DEFENDER
Issue 49 | May 2026
In This Issue:
May is National Foster Care Month! This month, we’re celebrating that Home is more than a place.
HOME. MORE THAN A PLACE.
This May, during National Foster Care Month, we’ve spent time reflecting on the meaning of home and the profound impact that safety and stability can have in a child’s life.
At 4KIDS, we believe home has always been more than a place. It is the experience of being known, protected, and surrounded by consistent care. It is where identity begins to take shape, where trust can be rebuilt, and where healing can unfold over time.
For many children, that experience has been disrupted. But through the collective response of families, churches, and community partners, we are seeing something powerful take place—the restoration of what home was always meant to be.
Throughout this month, individuals and communities across the 13 counties 4KIDS serves stepped into that vision in tangible ways. Churches opened their doors to share the mission. Businesses, families, and teams participated in Go Blue for 4KIDS, creating visible moments of advocacy and awareness. Supporters came together in generosity, helping expand the reach of programs that equip families and walk alongside children with intentional care. These moments may seem simple, but together they are part of something much bigger.
They are helping create environments where children can experience safety again. Where families are strengthened with the support they need to keep going. And where connection replaces uncertainty, and presence begins to restore what has been missing.
This is the work of a holistic restoration movement—one that reaches beyond placement alone and moves toward something deeper, more lasting. Because when a child experiences home in its truest form, it changes everything.
To our 4KIDS Defenders, thank you.
Because of your faithful, ongoing support, you are helping create that experience every single day. You are helping build homes where children can exhale, families can grow stronger, and healing can take root.
You are helping make home possible.
A Place Where “I Feel Safe”
When Amanda and her husband first began considering foster care, it started as a conversation—but over time, it became something more.
“As believers, we’ve always felt that caring for vulnerable children reflects the heart of God,” Amanda shared. “We realized that while we couldn’t fix everything, we could open our home and our hearts to a child who needed safety, stability, and love.” Today, their home is filled with life—two biological sons, three adopted children, and a story that continues to unfold with purpose.
Like many foster families, their journey began with unknowns: a placement call with limited details and a first week filled with new routines, big emotions, and the quiet work of building trust. What followed has been nothing short of transformative.
“One of the greatest joys has been watching healing happen in real time,” Amanda said. “Seeing a child begin to feel safe, to laugh more freely, to trust again—and to realize they are loved.” Sometimes those moments are simple: a first genuine smile, a spontaneous hug, or a few words that say everything—“I feel safe here.”
When asked what “home” means, one of their daughters answered just that: “I feel safe.” Another child simply said, “It’s good.” And in many ways, that says it all.
Home isn’t defined by perfection or ease. It’s built through consistency, patience, and presence—created in the everyday rhythms of showing up, staying close, and choosing love again and again.
That kind of home doesn’t happen by accident; it’s supported by a community. And that support allows families like the Torres family to keep saying yes, even when the journey stretches them. “If we hadn’t fostered, life would feel simpler,” Amanda reflected. “But it would also feel less purposeful.”
What they’ve found is something deeper: a home that doesn’t just meet needs, but reflects something greater—a place where healing begins and children are reminded they are seen, valued, and deeply loved.
Welcoming Children Into Safe, Supportive Homes
Each placement tells a story of need and a community ready to respond. Across every region, 4KIDS families continue saying yes— creating spaces where safety, stability, and care can begin again.
Broward County
A 14‑month‑old girl was placed in one of our Broward foster homes after her father was involved in a DUI related car accident. She had previously been placed in this same home, and despite already caring for another child, the foster parent willingly made room for her to return.
Palm Beach County
A 23‑month‑old girl was welcomed into one of our Palm Beach homes after she was no longer able to remain with a family member. When the adults involved were unable to agree on a plan for her care, she needed a safe, stable place where she could be supported and nurtured.
