Bridges To Belonging

Bringing Awareness of Foster Care to Your Community

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 17:43:09 GMT

Every Child Deserves a Place to Belong.

At Seven Homes, we hold a deeply rooted belief: every child deserves a home where they feel they truly belong. When a child experiences that kind of belonging, it doesn’t just change their life, it creates a ripple effect that touches families, communities, and generations to come.

That’s the heart of what we do.

By equipping families with the support they need and surrounding children with care, we are helping break cycles of trauma and building something stronger, TOGETHER. Because healing happens in relationships, and strong communities help create strong families.

Why Foster Care Awareness Matters:

Every day across North Carolina, children enter foster care, each one carrying a story, a need, and a deep longing for stability and connection.

Yet many people in our communities simply don’t know how they can help.

Maybe they’ve thought about fostering but feel unsure.

Maybe they want to support but don’t know where to begin.

Maybe they’ve never heard what the journey truly looks like.

That’s where awareness becomes powerful.

A Special Opportunity: National Foster Care Awareness Month:

May is National Foster Care Awareness Month. This is a meaningful time set aside to shine a light on the needs of children in foster care and the families who support them.

It’s also the perfect opportunity to start a conversation in your community.

If your church, small group, or organization has ever considered learning more about foster care, this is a natural moment to lean in. Our team would love to partner with you during this month to share, connect, and help your community discover how they can make a difference.

Bringing the Conversation to Your Community:

What if awareness didn’t feel overwhelming… but personal?

The Seven Homes Team is passionate about meeting people right where they are, whether that’s a church gathering, a small group, or a local organization. We create space for honest conversation, meaningful connection, and real next steps.

Because sometimes, all it takes is one conversation to spark a calling.

What We Can Share With Your Group:

When you invite Seven Homes to speak, you’re offering your community more than information, you’re offering perspective, purpose, and possibility.

Here’s what that can look like:

The Foster Care Journey

A compassionate look at what children and families experience—and where hope begins.

The Role of Foster Parent

The joys, the challenges, and the life-changing impact of opening your home.

Ways to Get Involved

From fostering and adopting to volunteering, supporting families, or partnering through sponsorships.

The Need in Our Community

Why your group’s awareness and action truly matter—right here, right now.

Let’s Partner Together:

We believe no one is meant to walk this journey alone, not children, not families, and not communities.

No matter who you are, we would be honored to come alongside you. Especially during National Foster Care Awareness Month, there is a unique opportunity to engage your community in a conversation that truly matters.

Take the Next Step:

If you’d like to schedule a speaker from Seven Homes, we invite you to reach out to our team.

Together, we can ensure that every child has a safe place to BELONG

A Community That Cares

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 13:10:08 GMT

Back to School is a success!

As the summer winds down and school bells start ringing, we’re filled with gratitude for the incredible support we received from our community over the past month. At Seven Homes, we believe that every child—especially those in foster care—deserves to feel seen, supported, and set up for success. And thanks to you, our community, that vision came to life in the most heartwarming way.

Starting a new school year can be daunting for any child, but for those navigating the complexities of foster care, it’s even more important to feel included. Because of you, these children will walk into their classrooms this fall with confidence and a sense of belonging. They’ll be just like every other kid around them—ready to learn, laugh, and grow.

This year’s Back to School Bash was one for the books! With your generous donations, time, and compassion, we were able to provide children in foster care with brand new backpacks filled with school supplies. These aren’t just items—they’re symbols of dignity, normalcy, and hope.

We’re in awe of the power of community. Every donated notebook, every packed backpack, every encouraging word shared—each act played a part in reminding our youth that they matter.

Want to get involved? Take a look at our EVENTS page, and follow us on social media for more stories.

Thank you to our Donors:

The Phoenix Company
The Crowne
Anonymous Individuals
Encounter Church - High Point
Urgent Church
The Summit Church - Oak Ridge

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. You helped turn an ordinary school supply drive into an extraordinary outpouring of love. Together, we are creating a world where every child feels prepared and proud to begin a new chapter.

What Are Bags for Belonging

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 18:25:49 GMT

Why Belonging matters: It isn't just a feeling — it’s a foundation.

When a child feels safe, seen, and supported, their healing can begin. They begin to build trust, form healthy relationships, and envision a hopeful future. As foster care providers, we strive every day to create that foundation of love and stability. But we can’t do it alone. That’s where our community comes in.

Introducing: Bags for Belonging

One of the ways we affirm a child’s worth from the very beginning is through our Bags for Belonging program. Every child who enters foster care through Seven Homes receives a brand-new backpack or diaper bag filled with essentials and comfort items, carefully curated with their needs and hearts in mind.

