As the New Mexico chapter of Child S.H.A.R.E. (Shelter Homes, A Rescue Effort), we work with a network of churches to recruit, train and support foster and adoptive families for a number of foster care agencies in the greater Albuquerque area.
About Child S.H.A.R.E.
Child S.H.A.R.E. was founded in 1985 in Los Angeles,
California, to address the foster care and adoption crisis by recruiting foster and adoptive
families through churches of all denominations. By partnering communities of faith with foster
care providers, loving homes are found for the thousands of children in the foster care system.
The rich family-oriented resources of the church also provide the physical, emotional and
spiritual support that foster and adoptive families need. Studies show that this approach works.
Two out of three foster children stay with their Child S.H.A.R.E. family until they are adopted or
reunited with their birth family. And Child S.H.A.R.E.’s adoption rate for foster children is
twice the national average.
Getting Involved
There are several opportunities to serve children through
Child S.H.A.R.E.
- Full-time foster families – married couples and singles who welcome a foster child into their homes for extended periods of time.
- Back-up or respite families – families who are certified to take a child for a day, overnight or longer when a full-time family needs rest.
- Special friends/babysitters – people committed to mentoring a child.
- Volunteers – people who work in the co-op, pick-up donations, tutor, deliver welcome baskets, plan and oversee special activities.
- Professional volunteers – physicians, educators, counselors, attorneys, accountants, etc. who donate their time and skills.
- Anchor churches – congregations that provide space for co-ops, support group meetings, fund raisers and special activities.
Why Be a Child S.H.A.R.E. Family?
Child SHARE member families enjoy many services
without membership fees.
- Respite care – a pool of families who can give you a break from the demands of foster parenting.
- Welcome baskets – a personalized basket of items to welcome children into your home. Baskets include items like blankets, toys and school items.
- Equipment and clothing co-op – a collection of new and gently used clothing, cribs, toys and other items to make your home ready for a foster child. All items are free for your use.
- Support – experienced, supportive staff are available to answer your questions.
Are You Interested?
It is a rewarding experience to give needy children a stable,
caring and loving home, or provide support to the families who do. Call for more information at 1-800-660-0289
to learn more.
Albuquerque Anchor and Partner Churches
- Church of the Risen Savior
- First United Methodist
- Grace Church
- Heights Cumberland
- Our Lady of Fatima Parish
- St. Mary's Episcopal Church
- St. John's Cathedral
- St. Marks-on-the-Mesa
- Trinity Episcopal Church
