Key Question: Scripture gives us a clear calling to assist the vulnerable and specifically names the orphans and widows (James 1:27). How might you live out that call practically in your neighborhood and offer the benefits of stability and community to those who need it most?
If you’ve listened to our other podcast, The Forgotten Podcast, you know our heart for children, families, and workers in foster care. Today, we get to learn from one of our TFI Advocates, Dorothy Mendoza, about how we can extend compassion and be a Just Neighbor to our neighbors in the foster care community.
Dorothy is a foster, adoptive, and special needs mom. She also serves with us at The Forgotten Initiative as a TFI Advocate in the Bangor, Maine area. Having gone through a turbulent childhood herself, Dorothy knows firsthand what a blessing it is to have a stable, healthy home life—and she’s committed to giving back to others using the gifts God has given her.
In this episode, you’ll hear about ways that we can serve our vulnerable neighbors instead of keeping them at a distance, why it’s crucial to support overwhelmed caseworkers so they can better serve children, how we can encourage churches to get engaged with foster care by making the outreach personal, and more.
If Dorothy’s stories of hands-on advocacy resonate with you, consider applying to become a TFI Advocate. Applications are open until the end of November!
NEIGHBOR-TO-NEIGHBOR IMPLICATIONS:
- There are children in our communities who need homes tonight and vulnerable adults in our local areas who need help today. We must never forget to serve our neighbors right where we are.
- At its core, entering into the foster care community is a call to suffer with our neighbors. It goes against our innate desire to isolate and protect ourselves from the brokenness in the world.
- Foster care may not specifically appear in the Bible, but all throughout Scripture we see a call to come to the aid of the vulnerable.
- It’s all about the small things we can do for others. You don’t need to write a check to support those in need—you can make a big impact just by taking action.
Meet Our Guest
Dorothy Mendoza and her husband, Chris, have been licensed foster parents for three of the five years they have been married. They started foster care with a passion for reunification but discovered there are many alternative outcomes within the system. Dorothy and Chris have fostered children between the ages of 11 years old and just five days old. Even though the outcome of a placement isn’t always what they thought it would be, they remain committed to fostering in Maine where they live. Dorothy is also a TFI Advocate in the Bangor, Maine area.
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.
Other Episodes You Might Enjoy:
