Bridge Builders

Empowering the Church to care for the vulnerable in Hampton Roads

Get started

Every church is called to support the vulnerable. Whether you’re exploring foster care ministry for the first time or expanding your current impact, Wild Oak Haven can guide your church in taking the next step.

Where do we start?

— Project Belong

Step One

Connect with our Bridge Builders team

 Let’s talk about the strengths of your congregation, needs of the vulnerable in your midst, and how God is already working in the hearts of your people to step into this work. 

Step Two

Invite us to your church

Bring awareness and inspiration to your congregation through a ministry presentation or a Wild Oak Haven information event.

Step Three

Become a Church partner

Our Church Partners create safe, welcoming spaces where vulnerable children and young adults feel secure, and families find consistent support.

Becoming a Wild Oak Haven Church Partner: What You Need to Know

Our Church Partners create safe, welcoming spaces where vulnerable children and young adults feel secure, and families find consistent support.

Partner churches build a culture where:

  • Identity: Caring for vulnerable youth is central to who the church is.

  • Trauma-Informed Care: Volunteers are trained to meet trauma with appropriate, compassionate care.

  • Wrap-Around Support: Foster, kinship, and adoptive families are known, connected, and supported.

  • Belonging: Children impacted by trauma, grief, and loss are loved and empowered to thrive.

INSPIRE

Encourage your congregation to wrap around foster, kinship, and adoptive families with consistent prayer, connection, and hands-on help.

Ways to Take Action:

  • Invite Us to Speak: Schedule a time for our team to share our mission with your congregation.

  • Connect Families: Introduce foster families to the Village community for ongoing support.

  • Join the Prayer Team: Lift up vulnerable children, foster parents, and biological families in targeted prayer.

  • Explore Our Resources: Access tools and guides designed to equip your church for foster ministry.

EQUIP

Educate your congregation to see vulnerable youth and families through a redemptive, Christ-centered lens.

Get Training for Your Church Equip your pastors, staff, and volunteers with trauma-informed, biblically based training to support families and walk alongside youth transitioning out of the foster system.

Available Trainings:

  • Empathy in Action: Learn how to serve vulnerable children and families with trauma-informed care and deep compassion.

  • Don't Go Alone Mentorship: Train mentors to walk alongside youth who have aged out of foster care as they navigate adulthood.

SEND

Actively love and sacrifice. Encourage your congregation to prayerfully consider where God is calling them to take action.

Ways to Serve:

  • Sponsor a Meal: Provide dinner for a monthly Village gathering to bless and support local foster, adoptive and kinship families.

  • Mentor a Young Adult: Walk alongside a young person aging out of foster care through our Don't Go Alone mentorship program.

  • Encourage Social Workers: Partner with us to write note cards, provide care packages, and bless local child welfare workers.

  • Serve with Partners: Get hands-on with our network of community partners that are tackling issues connected to the risks associated with foster care. 

Give today!