Give Hope, Be Hope
Kristen Rhoades and fellow volunteers support foster children through The Foster Network
During his mission and ministry of healing, Jesus invites his disciples to care for the orphans, the widows, and all who are most vulnerable in our world. And for Peace member Kristen Rhoades, this is what motivates her and fellow volunteers to support children through the foster care system at The Foster Network here in Sioux Falls.
“Each one of us can make a difference in the lives of these young people,” she shared. The Holy Spirit gives us all kinds of different ways. Some of us are called to be foster parents. For others, we can support foster families with financial support or donations of needed items. There are so many ways you can help share the love of Jesus with children in need.
Jesus’ words inspire Kristen and other volunteers to share their time, effort, and compassion with this local ministry. The Foster Network is a nonprofit organization that helps children on what Kristen calls “the most difficult day of their lives,” providing them with essential items such as clothing, shoes, bedding, and school supplies during the abrupt transition into foster care.
“Nobody wants to go through that kind of moment,” she said. “But, we can help to make it more gentle, more safe, and more supportive. Not just on those days but going forward in life. We want to help kids and families thrive.”
Kristen works on a team with the motto “give hope, be hope.” Their location on Cliff Avenue provides all sorts of supplies and networking for children and families in foster care and is always eager to welcome volunteers, item drives, and donations from their most-needed wish list.
“We have lots of volunteer opportunities,” Kristen said, “including family, evening, and park opportunities. Sometimes it is just kids coming and playing with other kids so adults can visit for a bit. That’s such a blessing! We are also open into the evening on Tuesdays and Thursdays, including during the confirmation school year. Volunteers can help with hanging, organizing, moving boxes, and more.”
The mission of The Foster Network is “to empower and support families who are for children placed through a licensing agency,” with the ultimate goal of “helping families to keep saying YES, and feel connected to a community, to prevent foster parent burnout.” Kristen shared that their closet is the biggest outreach, but there are events growing as community partnerships develop. It is the connections with others, such as churches like Peace, that make all the difference.
According to Kristen, between just January and April 2026, the total visits to The Foster Network included 797, with 201 new placements, 726 unique visitors, and 15,692 items distributed. The need is growing, including for foster families themselves, as the decline continues to grow.
“I would love to get this mission on the radar of Peace members,” Kristen said. “We are not all called to be foster parents, and that’s okay. As Christians, we can ALL find a way to support those who are called to do that.”
Want to know more? Open to volunteering with your small group, Faith Formation, or other group of disciples at Peace? We want and need you! Please contact Kristen Rhoades, Pastor Alex ([email protected]), or the church office to learn more.