Fostering Connections a Childhaven Ministry

Sammy and Selina became foster parents in November 2024, but the foundation for that decision started after hearing a sermon about using your talents and gifts to serve others. The day after hearing this sermon, Mrs. Selina’s personal Bible study centered on trusting God. At the same time, Mr. Sammy was seeing the need firsthand every day through his work in the school system. He witnessed children struggling without stability, support, and safe family connections, and it made the need for foster parents feel incredibly real and personal. Their hearts for foster care continued growing as they attended church alongside Childhaven houseparents and watched the impact loving, consistent adults could have on children’s lives. What began as becoming a visiting resource for one of our teenage girls on campus soon became something much bigger.

As trust and connection grew, Sammy and Selina opened not just their time and support to her — but eventually their home. Since then, they have provided stability, encouragement, and permanency for a child who has lost so much.

Foster care changes lives through ordinary people willing to say “yes” and because Sammy and Selina did, one child’s story looks different today.

We are looking for a summer lifeguard for our pool on campus! If you are interested, please reach out to our director, Gary Hicks, at [email protected]!

When Eli came to live with Paul and Kim Kelsey in November of 2023, he was just 7 months old.

Born prematurely with fragile medical conditions, Eli required specialized care and close attention. Paul and Kim stepped in willingly, completing medical training to make sure they could meet his needs and provide him with a safe, loving home.

At first, they were given information about Eli’s biological parents, Jessie and Jacob, that caused uncertainty. But as they got to know them personally, something changed.

They saw two parents who deeply loved their son.
Two parents willing to work hard.
Two parents with the potential to heal, grow, and reunify with their child.

Instead of keeping distance, the Kelseys chose connection. They welcomed Jessie and Jacob into their home, supervised visits, encouraged their progress, and walked alongside them throughout the reunification process. Together, they celebrated milestones — even helping throw Eli’s birthday party as one extended support system centered around a little boy they all loved deeply.

While living with Paul and Kim, Eli learned to crawl, walk, and eat table food. They cared for him through some of the most important developmental moments of his young life.

And in February 2025, after more than a year of hard work, support, and healing, Eli was reunified with his parents.

Today, the two families still share a close relationship and continue visiting one another on occasion— a beautiful reminder that foster care is not about replacing families, but restoring them whenever possible. This is what foster care can look like when compassion leads the way ❤️

*picture and story posted with permission from both families*

Wishing all of the moms a Happy Mother’s Day! We want to give a special shoutout to the moms who are involved in the foster care system! No matter what your role is, we see you and appreciate you 💗

Foster care changes lives because of people willing to say “yes!” This month we’re highlighting some of the people who have said yes to fostering with Childhaven!

The Kelsey’s became foster parents with childhaven in 2023 and have had six placements since that time. They are currently fostering two boys- a 2 year old and 3 year old. Paul and Kim have four biological children as well. They feel extremely blessed and have always wanted to serve through foster care! The Kelsey’s have great support through their friends and family, as well as Childhaven staff, that allow them to take breaks and recharge as needed!

We are so grateful to the Kelsey family for their willingness to serve kids in foster care!

Nearly 6,000 children in foster care across Alabama, and only about 2,700 foster homes for them to be placed in.

This is the problem.
This is why we exist.
We are working hard to be part of the solution, but we need your help.

Sometimes these kids have to sleep in DHR offices. Sometimes they are moved every few days or weeks between temporary placements. When this happens it sends the message that they are not wanted and not valued.

The need is real. They need a safe to sleep and stability they can count. If you are looking for a way to serve, there are 6,000 kids who need you.

May is Foster Care Awareness Month.

At Childhaven, this isn’t just something we recognize—it’s something we live every single day.
Every child deserves to feel safe.
To be known.
To have consistency and care they can count on.

This month, we’re inviting you to learn, to care, and to be part of what makes a difference in the lives of children in foster care.

Follow along with us this month as we share more about foster care and how you can be involved.

Did you know? In Alabama, certain adults are legally required to report suspected child abuse or neglect—no proof needed, just reasonable suspicion. Click this link to find out if you are a mandatory reporterhttps://ctf.alabama.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Mandatory-Reporting-Brochure-2018-2.pdf

This Child Abuse Prevention Month, we encourage everyone to learn the signs and understand the responsibility to act. One call can make all the difference.

Children often don’t have the words to ask for help—but their behavior can speak volumes. Learning the signs of abuse helps us become safe adults that children can trust.

This Child Abuse Prevention Month, take a moment to learn the warning signs, trust your instincts, and speak up.

All set up for Lads in Nashville!