In the midst of the pandemic, cities – in Missouri & alike – have placed safety guidelines upon public places – including churches. It is still a challenge for churches to meet weekly with their members, let alone entertain the idea of welcoming guests into their buildings.
In light of all of these circumstances, we were delighted when C2 Church agreed to host our fall TBRI® course. TBRI®, which stands for Trust-Based Relational Intervention, is designed for families, school professionals, case managers, CASAs, and others who work with those in foster and adoptive homes or from hard places. Our hope is to help families build safe and healthy relationships that promote growth and connectedness.
For eight weeks, this group met at C2 to learn skills that will greatly benefit their work with children from hard places. Taking the TBRI® course can pose some challenges for the participants as they work through their own history and adult attachment styles. The TBRI® technique requires participants to learn to become more mindful of themselves and what they bring to a situation. However, all of these challenges are for the benefit of the child and the adult’s relationship with that child.
Every week they met, C2 graciously provided a meal and ample space for the participants. The majority of this class drove at least 25 minutes to Columbia, so to know they had a warm meal waiting for them was a huge blessing.
“C2 has shown incredible hospitality!” Paige Douce, our TBRI® Practitioner and Family Advocacy Director, said. “They have been attentive to questions or concerns, they are welcoming and easy to talk with, and they have provided home cooked meals and beverages every week! It’s the big and little things they have done to make us feel welcome in their space and the way they have shown their support for the mission of God through Coyote Hill Foster Care Ministries that really means a lot.”
On Tuesday, Coyote Hill Foster Care Ministries celebrated this group of participants with a graduation-style celebration. We handed out certificates, took photos, and enjoyed cupcakes.
We are thrilled for this group and know they will make a positive impact on the children they work with and care for. We are also excited to continue our partnership with C2 Church. We cannot thank them enough for believing in the next generation.
“C2 Church is eager and excited to serve, and to empower families who are fostering!” Megan Bode, Communications Director at C2 Church, concluded.
We are grateful to the Boone County Children’s Services Fund for sponsoring this training!