Treasure Coast
Two sisters, ages 4 years and 20 months, were welcomed into one of our newly licensed Treasure Coast homes after concerns about their safety were identified at daycare. When questions arose about their well‑being at home, the girls needed a place where they could feel protected and cared for. They are now in a safe, nurturing environment where their needs can be met and healing can begin.
Southwest Florida
Two young siblings, ages 3 and 2, came to live with one of our Southwest Florida families after it was clear they needed more consistent care and supervision.
Miami - Dade
Miami celebrated three adoptions, marking meaningful new beginnings for children and families in the region.
4KIDS Staff Defender Spotlight:
ALLY HARRINGTON
1)What is your title at 4KIDS?
I am the 4KIDS Broward Office Coordinator.
2)What is your favorite part of your job?
Having the wonderful opportunity to Open the Door for all of our Guests, especially our parents that are bringing in their children for their appointments with our Amazing therapists. My Most favorite part is being able to say Hi, give our Guests & kiddos a Big Smile and those times when I’m able to give a Hug, or a word of encouragement and a High Five!
3)What makes our 4KIDS Defenders so important?
We have the most amazing opportunity to give to a program that actually is putting monies towards programs that are literally changing lives!
4)What is something you would say to encourage our Defenders? You may think that this is just another “something you are giving to” ~ just another “monthly donation” on your statement – Please know that this is so much MORE! As a Defender, you are Defending children that are caught up in this foster cycle. You are Defending families to stay together! You are Defending single moms that find themselves pregnant with nowhere to go, finding solace in His Caring Place! Young adults that could be homeless – but no, not today! You are Defending something that you may not see, but the outcomes of families, teens, young adults lives are being changed, transformed, and made new!
6)Tell us a fact about yourself!
I have been made New too by Jesus, and I will always want to share this Joy with everyone! I have true Joy from Jesus! And It’s so freeing and Amazing!
More Ways to Get Involved
Champions4KIDS
Champions4KIDS is a passionate committee of advocates who help bring Hope to kids in crisis. This group supports 4KIDS by promoting fundraising events and engaging the community. Join a network of leaders committed to creating lasting change for vulnerable children—your voice and influence can open doors to real impact in your local area. 4KIDS.us/Champions4KIDS
Estate & legacy Planning
You can leave a lasting legacy through transformational giving. 4KIDS will help you design or update your estate plan—at no cost to you when including a gift to 4KIDS. Protect your loved ones and create a legacy of Hope, Homes, and Healing. Learn more at: 4KIDS.us/WillsandTrusts
HopeCOnnect ™
HopeConnect™ is a digital platform filled with fun, everyday activities that help children experience healing and Biblical hope. Created by experts, this resource includes printables, interactive tools, and the new Thrive Blog for weekly parenting tips. Explore the full library of content at: HopeConnect.org
Prayer Request
We’d love to add you to our prayer list! If you have a prayer request or praise you’d like to share, please email Sharon at: SharonF@4KIDS.us
Training & Resources
Learn trauma informed tools to support children with hard histories. EPIC Training equips parents, caregivers, and community members with strategies rooted in TBRI® and best practices in healing care. This free online training takes place over two sessions and empowers you to respond to kids with both compassion and confidence in real life situations.
4KIDS.us/EPIC
EPIC Digital Resources
Access practical, on demand support for parenting and caregiving. EPIC Digital Resources include short videos and tools created by the 4KIDS Clinical Team to help you navigate trauma informed care at home. Whether you’re a foster parent, mentor, or church leader, you’ll find helpful content to equip you in everyday relationships with kids.
4KIDS.us/EPIC/DigitalResources
Create Account/Member Login
Create your own account to view your donation history, update payment methods, or adjust your recurring gift at: 4KIDS.us/Login
Thank You 4KIDS DEFENDERS!
Because of your recurring gift, between February and April across all the regions we serve:
542 children found hope through CarePortal 208 children were served in loving foster homes
1,997 hours of therapy helped kids and families discover healing
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