‘Foster Friendly Madison County’ launches to support local foster families

JACKSON, Tenn. (WBBJ) - Community members gathered Friday night at Catbird Studio to celebrate foster families and kick off “Foster Friendly Madison County.”

The program connects foster families with businesses offering exclusive discounts, churches creating support teams and local leaders championing the cause.

Jo Wofler, with Tennessee Kids Belong, said the effort brings together faith communities, local government leaders and businesses to support foster families.

“We want to both celebrate the work that’s already been done and invite others to join,” Wofler said. “Foster care can be isolating, and so we want foster families to know, in Madison County, that they’re not alone, that there are businesses that are providing exclusive discounts for them. There are churches that are building wraparound teams to walk alongside them. Their local government leaders who are championing the work they’re doing and opening their homes, and we want that to be celebrated and honored tonight.”

Organizers said they hope more businesses, churches and community leaders will join the effort to support children and the families caring for them.