Foster 180 Feb 26' Newsletter

Empowering The Community To Take Action.

A New Season at Foster 180

Hey fam! We’re stepping into an exciting new chapter, and we’re grateful to share it with you. Foster 180 has launched a new website, welcomed new leadership, and is expanding programs designed to strengthen foster, kinship, and birth families across our community. 

Whether you’ve supported us for years or are just getting connected, you are part of this story, and we’re glad you’re here.

Leadership Updates

We’re thrilled to introduce two key additions in helping guide this next season:

Kourtney Bolton — Program DirectorKourtney is leading program development, partnerships, and community outreach, helping expand Foster 180’s impact while strengthening the systems that support families.

Samuel Bolton — Event CoordinatorSamuel now serves as our Event Coordinator, bringing experience in volunteer and event leadership to ensure our gatherings are organized, welcoming, and meaningful for everyone involved.

Our Current Programs

Foster 180 exists to support the ecosystem around foster families so children can thrive. Current initiatives include:

• Foster 180 Workshops, held on the 3rd Saturday of each month to equip the community with practical tools to communicate, regulate, and build trust with people who have experienced hard things. We also offer group trainings for schools, businesses, churches, and other community centers. See how you can get the Trauma-Aware seal for your brick-and-mortar or online space today! 

  
  

• Foster Closet, held on the 2nd Saturday of the month and is fully stocked to provide essential items for new placements or other foster needs. This closet is completely supported by volunteers, let us know if you want to be on the team!

  
  

• Embracing Generations hosts quarterly gatherings with our cohort (FAM Essentials and JustServe) to support grandfamilies and kinship caregivers. We also offer alacart services to help these homes stay stable. (Next event this April!) 

  
  

• Camp Togo, a TBRI®-informed day camp for children ages 8–12 to promote hope and healing to children and families. A fun and safe place to learn practical self-regulation skills and hear the truth with intention, “you were created on purpose, with a purpose.”

  
  

• Foster 180 Partner Program, offers three pathways to partnership allowing businesses a meaningful way to support foster families. This program also allows us to build a directory of trauma-aware businesses and discount partners for our families. Learn more here. 

Featured Initiatives

We’re inviting churches to become officially recognized as James 1:27 Churches —congregations committed to supporting vulnerable children and caregivers through practical action, not just intention. Churches who join are listed publicly as community partners so families know where safe support can be found. 

Feel the call? We can help you get started! 

Upcoming Events

• Foster Closet — This Saturday. Follow us on Facebook for updates. 

  
  

• Foster 180 Workshop — March 21. Register here! Look forward to seeing you! 

  
  

• Grand Family Summit — April 18 | 10 AM–12 PM

  The Family Center at First United Methodist Church

  Brunch • Childcare • Resource Fair • TBRI Training

  Designed especially for grandparents and relatives raising children.

  
  

  • Volunteer registration

  • Vendor/Sponsor registration

  • Family registration (one per household) 

  
  

  Caregivers supporting vulnerable children often carry more than anyone sees. When communities surround them with resources, education, and encouragement, stability increases—and children thrive.That’s the heart of Foster 180: strengthening the circle of support so families don’t have to walk alone.

Ways to Be Part of the Mission

You can help strengthen families in our community by:

• Becoming a partner organization or church

• Volunteering at events

• Sharing resources with families who may need them

• Supporting programs through donations or sponsorship

Every role matters. Every contribution strengthens a family.

Connect with us today! 

Stay Connected

We’ll be sharing updates, stories, opportunities, and upcoming events each month right here. Thank you for being part of a community that shows up for children and the people caring for them.

Together, we’re building something that lasts.

— Foster 180