Why Should I Become a TFI Advocate Instead of Working On My Own?

Our TFI Advocates are a core part of our vision to see every foster care agency across the nation supported by local churches who are faithfully reflecting the redemptive love of Christ. This time of year, you’ve probably heard us talk a lot about why you should consider applying to be one of our Advocates.

If so, you may be feeling inspired to support the foster care community but unsure about what the benefits of becoming an Advocate actually are. You might be wondering:

Why shouldn’t I just try to do this work by myself? Can’t I get started today and do my own advocacy alone?

If these questions have ever popped into your head, that’s okay! There are many ways to uplift children, families, and workers in foster care, so it’s wise to weigh which role is best for you.

But if our mission and approach for bridging the gap between local churches and agencies resonates with your heart, we encourage you to take full advantage of our resources and community—because we built them specifically for people like you. They are designed to help you practice more sustainable outreach, gain the tools you need to succeed, and amplify your impact.

Here’s why becoming a TFI Advocate can be easier and more effective than working alone:

Access to a Robust Collection of Resources

“I don’t have to do this on my own! I can apply to be an Advocate
and then I get all the benefits of a national organization.”

– Justin Meehan, newly launched TFI Advocate

One of our TFI Advocates shared this sentiment on a recent episode of our podcast and we couldn’t agree more! There are many benefits you get access to when you become a TFI Advocate—both in the form of tangible resources and in-depth skills training.

LISTEN | Episode 254: What It’s Like Becoming a TFI Advocate (w/ Justin Meehan)

Here are just a few of the resources we provide to empower our Advocates:

• Personalized Coaching
• Free Professional Resources
• Promotional Materials

Our model is proven to help individuals like you launch a successful ministry right where you live. You don’t have to waste time trying to reinvent the wheel or starting from square one—we’ve already done that work for you. As a TFI Advocate, you’ll receive training and tools that have been refined over our 10+ years of dedicated service.

The Support of a Nationwide Community

It’s true that if you set out on your own, you could make connections with agency workers and learn about ways your local church could serve the foster care community.

However, after doing this work for more than a decade and launching over 50 Advocates, we’ve learned quite a few things along the way. Our team has honed our approach based on hands-on, trial-and-error experience, and we use that hard-earned wisdom to train each and every TFI Advocate.

The truth about serving the foster care community is that, even when your heart is in the right place, navigating needs and relationships that feel complex can be tough without any prior experience.

When you become a TFI Advocate, you won’t have to learn every lesson the hard way. You can start from a place of confidence and proven strategy—and you’ll always have a network of experienced Advocates to call on when you need help solving a problem.

Think of it like climbing a mountain—as a TFI Advocate, the climb is still yours to make, but you’ll have:

1. An experienced guide to show the way
2. Friends to walk alongside you
3. All the resources you need to reach the summit

And this support doesn’t just exist at a distance—our TFI Advocates come together every year for an in-person retreat. These gatherings are a chance to:

• Share encouragement
• Strengthen connections
• Learn from each other’s experiences

Serving the foster care community is no easy task, and these retreats provide a space to share burdens, heal together, and recharge for the journey ahead.

READ | Uniting Foster Care Advocates: A Look Back at Our 2024 TFI Retreat

We say often that we want to send one message to everyone in the foster care community: you are not alone. This applies to our Advocates, too! There’s a saying, “If you want to go fast, go alone. But if you want to go far, go together.” We want you to go far and make a long-lasting impact for children, families, and caseworkers.

Scripture also reminds us of the value of having a team, friends, and a community around us:

“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!” – Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 (ESV)

Let us walk alongside you in this mission to serve vulnerable children, overwhelmed caseworkers, and foster families in need of support. Together, we can build a partnership where you bring the solutions and insights to impact your community, and we provide the guidance you need to overcome any obstacle.

Your Next Step: Apply!

We know it’s the week before Thanksgiving and you’ve already got a lot on your plate. But if you’re feeling pulled to uplift children and families in foster care, there’s no better time to take your first step towards becoming a TFI Advocate:

Just picture how many lives you could make a positive impact on by this time next year. 

If you feel doubtful of your ability to make a difference, that’s normal—many individuals started in the Advocate role because someone in their life encouraged them to apply even when they weren’t sure if they were perfect for the role. We’re here to help you determine if this role is right for you, and if it is, we’ll do everything in our power to make sure you succeed.

READ | 5 Hesitations You May Have About Becoming a TFI Advocate

If you’re being called to step into this work, remember that you don’t have to do it alone. Applications to become a TFI Advocate are open until the end of November. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way, and we would be honored to talk with you about what this role could look like in your community.

P.S. If a friend popped into your mind while reading this and you think they could be a great fit for our Advocate role, please share this with them!