“It takes sacrifice, but it’s worth the effort.” was a comment heard recently by a worker with an organization known as Children of Arkansas Loved for a Lifetime (The CALL). Their mission is to educate, equip, and encourage the Christian community to provide a future and hope for children in foster care. They are a bridge between the State –Dept. of Child and Family Services (DCFS) – and a foster family.
The CALL’s entire program is centered on prayer and Christians being called to serve in a situation that is not just overloaded, but busting at the seams. Right now in Cleburne County there are 53 kids in foster care and only six (6) foster homes some of which have multiple children. The remaining children are transported throughout the state to care where it can be found. Sometimes waiting results in DCFS workers spending the night with children at the office. This is a difficult task that requires hours of work and untold trauma, especially on those too young to understand the situation. There are also seven (7) kids approved and waiting for adoption in Cleburne county.
The CALL’s county coordinator Melissa Choate recently conducted an informational meeting, with Johnelle Switzer of DCFS, for those families considering helping in the foster home program. They were delighted that seven (7) families signed up to try to be qualified by the DCFS. This is a lengthy process, but necessary for the protection of the children.
When asked why they were willing to participate in foster care, one applicant stated, “It is something we prayed about and the Lord led us to children that needed to be loved. Every child needs a safe and loving Christian environment which gives them security and keeps them away from harmful influences that many of them have encountered at an early age. The Lord loves them and we want to love them, too!”
The additional families that are approved will be a welcomed step in the right direction, however, based on the current and growing numbers; it is obvious a lot more help is needed. A more effective program would be where Cleburne County foster care would take care of its own children. Additional help is always welcome in this effort.
The CALL notes that “not all people are called to foster, but all are called to care.” There are other ways such as: coordinator for training classes, church recruitment, prayer team member, hospitality team, providing food for classes foster care clothes closet worker, and other support services. There is a place for you in this critical care program!
You are encouraged to visit the Arkansas CALL website at www.thecallinarkansas.org for more information on this Christian service program. You can also access Cleburne County specific information at the above site. Mrs. Choate can be reached direct at 501-231-1189 or by email at cleburnecounty@thecallinarkansas.org. The next informational meeting for The Call will be Saturday May 8, 2010 at 9:30 am in the First United Methodist Church fellowship hall.
(Warren Darden is from Heber Springs)
