Bithiah’s Family Services, a charity dedicated to the aid of those in foster care and their needs.
As the holiday season is here, it’s natural to reflect on all which we are thankful for. For many of us, this includes family, friends, and the comfort of a stable home. However, this is not the reality for everyone.
Approximately 400,000 children are in foster care in the U.S. each year, in need of an experienced team to help them navigate the struggles they face in their lives.
Bithiah’s Family Services is a local nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting women, children, and families in the foster care system. Bithiah’s efforts provide crucial support to a significant portion of this vulnerable population. Recently, I had the opportunity to ask their founders about the history and mission of this important organization.
The Inspiration Behind Bithiah’s Family Services
Bithiah’s Family Services emerged from the personal experiences of its founders, Keith and Michelle Thompson, who became licensed foster parents themselves in 2008.
“We started fostering in 2008 and quickly realized we were underprepared and overwhelmed,” Michelle recalls. After navigating the challenges of foster care, they identified a need for more comprehensive support within the system, leading to the birth of Bithiah’s.
Needs Led To Growth: Expanding Services to Meet Diverse Needs
According to startfostercare.org, the leading factors of children ending up in foster include 63% neglect, 36% parental drug abuse, 14% the inability of caretakers to cope, 12% physical abuse, and a multitude of other causes.
Over the years, Bithiah’s has grown to offer a wide range of services, catering to the diverse needs of individuals involved in the foster care system.
“Bithiah’s serves all those who are navigating or experiencing foster care,” says Michelle. “This includes providing emergency shelter, mental health services, and therapy to foster, adoptive, and kinship families, as well as biological families striving for reunification.”
Educational Initiatives and Support Programs
Along with kindness and a generous spirit to help, education also plays a vital role in the services offered by Bithiah’s. “Training and education have had a heavy influence on the services provided,” Michelle explains. Their parent reunification courses and support programs like connected parenting and de-escalation techniques are just a few examples of their comprehensive approach. Education expands further in reaching the community, corporate and personal donors and sponsors, and potential volunteers on how they can also help.
Ongoing Challenges and Future Aspirations
Despite their success, funding and support remains a significant challenge for Bithiah’s, which relies entirely on donations and grants. Looking forward, their goal is to continue supporting transitional aged youth and expanding their resources.
How You Can Help
This is an organization that you and your loved ones can support all year long. Michelle encourages community involvement, whether through mentorship, volunteering, or donations. Their website has many options available that will be suitable to all who would like to help. From the business executive who shops on Amazon to a club or school who wants to create placement kits for kids and children of all ages.
“Bithiah’s is always looking for support and volunteers,” she states, highlighting the importance of community involvement in their mission.
Bithiah’s Family Services stands as a beacon of hope and resilience in the foster care community. Through their unwavering commitment and diverse range of services, they have changed countless lives. As they continue their mission, the impact of their work extends far beyond immediate assistance, fostering a sense of hope and renewal for many in the foster care system.