Each bag contains:

A soft blanket
A cuddly stuffed animal
Sensory toys for emotional regulation
Age-appropriate hygiene items (like shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant)
School supplies for older children
A children’s Bible as a message of hope and identity

These bags aren’t just filled with items — they’re filled with dignity. They're a simple but profound way of saying, YOU matter. YOU are not forgotten. YOU belong.

How You Can Help

You can be part of this message of belonging in a very tangible way. Here’s how:

1. Donate New Items - We’re always in need of new:

Backpacks and diaper bags
Blankets and stuffed animals
Hygiene Items
Sensory toys and stress-relief tools
Crayola Colored Pencils, Crayons & Markers
Coloring Books & Small Toys
Baby Bottles, Pacifiers & baby nail clippers
Diapers & Wipes
Hair Brushes & Combs
Children’s and teen Bibles

All items must be new. Visit our AMAZON WISHLIST to see our current needs and send items directly to us.

2. Host a Donation Drive - Church groups, workplaces, youth ministries, book clubs — anyone can host a donation drive! It’s a great way to engage your community and help spread awareness about the needs of children in foster care.

3. Sponsor a Bag - Want to make an impact but don’t have time to shop? You can still be a vital part of this effort by making a monetary donation. With a gift of approximately $75, you can sponsor a fully stocked bag. We’ll take care of purchasing and assembling the items — your generosity will go directly toward bringing comfort and hope to a child in need.

Be Part of the Story

Every backpack packed, every blanket folded, every Bible placed in a child’s hand is a step toward healing. When you support Bags for Belonging , you’re doing more than giving items — you’re planting seeds of worth and belonging in the hearts of children who need it most.

Because in our community — in your community — every child deserves to know:

YOU are seen. YOU are valued. YOU belong.

Tantrum or Meltdown?

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 20:30:39 GMT

Understanding the Heart Behind Big Emotions.

As parents and caregivers, it can be hard — and sometimes overwhelming — to know how to respond when a child is upset. One of the biggest challenges is figuring out whether you're dealing with a tantrum or a meltdown.

While they may look similar on the outside, how you respond can make all the difference in helping your child feel safe, heard, and supported.

Here’s a simple tip to help you tell the difference:

Quick Test:

Give your child a totally random task or command — something like,

"Can you clap your hands for me?" or

"Can you pick up the red toy?"

If your child can pause, attend to the task, and follow through, they are likely in a tantrum.

If your child cannot acknowledge you at all, unable to respond or even recognize the request, they are likely experiencing a meltdown.

If It's a Tantrum: Provide More Structure

A tantrum is often about gaining control, attention, or avoiding something. When a child is still able to respond and make choices, what they most need is clear structure and calm boundaries.

Gently but firmly guide them toward appropriate behaviors, and remain consistent.

Children feel safest when they know someone is steadily leading them, even when their emotions are big.

If It's a Meltdown: Offer Only Comfort and Nurture

A meltdown, on the other hand, is not about control — it’s about overwhelm.

When a child's brain is flooded with emotions and sensory overload, they cannot process commands or expectations. In those moments, comfort, safety, and nurture are the only things that help.

Sit close. Speak softly. Let them know they are not alone. Your calm presence will help regulate their emotional storm.

Why It Matters

Knowing whether your child is in a tantrum or meltdown allows you to meet their real need in the moment — either structure or compassion.

Both responses are rooted in love — and both help build trust, resilience, and belonging.

Remember, your steady presence is the anchor in their biggest emotions.

You are teaching them, over time, that no feeling is too big for love to hold.

A Double Blessing: Celebrating the Wilkerson Family!

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 20:54:31 GMT

Family isn't defined by age, circumstances, or perfect timing...

Today, we are thrilled to celebrate the Wilkerson family as they officially welcome two sweet four-year-old twin boys into their forever home! These energetic brothers, full of personality and heart, have found a place where they are loved, guided, and truly belong.

The older twin is the leader of the pair, often talking his brother into playful mischief. Together, they share a love for music, instruments, and spending time outdoors — filling their days with laughter, adventure, and plenty of joyful noise!

The Wilkersons shared a glimpse into their journey:

"These boys needed a family to take care of them because their parents could not. Even though we were in our late 60’s, we knew they needed us."

Their story is a powerful reminder that family isn't defined by age, circumstances, or perfect timing — it's defined by love, willingness, and belonging.

Though the boys can certainly be a handful (as all lively four-year-olds can be!), the Wilkersons say:

"They are such a joy to us, and we love them so very much. We could not imagine life without these two."

The journey to adoption is rarely easy — it is filled with twists, challenges, and a great deal of heartache. But as the Wilkerson family's story shows, it can truly transform a child's life... and just as often, the lives of those who open their hearts to say yes.

Please join us in congratulating the Wilkerson family on their beautiful journey to forever!

