Thursday, November 13th, 2025 marked a milestone moment for Coyote Hill as we officially opened the doors to our new Family Center in Columbia—a space that will strengthen our ability to walk alongside foster families and meet the growing ministry needs across mid-Missouri.
This celebration wasn’t just about a new building. It was about planting permanent roots in a community that has faithfully supported children and families for decades. It was about creating a home where connection, hope, and healing can flourish.
A Space Built for Families
We intentionally call it our Family Center, not an office or building, because it was created to serve families first. When foster parents are supported, children experience greater stability and a higher likelihood of permanency. Our one-of-a-kind Family Advocacy program—which changes the landscape of foster care by providing consistent, relational support—is now strengthened by a space built specifically for this work.
Inside the Family Center, our Advocates host TBRI® (Trust-Based Relational Intervention) training and coaching, professional development and CPR classes for foster parents, family and community celebrations, support gatherings, and connection-focused meetings designed to bring stability to children’s lives. Already, this space is filling with conversations, encouragement, and the kind of belonging every child deserves.
A Community That Believes in This Mission
Throughout the evening, guests toured the new center, met our staff, and heard stories of how God continues to move through this mission. The energy in the room reflected what we’ve known all along: our community deeply believes in the work of supporting foster families.
This belief is evident in the impact you’ve helped create:
– In 2024, 345 children were cared for through Coyote Hill.
– Children in Missouri’s foster system move 2–3 times per year on average, yet children in – – Coyote Hill homes remain an average of 300+ days in the same home—providing stability that changes outcomes.
– Coyote Hill supports over 50% of all foster families in Boone County.
– More than 100 families visit our Family Center each year for support, guidance, and connection.
– And remarkably, 80% of Coyote Hill’s support comes directly from the community.
A Special Thank You to the Columbia Chamber of Commerce
We are especially grateful to the Columbia Chamber of Commerce for helping make our ribbon-cutting ceremony such a meaningful experience. Their presence, support, and partnership made this event not only official, but truly celebratory. The Chamber continues to be a valued ally as we expand our services and deepen our roots in Columbia.
Stewardship, Sustainability & the Future
The Family Center represents not only growth, but stewardship. Thanks to the generosity of donors, $1,517,354 has already been raised toward this project, with $1,082,645 still needed to fully fund the space.
This investment also significantly reduces ongoing costs—cutting monthly expenses from $9,000 in rent, down to roughly $4,500 in utilities and services.
A Community United for Children
What makes this new space truly special is not the walls or the furniture—it’s the people who fill it. Last night reminded us that fostering hope is never done alone. It takes donors, volunteers, churches, local organizations, and champions of children who believe every child deserves a safe and loving home.
To everyone who celebrated with us, prayed for us, or invested in this dream: thank you. Your kindness and support are helping create a future where children from hard places find the stability and love they deserve.
We look forward to all God will do within these walls—and we’re grateful to walk this journey with you.
Together, we’re building a safe place to be a child.
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