Every One Matters

My husband Paul and I are Jesus-followers and Hennepin County foster parents. We provide long-term foster and emergency shelter care for little ones under the age of one. Sometimes they stay for a while, sometimes they leave in a week, but regardless of how long they stay, we want each one to have a tangible reminder of how much they are loved. We also want their parents or relatives (or whoever they go home to) to know how much they are loved as well. In order to do this, we dreamed up the Every One Matters campaign. For every child who comes into our home, we want them to leave with a beautiful stuffed animal, a Jesus Storybook Bible, and a Gospel of John DVD for their caregivers. This is our way of saying to our babies: "Whether you stayed a long time or not, you are special to us and special to God." And it is our way of saying to their caregivers: "We cared for your baby, but we also care about you and about you knowing Jesus Christ, who has the power to change your life and help you be the parent this baby needs you to be." Hennepin County provides some reimbursement for things like clothing, formula, and diapers, but we could use the help to purchase these items that are above and beyond what we're required to send along when foster kids go home. The cost of purchasing a stuffed animal, Jesus Storybook Bible, and Gospel of John DVD is about $50 (Amazon prices), so our initial goal is to raise enough money to cover 20 kids. Thanks for considering how you can help us love foster kids and their families and share the incredible hope of Jesus!