What's it like to be a Host Family?

* Names were changed for confidentiality 

Our Host Family journey began in Dayton, Ohio. We began the process after attending a Safe Families info meeting at our church. We filled out an application, completed training, and finished a home assessment. Then we were placed on the host family email list. Whenever there was a potential hosting, an email was sent out giving a brief summary of the situation, age of the child, and length of requested hosting. Then, whoever was available would simply respond. 

Our first hosting was for a little 1-year old boy, Eli. His mom was overwhelmed with certain life circumstances and requested help on the weekends, every other week for 3 months. It was our first hosting, so we found ourselves feeling both excited and nervous. We were trained and equipped but didn’t know exactly what to expect. We lost some sleep and our schedule was a little crazier those weekends, but it was absolutely worth it. 

Over the 3 months we hosted Eli, we witnessed improvements with eating and mobility. We saw him grow and develop and celebrate the milestones he was reaching. Our boys grew to love him too. They looked forward to the weekends where baby Eli was with us. Not only did we get to care for him, but we also were able to extend love and care to his mom. Drop off times, turned into times to talk, listen, and extend hugs. We got to be the ones to celebrate her birthday by taking her to dinner; reminding her that she too is loved. We also got to encourage and affirm his mom in the ways she cared for Eli, an area she felt defeated. We witnessed her overcome personal barriers and begin going to a church that she still attends and loves. 

After our hosting ended, we continued to stay in touch with Eli and his mom. We met up for a time to play and connect and even babysat Eli when his mom was in a bind. Even though we are many miles apart now, we continue to check-in with them. 

Since then, we have hosted 4 other children from 2 different families right here in Columbia. And each hosting has been different. One mom only needed help during the day while she cared for her infant son in the NICU, and another mom needed help only during the week while she underwent major surgery. We were able to fill in the gaps where their support was lacking. That’s the beauty of Safe Families; we can get creative in the ways we help families. Each family and situation is different, so we can tailor our help to families in crisis based on what they need. And it gives the church a unique opportunity to rise up and be invested in the lives of those struggling around them, becoming family to them. It gives us a chance to truly love our neighbor with the love that we have been shown in Jesus. 

Are you interested in serving local families through hosting? You can learn more about Safe Families at our upcoming luncheon. Register here today!