At the end of February we hosted an event with Family Link, that would allow foster families a much needed respite, or date night for the parents.

Along with Mariah Wilde director of Family Link in Austin, Tx our church hosted our first "date night" for foster parents.

Unfortunately these unsung heroes rarely get an evening where they can focus on their marriage and enjoy some much needed adult time.

When you are a foster parent trying to get time alone is sometimes very difficult. With the states child protection laws not just anybody can watch the kids. The child care providers need to have a background check complete along with a short application.

Some willing volunteers sometimes see this process as daunting, therefore limiting the number of respite workers. With this shortage of workers, foster parents here in Austin have very limited access to people who can watch their kids.

So our church team decided we would have the foster families drop off their kids and we would teach the kids how to make some great culinary dishes, make unique crafts, participate in games, and much more.

Our church came together to love each child and truly express our desire to see them prosper! We had over 40 kids that received some much need quality time with us, and other kids, while their foster parents took four hours on the town.

Foster parents are the hope and future for these kids. It takes one great family to change the life and direction for these kids.

Contact either myself Matt Bailey matt@masterstch.com or Kim Bailey kimbailey@austin.rr.com for more events you could help at. The last Saturday or Sunday of each month is mission work day for our church.