HQ OF HOPE BLOG, ARTICLES, AND NEWS

A reminder of hope from a special guest

By Randy Martin | June 10, 2011

We had the privilege this week of a visit from a former foster family that adopted children while with Covenant Foster Care. Rick Hourigan brought his wonderful family in from Arizona for a family visit and surprised our team with a brief stop. Our team was tremendously encouraged by the visit. I really didn’t know…

A reminder of hope from a special guest

By Randy Martin | June 10, 2011

We had the privilege this week of a visit from a former foster family that adopted children while with Covenant Foster Care. Rick Hourigan brought his wonderful family in from Arizona for a family visit and surprised our team with a brief stop. Our team was tremendously encouraged by the visit. I really didn’t know…

Covenant Family Fun Day at Murray Farms

By Randy Martin | June 6, 2011

Covenant Community Services, Inc. is partnering with Murray Family Farms and Middlebrook and Brehmer to host the inaugural “Covenant Family Fun Day” benefitting foster children and former foster youth. Murray Family Farms is a family owned and operated farm on the outskirts of Bakersfield. The day will include hay rides, a petting zoo, picking fruit, mazes…

Child Abuse Prevention Month Resources

By Randy Martin | April 15, 2011

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month in the United States. The designation is a reminder that child abuse and neglect is a serious issue that plagues our nation. There are 500,000 children in the out-of-home foster care system in The United States but many more children that suffer abuse daily. In 2009, more than…

Child Abuse and Neglect Month Thoughts and Action Points

By Randy Martin | April 8, 2011

April is declared National Child Abuse and Neglect prevention month in the United States.  http://www.childwelfare.gov/preventing/preventionmonth/ The month of April usually ushers in Spring and celebrates Easter. April is also a somber month to reflect upon the Giant of Child Abuse and Neglect in our communities. Child abuse and neglect is a horrible plight throughout the…

“Hope” Revealed in the Life of Former Foster Youth; “Kayla”

By Randy Martin | March 8, 2011

As you read this story of hope from Lindsay Long, watch the video clips before continuing on. Judging a book by its cover is never a good thing to do. The day I met Kayla she seemed like she had it together, she was cool, calm and had a good sense of humor. She greeted…

Mentoring Provides Hope, Future for Foster Youth

By Randy Martin | March 7, 2011

Hope can come in a variety of ways…The Jeremiah Mentoring Project delivers hope through you..the mentor. The Project’s Director, Michael Moustakis explains who a mentor is, and the difference it can make in the life of a youth. For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD , “plans to prosper you and…

Former Foster Youth face the challenge of responsibility

By Randy Martin | March 2, 2011

Former foster youth face an uphill battle after leaving the care and supervision of the child welfare system. Most youth that exit foster care do so to independence that is thrust upon them rather than prepared. In fact, statistics show that former foster youth are ill-prepared to face the challenges of life including the educational,…

Help fight for former foster youth in California

By Randy Martin | February 24, 2011

This message is urgent in nature and was compiled from the John Burton Foundation. The THP-Plus Budget is being Considered in Budget Conference Committee and your advocacy for vulnerable former foster youth is needed. The Budget Conference Committee will be voting on the THP-Plus budget tomorrow, February 25th. The purpose of the Conference Committee is…

Hope Can Come “Full-Circle”

By Randy Martin | February 23, 2011

Many of you know our mission at Covenant Community Services is to end the cycle of child abuse and neglect and see foster youth walk in spiritual wholeness, today I experienced that vision in a very “real” way. This afternoon I took Lajoy Gentry, a former foster youth and Covenant employee along for an on-camera…