Welcome back to Five Question Friday! Kristin Miller, Community Relations Coordinator with Tennessee Kids Belong, and Avery with Wyatt Insurance talk about Tennessee Kids Belong’s work in the state Tennessee and its impact on the lives of children in foster care. Our agency enjoys partnering with Tennessee Kids Belong and we hope this information will show some tangible ways to get involved with those in need right here in our East Tennessee community.
1.What is Tennessee Kids Belong, and how are they apart of America’s Kids Belong?
Tennessee Kids Belong launched in 2016 in Middle Tennessee. They work to empower and equip leaders in the government, business, faith based and creative sectors to end the crisis for kids in foster care. Along with other states, Tennessee, falls under the national umbrella of America’s Kids Belong. Americas Kids Belong runs innovative initiatives in states to help ensure that every child finds a forever home.
2. What is Tennessee Kids Belong’s vision?
Over the last decade, Knox County averages 700-800 children in foster care at any given time. Tennessee Kids Belong’s vision is to have a support system and community to ensure no children are aging out without a family.
3.What is the “I BELONG PROJECT”?
The “I Belong Project” is a signature program allowing people in the community to hear the voice and see the face of children in foster care awaiting adoption. Since launching the Tennessee chapter of the “I Belong Project” in June of 2016, together with The Department of Children’s Services and Heart Gallery of Tennessee, they have created individualized videos of children. Since the launch, more than 55% of those children are now in their forever home! To watch these videos, visit tnkidsbelong.org and click “Meet the Kids.”
4. How can someone get involved with Tennessee Kids Belong?
There are many children in Tennessee waiting for forever families. To get involved you can work throughout the state of TN as a mentor, or an advocate. You can volunteer in assisting foster families with transportation or other needs. You can also donate in support of Tennessee Kids Belong.
5.How can someone contact or find out more information?
Follow Tennessee Kids Belong on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter @TNKidsBelong for additonal ways to connect and serve.
You can help give children in TN foster care a face and a voice. For additional information about how to support Tennessee Kids Belong visit their website: www.tnkidsbelong.org.