“We met our family coach after our first hosting started. And there is NO WAY we could have hosted 3 children (ages 11 months, 2 and 5 on top of our own 2 teenagers) the way we did without Ms. Brenda. From taking the little ones once a week so we could have our own family time or schedule appts or just have down time to being a sounding board for decisions that needed to be made on the kids’ behalf to making sure we had EVERYTHING we needed (from food to clothes to birthday & Christmas presents) for them. ♥️ ♥️ ♥️ THIS is why we LOVE Safe Families because you aren’t doing it alone. We haven’t had a hosting in over a year and yet we still talk to her a lot! 😊”
– Cindy, dedicated Host Mom
Family Coaches Help Families Thrive
Family Coaches play a vital role in Safe Families for Children by volunteering to help parents in crisis get back on their feet.
Family Coaches…
- Support the Host Family. This ensures that families get the support and resources they need to provide a safe and nurturing environment for children.
- Monitor children’s safety. Because safety is a top priority, the Family Coach begins assessing safety within 48 hours of a child moving in with the Host Family—and each week for at least a month.
- Provide a family in need with resources, such as community referrals and assistance in making their appointments.
- Facilitate the relationship between the Host Family and the Family in need with compassion and empathy.
They also…
- Listen to Host Families and Families in need. The Family Coach provides space for them to express their thoughts and concerns.
- Manage expectations. For example, the Host Family may feel that they must fix problems or situations that are not their responsibility. Alternately, if a hosting arrangement seems longer than expected, the Family Coach is needed to temper expectations.
- Show empathy, hope, grace, and compassion. We work hard to err on the side of grace.
- Problem solve. Family Coaches work with the church and other community resources to assist Families in need.
- Reassure. Stressful situations require a calm presence and the ability to give hope to those who may feel hopeless.
You can volunteer to become a Family Coach. And be sure to let us know if you have experience in child welfare or as a Host Family.
Be a Family Coach