Amber Knowles, Author at The Riverside Project

When you step into the world of child welfare, it can feel like learning a new language. Whether you’re a new volunteer, a church partner, a foster parent, or simply someone who wants to understand more, the chances are you’ve come across a sea of letters like DFPS, CPS, PMC, or TBRI® and wondered… what do these even mean?

Daniela Coats is the founder of With Siblings, an organization that exists to support birth children in foster and adoptive families by equipping parents and professionals through training and resources.

Doug Meikle is the co-founder and board chair of TrueWorks, a nonprofit that focuses on integrating Christian faith with the world of work. Today, Doug serves as the CEO of Star of Hope, Houston largest mission to the homeless.

“This doesn’t look like what I thought it would.” I hear this statement all the time.

Foster parents, by Texas law, can only use babysitters who are specially trained and certified to care for children in foster care.

Alysa Elliott-Wilson is the regional administrator for Faith-Based and Community Engagement at the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). With extensive experience in community engagement, Alysa helps mobilize resources and volunteers to help meet those under DFPS’ care.

Christian & Morgan Nichols are an incredible couple who have been on their foster care journey for over three years.

With the holiday season in full swing, our team has been reflecting on the past year—the victories, the challenges, the lessons learned, and the connections formed.

Drew Knowles is the Rector of Oak Forest Anglican Church in Houston, Texas, and the co-author of “Hospitality: The Convivial Mission of God.”

Kathleen Cowie and Caitlin Simpson, staff members at The Riverside Project, share what they do and how it impacts the foster care community in Houston.