GSN builds safe, stable, and strong families. Do you know a family in need of a new start? Learn more.
GSN builds safe, stable, and strong families. Do you know a family in need of a new start? Learn more.
Our foster families help kids recover from abuse and neglect. Have you been CHOSEN?
Christian hospitality keeps families together and kids out of the social service system. Will you help?
by Tricia Sakles, Program Development Director
We were very excited when our former Safe Families Coordinator said she knew of someone who might be interested in the position. After our first conversation with Tammy Folkerts, we knew that she had the skills, experience, and passion needed to fill the role. We were happy to officially bring Tammy on board in January of this year and she has already made her mark as the new Safe Families Coordinator.
Tammy grew up in the Baltimore area and now lives in Westminster with her husband, 19 year old daughter, 17 year old son, and 6 year old son. Tammy has been involved with vulnerable children through children's ministries for 15 plus years, including work in Sunday Schools, Vacation Bible Schools, and as a Volunteer Coordinator. She has also been an integral part of LEGACY, the Orphan Ministry at her church, LifePoint, in Westminster. Through LEGACY, Tammy has helped educate others about adoption and foster care by providng resources and workshops, as well as helped orphans around the world, including the Ukraine and Guatemala. Her passion for this type of work was heightened through the adoption of her 6 year old son from Guatemala.
When asked why she took on the role of the Safe Families Coordinator, Tammy replied, "I felt God was calling me to further care for vulnerable children and families in our area." She believes her skills and passions are in line with what Safe Families for Children and BFCS are all about. Tammy's grasp of community resources and strong belief in the role that volunteers can play have already had a direct impact. We know at Baptist Family that through Tammy's hard work and dedication, the Safe Families Program will grow and be able to reach many more families in need.
When asked what her main goal is with her new role, Tammy said, "Building partnerships to allow unlimited opportunties to serve God under Safe Families for Children."
For more informatoin about this vital ministry, please call Tammy Folkerts at 800-621-8834, extension 117.
by Debbie Marini, Interim Executive Director, and Kate Macdonald, GSN Family Treatment Manager
Our Good Samaritan Network (GSN) is an active, growing response to the plight of families and kids in the mid-Atlantic region. The Christmas Outreach Project is just one response to meeting the needs of those who are "materially poor" in our communities and, in so doing, sharing the gift of Jesus.
This dynamic outreach changes each year. Three new host churches (Elders BC, Primera Iglesia Bautista Hispana, and FBC-Upper Marlboro [FBC-UM]) served over
by Debbie Marini, Interim Executive Director
"For the poor will never cease to be in the land; therefore I command you, saying, 'You shall freely open your hand to your brother, to your needy and poor in your land.'" (Deuteronomy 15:11)
Christmas is around the corner. Praise the Lord for the gift of our Savior, Our Lord Jesus Christ. At Baptist Family & Children's Services, it is an opportunity to humbly observe those that take the command above to heart. Our Good Samaritan Network staff is accepting calls from churches and individuals interested in supporting our Christmas Outreach Project -- the GSN Christmas Stores. We have selected several sites, some familiar and some new, to serve 1,300 kids this season!
In thinking about the Mission of the Stores, we have in the forefront the true gift of
by Debbie Marini, Interim Executive Director
This scripture verse from Luke 1:37 is a reminder to all of us to keep God in our daily lives and to seek His wisdom in our plans and dreams. Our Board of Trustees recently approved the new strategic plan for Baptist Family. We have set forth program goals that take on the challenge of expanding our impact in the communities we serve. Please pray with us that we continue to seek God's wisdom in the carrying out of this plan and that our staff, volunteers, and supporters would have faith that "nothing is impossible with God."
Please check out the About Us page to read the updated Mission and Vision Statements as well as the Key Results and Key Indicators that will lead to success.
PRAYER REQUESTS
...for devastating events that have occurred within a few of our CHOSEN families: for the mother of a foster mom had a stroke late last month; for a foster mom whose brother was struck by a car and passed away earlier this month - the 4th family member she has lost in a year - as well as the unexpected removal of her foster youth at the child's request; for a foster dad whose brother passed away suddenly; and another foster dad who lost his half-brother a couple days after being rushed to the ER.
...for an elderly GSN client who will undergo a kidney procedure, we ask a quick recovery and for her fears about the hospital to be dispelled.
...for an 11-year-old foster child whose biological mother has been inconsistent in her contact with him, leading him to exhibit tantrum behaviors, and for his foster mom as she offers support and care to help him deal with it.
...for a teenage CHOSEN girl who continues to leave home without permission for extended periods. This is compromising her safety and may require that she be placed in a higher level of care.
...for another teenage CHOSEN girl who has left home without permission and has not returned.
...for a former GSN and volunteer family who completed their housing program without success and had to leave with few alternatives. Please remember their 2 high school age children who may be sent to shelters.
...for the husband of a former staff member who has stage II pancreatic cancer and will begin chemotherapy on February 25.
...for the quick recovery of a 3-month-old infant boy who had surgery.
...for a foster mom who is considering whether to take in a difficult placement that was referred to us.
Answered Prayers!
Note: Names have been changed, where necessary, to protect the identities of our kids and families.
We are so thankful for the prayer warriors who have partnered with us! We see His answers every day.
Regarding our prayer for new families to step forward, we had 6 families graduate from CHOSEN pre-service training last month, and 2 families expressed interest in becoming Safe host families after hearing our presentation at Calvary Baptist Church in Bel Air.
We are grateful for a woman who responded to our last Prayer Gram and donated 2 boxes of diapers.
Many thanks to the two who responded to the need of a Safe Families host family who was struggling to pay for car repairs. One of the donors was also a Safe Families host family.