Every Child Matters
Every year, over 260,000 children enter the United States foster care system through no fault of their own; others age out of foster care without the life skills necessary to secure employment, housing, or create a stable life for themselves.
644
Lowcountry kids in foster care
(375 in need of a home)
4,066
Kids in foster care in SC
(2,316 currently in a home)
300
Kids who age out of foster care each year in SC
8th
South Carolina is ranked 8th in the nation for at-risk youth
Foster and Adoption Support Group
Share the joys and challenges of building a family through foster care or adoption. This small group for foster and/or adoptive parents provides connection and support for this parenting journey.
Meets every other Tuesday at 6:30PM at the Mount Pleasant Campus.
Connect With Us
Many of you have said yes to becoming a foster or adoptive parent. We would love the opportunity to connect with you and offer encouragement along the way.
Let Us Know
localmissions@seacoast.org
Ways You Can Make a Difference
We want every child in foster care to know they matter to God and matter to us, so we invite you to get involved and make a difference.
Become a Foster Parent
Thousands of children across the Carolinas are in need of a loving foster home. If you are interested in becoming a foster parent, you can find support and encouragement throughout the process.
SOUTH CAROLINA
If you are interested in becoming a licensed foster parent, Seacoast’s partner, Connie Maxwell Children’s Ministries, would love to speak with you and help you take next steps. Check out their website at conniemaxwell.com.
NORTH CAROLINA
If you live in North Carolina, state law requires that all foster homes be licensed to care for children in their care.
Provide a Journey Bag
Every December, we invite you to donate a Journey Bag for a boy or girl in foster care. These backpacks or duffle bags are filled with essential items, and fun, age appropriate toys and books for children to enjoy. A Journey Bag is a tangible reminder to a child that they are not forgotten.
“A child entering the foster care system has been through extreme trauma and so much of what lies ahead is unknown. They are bewildered and terrified…surrounded by strangers and uncertainty. We are grateful for the Journey Bags provided by Seacoast because they create a positive distraction and give our staff the opportunity to remind the child that there are people who care about them.”
– DSS Caseworker (North Charleston)
Supporting Foster Parents
Every one of us has the capacity to love and serve in some way. Not all of us can open our homes, but we can serve and support those who have.
Year-Round Donations
The majority of children entering foster care, come only with the clothes on their backs.
We greatly appreciate new donations, which can be dropped off in the bin located in the South parking lot at the Mount Pleasant Campus.
Baby Items:
• Diapers (all sizes)
• Pacifiers
• Bottles
• Bibs
• Swaddling blankets
• Pajamas
Children of all ages:
• Seasonal Clothing (all sizes), including shoes, underwear, and socks
• Backpacks
• School supplies
Support Foster and Kinship Families
Seacoast’s Foster Care Ministry has opportunities for you to serve in ways that match your giftings. We also offer support to kinship families and adoptive parents.
• Meal Teams
• Tutoring a Child
• Family Support/Home Care
• Parent’s Morning Out
Let us know how you would like to provide support for foster and kinship families.
Contact Leslie Rimerman
leslierimerman@seacoastdreamteam.org
Resources & Support
We’ve provided you with some essential resources and connection opportunities that will help you in your journey as a foster parent.
Foster Care Awareness
Take some time to educate yourself and understand the challenges of foster care, as well as the ways it illustrates a powerful picture of God’s grace.
30 Days of Prayer for Foster Care
This 30-day devotional written by Dr. Deb Shropshire, gives us a glimpse into the real life struggles of children in foster care.
Adoption and Foster Support
Share the joys and challenges of building a family through foster care or adoption with other parents who are navigating the same path.