Earlier this month, we came together in Des Moines, Iowa, for one of our most important events of the year: our annual TFI Advocate retreat.
It was a time of inspiration and service—an opportunity to bring together TFI Advocates, volunteers, and staff members from across the nation and equip them with the resources, knowledge, and support they need to keep expanding their impact.
Take a peek at some of the highlights from this recent gathering:
The week was filled with moments of worship, practical teaching, and community service. Our 2024 theme, Word + Deed, challenged us to embrace the fullness of the Gospel—proclaiming it through our words and living it through our actions.
Our Advocates were reminded that impactful ministry isn’t about doing more; it’s about being more intentional with the time and resources God has entrusted to us. By focusing on intentionality, we can lead ministries that are not only effective but also sustainable—for ourselves, our teams, and the communities we serve.
At The Forgotten Initiative, the foundation of this intentionality is relationships. Whether it’s with church leaders, volunteers, or foster care agency staff, everything we do is centered on building meaningful connections. Our desire to love people well drives every decision, from how we structure our calendar to how we serve those around us.
One Advocate had this to say about their experience at our retreat this year:
“Thank you for hosting this once again – it was such a special time to refresh, refocus, refine vision, and reconnect!”
Another Advocate shared these kind words following the retreat:
“Always so grateful for the refreshed vision, encouragement, and connection.”
Why We Need You
As we reflect on this year’s retreat, we know that the need for passionate Advocates has never been greater. We’re committed to our mission of seeing every foster care caseworker supported by local churches, but we can’t do it alone.
This is where you come in.
During the month of November, we are opening applications for the TFI Advocate role, and we’re looking for individuals who are ready to step into this vital calling.
Our Advocates are the heart of what we do at TFI, working to mobilize their local churches to support foster care agencies in practical, life-changing ways. This only happens a couple times a year, so you don’t want to miss this opportunity if you are interested in supporting your local foster care community.
Does this sound exciting to you? If so, we’d love for you to join us.
What Does it Take to Be an Advocate?
The only things you need to make a meaningful difference as a TFI Advocate are:
- A heart for relationships and excitement about bringing others along
- A willingness to connect your local church with local foster care agency felt needs
- A desire to listen and learn
- No prior experience is necessary—just a desire to step in
By joining us as an Advocate, you’ll receive ongoing training, resources, and support to lead in your area. We’ll equip you with everything you need to help local churches in your area take meaningful action for vulnerable children, families, and workers.
And who knows—maybe next year you will be at Retreat with us in Chattanooga, TN!
Interested in becoming an Advocate?
If you feel curious about stepping into this role and becoming part of the solution, we invite you to learn more by attending our live Bridge the Gap Q+A!
In November, we’re opening applications for the TFI Advocate role, and we would love to have you join us in this mission. To ensure that each new group of Advocates receives the highest quality of training, we only open applications a few times each year, and spots are limited. Sign-up to be notified when applications go live!
Together, we can make a difference—both in Word and in Deed.
Thank you to everyone who made our 2024 retreat a success. Let’s continue this work by raising up new Advocates and seeing more stories impacted through the love and service of God’s people.
Get encouragement and updates in your inbox.
Be the first to know about new episodes, posts, resources, and stay in the loop about what’s coming up.
You Might Also Enjoy:
