Churches to observe Safe Families Sunday

Reducing the number of children in foster care, preventing child abuse and neglect and supporting families in crisis is the focus of Safe Families.

Local churches are joining a nationwide effort that allows families in their churches to host vulnerable children and create extended support for families in crisis through compassionate volunteerism by partnering with Safe Families, a national movement.

Metro-area churches are invited to participate in Safe Families' “All in for Just One”Sunday by committing to support families in difficult times and prevent children from entering the foster care system. Activities will be held in more than 70 cities nationwide on Sunday.

“Safe Families Oklahoma gives support to families so they can weather the storm and stay together,” said Deb Shropshire, deputy director of Child Welfare Community Partnerships and a member of the Safe Families Oklahoma Advisory Board. “Many of the 8,000 kids currently in foster care in Oklahoma encounter the child welfare system because their families face episodes of hardship that threaten the safety of their children.”

Safe Families helps families in distress get back on their feet by connecting them with local services, and network of volunteers who provide resources and temporary shelter for children of vulnerable families. The result is children going back with their families and families staying together.

Lena, a mother, who was faced with possible separation from her children turned to Safe Families three years ago. After being connected with a host family, she experienced firsthand the effect a loving safe family could provide.

“When we first got introduced to Safe Families, I was scared because I didn't know what to really expect,” Lena said. “My Safe Family continues to push me in a good way to get the help I need for my depression. Now I have a really good counselor and have made a lot of changes in my life.”

Pam Millington, pastor of missions/outreach ministries at Crossings Community Church, is participating in Safe Families Sunday, and encourages other churches to do the same.

Resources are available to help congregations participate in Safe Families Oklahoma. For more information about becoming a Safe Families church, contact Jessica Waszak, Safe Families Oklahoma manager, at 418-3869, email jessica. waszak@safefamiliesOK.org or go to Safe-Families.org/SafeFamiliesSunday.