We're building bridges between families & resources.
Families who are involved with the child welfare system are some of the most vulnerable people in our city. They're often difficult to identify, less likely to reach out for help from the community, or are disconnected from the many resources available to them.
In partnership with DFPS and other child-placing agencies, we identify the immediate needs of foster youth, biological families, and relative caregivers, then connect those families to people and organizations who can help!
How The Response Network makes connections in the community:
Agencies get connected to resources & support.
Agencies gain access to a community of nonprofits, businesses, and churches ready to step in and offer support.
Churches care for their congregations and communities in new ways.
Churches get resources, training, and connections to meet the needs of vulnerable children and families in their communities.
Passionate people can help where it's needed most.
Passionate individuals and business leaders can find meaningful roles to channel their passion, skills, and resources.
Children and families receive the support they need.
By linking families with local resources and relationships, we help build strong communities of support.
We have to work together.
We have a vision to see hundreds of organizations and thousands of people strategically positioned all along The River, fully equipped to help children and families thrive.
Everyone can do something: whether youāre a family, agency, nonprofit, church, business, or passionate individual.
There is a place for you to serve along The River. We can guide you to that place, and give you the tools you need to be successful.
See what people are saying about The Response Network.
Here's how it works:
We connect families to someone who can help.
Our team works to mobilize a network of churches, foster closets, nonprofits, and other community partners to meet needs.
Children and families receive support.
By developing a relationship with a local church or other community partners, families will find ongoing support and encouragement.
Watch stories from the documentary and see how organizations and passionate people across Houston are coming together as one to bring hope and healing to families impacted by foster care.
As One: Collaboration
Harvest Time Church and Northside Christian Church serve a young mother who recently aged out of the foster care system and is navigating living on her own in a new apartment.
As One: Dignity
Sojourn Southside Church and The Houston Furniture Bank care for a previously houseless mother with 5 children, helping her furnish her new home and provide needed assistance.
Trusted Collaborators
Meet some of the organizations working with us along The River.
Reach out to us to participate in The Response Network.
Which statement best represents you?
You might be wondering...
- Churches
- Caseworkers / Requesting Organizations
- Families Referred to The Response Network
1. How does The Response Network assess the needs of families?
Once a request is made, we connect with the caseworker to understand the familyās situation. We also conduct a phone interview with the family to best assess the needs of the families referred. Our staff social workers are available to identify and connect families with appropriate resources.
2. How quickly does the church have to respond to requests?
We strive to provide a specific timeline for each request. However, a good rule of thumb is for churches to aim to respond and fulfill requests within 2 weeks if possible.
3. Who should the church contact at The Riverside Project with questions or concerns?
For questions, churches should contact The Riverside Project team by emailing chandler@riversideproject.org or by scheduling a time to talk.Ā
4. How can my church get involved with the Response Network?
Churches can get involved by partnering with The Riverside Project to support families in the child welfare system. We help bridge the gap between families in need and churches that can help. We have a dedicated Church Mobilization team to help your church get started! Contact our Director of Church Mobilization, Chandler James by emailing him at chandler@riversideproject.org or by scheduling time on his calendar here.
5. How do families get referred to the Response Network?
Families are referred to The Response Network through CPS caseworkers or caseworkers from other approved agencies. These caseworkers must be trained and have signed an agreement with The Riverside Project. Families involved with the child welfare systemāincluding biological, kinship/foster, reunifying families, and young adults formerly in foster careāare eligible for referral.
6. How does a church get in touch with the family?
The Response Network provides a nearby church with contact information for the family and their caseworker. We encourage churches to connect directly with families to foster meaningful relationships while prioritizing the privacy of vulnerable children and families. Each agency worker obtains a signed release of information from families before sharing their details with our team. Families referred to churches are informed in advance and understand that a church may reach out to offer support.
1. What kinds of things can I request for families?
The Response Network accepts requests for a variety of items including furniture, clothing, baby items, household goods, and more. We also help with referrals or assistance in locating resources. Our capacity to provide financial assistance is limited, so we are unable to cover larger expenses, such as significant rent payments or car repairs. However, if these are needs, please feel free to include them when sharing information about the family. We strive to consider the holistic needs of each family and work to make relevant connections whenever possible.
2. What kinds of families qualify for The Response Network?
We accept requests on behalf of families involved with the child welfare system, including biological families, families receiving Family Based Safety Services (FBSS), foster or kinship families, reunifying families, and young adults who were formerly in foster care.
3. What geographical areas do you serve?
The Response Network serves families in Texas DFPS Region 6, which includes the following counties: Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Colorado, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, Waller, Walker, and Wharton.
4. Who should I contact at The Riverside Project if I have questions?
For any questions, please email us at needs@riversideproject.org or call 832-506-9690.
5. Where do I get a Release of Information form for the family to sign?
The Release of Information form can be found here. Please have the family sign this form before submitting the request to ensure confidentiality. You can keep this form for your records; it does not need to be returned to us.
6. What is the process for submitting a request?
Caseworkers from approved agencies can submit requests through the following link: riversideproject.org/submit-a-need/. We will call the caseworker within 2-3 business days to gather more information.
1. What should I do if I have additional questions or concerns?
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please reach out to your caseworker or contact The Riverside Project team directly at needs@riversideproject.org or call 832-506-9690.
2. Who will be contacting me from The Riverside Project about my needs and how will that occur?
The Response Network serves as a bridge between families in need and organizations or churches that can help. While we may not always meet the needs ourselves, we work to connect you with the right people and resources who can. A church or organization may contact you directly by phone to discuss your needs and provide updates on the status of your request. To ensure we can facilitate these connections effectively, please keep your contact information up to date.
3. How long does it take for The Response Network to provide support?
Once a request is made for your family, we strive to fulfill it as quickly as possible. While timelines may vary depending on the specific request, we generally aim to complete requests within 2 weeks.
4. How do I get in touch with The Response Network once Iāve been referred?
After your family has been referred, The Response Network team at The Riverside Project will reach out to you to discuss your specific needs. The team will then offer assistance based on what is requested for your family. At that point, you will have direct contact with someone our team should need clarification on the process or status of the request.
5. What kind of support can I expect from The Response Network?
The Response Network aims to help connect you with a local church or community organization that can help meet your needs. They may provide a wide variety of items for your family, including furniture, clothing, baby items, household goods, and more. Additionally, we strive to connect families to broader support networks, including other resources or referrals to meet specific needs. This may also include opportunities to build relationships through churches and organizations, which can offer additional support, such as grief counseling, mentorship, or other community-based programs tailored to your familyās situation.
6. How do I know if my family is eligible for help from The Response Network?
Families are eligible for support if they are involved with the child welfare system, including biological, kinship/foster, and reunifying families, as well as young adults who were formerly in foster care. Your caseworker will submit a request on your behalf if you qualify.