August 31, 2015

As you may remember, Good Shepherd provides Foster Care Case Management services as part of a four agency partnership known as St. Louis Partners.  This past week, St. Louis Partners hosted a picnic at John L. Brown Park in Woodson Terrace to celebrate our resource families—the foster and kinship families who provide loving, safe homes for the youth in our care.  This year’s picnic was a rousing success, and with over 200 RSVPs, it was also the best turnout ever.  Activities included face painting, a petting zoo, a masterful balloon animal expert, and a performance by area kids’ entertainer Babaloo.  Lunch was catered by Kenrick Meats, and there was even an appearance by The Pros, the 5^th-8^th grade prayer and community action group started by superstar Meghan Meehan, who spoke at our recent Golf Event.  The Pros provided finger painting and other activities for the young children in attendance, and it’s my understanding that they were a big hit.

Given the theme of the event, I hope that each of you can take a moment out of your day or evening to say a little prayer for our resource families and the dedicated staff who work with them.  They are amongst our most critical assets, and the impact of their work is immeasurable.  Better yet, if you know a kinship or foster parent in your family, neighborhood, or church community—pray for them personally and make it a point to thank them today for the work they do and the sacrifices they make to change the lives of foster youth.

Yours in Christ,

Michael