including crafts, games and a magic show.  They will also have a Bible lesson and free time to play with new friends.

 

“We have already had a great response to the “Hands of Hope” ministry,” said Goddard.  “Several other churches and agencies have offered support and partnerships.”

 

The ministry continues to grow, with another Foster Parents Night Out scheduled for November 15 and other activities and resources available in the interim.  Goddard and other volunteers intend to build connections among foster families in order to better shape the ministry toward local needs. 

 

Registration for the event is due by Wednesday, August 21, and can be made by emailing church@simpsoncreek.orgor calling Sarah Moses at 304-842-3589. The event will take place at Simpson Creek Baptist Church, 231 W. Philadelphia St. in Bridgeport.  The event will last from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. and is completely free with registration. 

 

Editor's Note: Top photo is of Simpson Creek Baptist Church, while the Goddard Family is shown below.