What does it actually take for a church to support foster and adoptive families well, not just in theory, but in real, practical ways?

In this powerful episode of the Dream Small Podcast, Jason and Whitney sit down with Deidra, a mom of 12 children (a mix of biological, adopted and foster) and a leader in a thriving foster care and adoption ministry. Deidra shares her family’s incredible story and sheds some light on how a grassroots church effort grew into a fully supported, staff-led ministry that has changed the lives of countless families.

From care communities and support groups to closets, meal trains, and trauma-informed training, this conversation offers a clear, hopeful blueprint for churches wondering how to step into foster care ministry, and for foster families longing to know they’re not alone.

Whether you’re a foster parent, church leader, volunteer, or someone simply asking, “What can I do?” - this episode will challenge and encourage you to dream small, love intentionally, and show up faithfully.

In This Episode, You’ll Hear:

1. How Deirdre’s family grew from 8 kids to 12 through foster care and adoption
2. Why foster care is impossible to sustain without community
3. How a foster care ministry can start small and grow over time
4. What “care communities” are - and why they matter
5. Practical ways churches can support foster families beyond good intentions
6. Why many foster families quit after the first placement, and how the church can change that
7. Encouragement for churches and individuals who feel overwhelmed but willing

Key Takeaway:

You don’t have to do everything but you do have to do something. Foster care ministry works best when the church commits to walking alongside families for the long haul.

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it, following the show, and leaving a rating or review, it truly helps more people find the podcast and encourages us to keep going.

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Music Credit:

“Paradise Found” by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/