Jefferson City Respite Night

Last Friday, October 29^th, we held a respite night for kids in foster care in Jefferson City at Freshwater Church! Kids participated in this fall-themed respite event with games of cornhole, a cookie walk, pumpkin painting, and a movie.

Respite care provides a short-term break for foster parents. This type of care helps the retention of foster parents and leads to consistency for children in foster care.

“It was nice to see both the parents and kids smiling and hear the parents say ‘they really needed this’ when they came to pick children up. The volunteers at the stations were engaging with all of the children, which made them all feel heard and made sure their needs were met. It was a great event!” said Carley McCoy, Coyote Hill Foster Care Ministries Family Advocate.

Lorenzo Scott, Coyote Hill Foster Care Ministries Family Advocate, echoed that it was a successful evening for children in foster care. “The key to a successful respite event is not the location nor the number of activities. It is not the food nor the turn out. The key to a successful respite event is ENGAGEMENT! Children in care are often bombarded with the words ‘No!’ and ‘Stop!’ There is great power in the words ‘Yes!’ and ‘May I join you?’ With connection, a person is more inclined to let another be a part of their journey. Coyote Hill Foster Care Ministries and Freshwater Church created a bit of magic on Friday, and we know it has lasting effects.”

We were glad to have been able to provide a safe space for children in care to play and be kids, while their foster parents had time to recharge. Kyle Peek, Jefferson City Family Advocate said it best, “At the end of the night, we had parents come in looking recharged and grateful. We had children having fun with other children. It’s moments like these we pray for.”

Thank you to our volunteers and sponsors Chris Leuckol AllState Insurance, Best Fire Inc., Alibi Cookies, High Rise Bakery, and Fischer Farms for helping to make this Respite Event possible!

If you would like to volunteer at future Respite Events, visit coyotehill.org/respite-support.

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