A Journey to Belonging: Celebrating the Jordan Family!

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 20:14:54 GMT

A journey of faith, a destination of belonging...

We are overjoyed to celebrate the Jordan family as they officially welcome two incredible young boys into their forever home — a place where they are loved, cherished, and belong. After three years of building memories, growing together, and navigating the challenges of the foster care journey, these dynamic brothers are now officially part of the Jordan family!

Full of energy, heart, and talent, these brothers love sports and music — filling their home with laughter, rhythm, and excitement. The Jordans shared their heartfelt story:

"We are so thankful for these boys and to finally be able to officially merge their track with ours. But don’t let this picture fool you! This foster/adoption portion of our track has not been easy — not for us, not for the boys, and especially not for their birth family. It’s been rough and a messy journey through a broken world. But God is good; He has been with us each mile. He has faithfully brought us to this interchange and will continue to guide our journey."

Their words are a beautiful reminder that belonging is often born through perseverance, faith, and unconditional love. The journey is rarely simple, but the destination — a place where hearts are anchored and lives are joined together — is worth every step.

Please join us in celebrating the Jordan family — now a joyful, resilient family of six!

Celebrating Forever: Congratulations Barnes Family!

impact@7homes.org (Katelyn Hall) — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 20:05:55 GMT

Where tiny hands and big hearts meet — belonging begins.

We are thrilled to celebrate the Barnes family as they officially welcome their daughter into her forever home — a home where she is cherished, celebrated, and truly belongs. After three wonderful years together, this beautiful young girl, full of sparkle and joy, is now forever a part of the Barnes family.

She loves everything makeup, jewelry, and playing dress-up — filling every room with laughter, creativity, and her bright personality. The Barnes family shared their journey with us:

"Years before our marriage, we knew God had called us to open our home to children who needed a safe and loving place to call home for however long that was. When her permanency plan became adoption, it confirmed what we felt too — she was home."

They will never forget the first time she was placed in their arms — tiny, wrapped in a blanket that weighed more than she did — and how from that very moment, belonging began to grow.

"She has brought unimaginable love and joy into our lives. We are blessed to be her parents."

Their story is a beautiful reminder that belonging is not just about a home, but about hearts finding their rightful place — surrounded by love, security, and joy.

Please join us in celebrating the Barnes family and the extraordinary love that has made them whole

What is Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI)?

Sat, 01 Feb 2025 08:44:11 GMT

And How It Can Help You Become the Best Foster Parent!

If you’ve ever wondered how you can make a lasting, positive difference in a child's life, you’re in the right place. Being a foster parent isn’t just about providing a roof over a child’s head—it’s about creating a safe, loving environment where they can heal, grow, and thrive. And that’s where Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) comes in.

TBRI is an amazing tool that’s helping foster parents (just like you!) build strong, trusting relationships with kids who need it most. It’s all about meeting a child’s emotional, physical, and psychological needs in a way that’s fun, gentle, and incredibly impactful. Whether you’re new to fostering or you're already a pro, this approach can take your relationship with your foster child to the next level.

And here’s the best part: we weave TBRI into all of our training programs! All our staff are trained TBRI caregivers, and we have five certified TBRI practitioners on hand to ensure you have all the tools you need to succeed as a foster parent. So, when you partner with us, you’re not just learning about TBRI—you’re getting expert guidance every step of the way.

Ready to discover how TBRI can make your foster parenting journey even more rewarding? Let’s dive in!

What is Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI)?

At its core, TBRI is a trauma-informed intervention that helps children who’ve experienced challenges like abuse, neglect, or trauma. It’s based on building a trusting, secure relationship —which is the foundation for every meaningful connection you’ll form with the kids in your care.

Created by Dr. Karyn Purvis and Dr. David Cross at the TCU Institute of Child Development, TBRI focuses on nurturing the brain-body connection to help children feel safe, supported, and ready to engage in the world around them.

But here's the cool part—it’s not just about managing behaviors. It’s about understanding what those behaviors really mean and finding out how you can help kids heal and thrive through connection .

The 3 Pillars of TBRI: What You Need to Know to Become the Best Foster Parent Ever

TBRI works through three powerful pillars that will guide you every step of the way in your journey as a foster parent. Ready to learn the secret sauce? Here’s how it works:

1. Connecting: This is all about creating a bond. When a child has experienced trauma, they might feel scared, alone, or uncertain. Connecting helps them know they’re safe, cared for, and that you have their back. Your goal here is to provide emotional warmth, which is often just a simple smile, a comforting word, or holding their hand when they need it.

-How you do it: Be there emotionally—let them know you're present and ready to listen. It might be a snuggle on the couch with a movie or a calming voice when they’re upset. It’s those little things that show them, “You’re important to me.”

2. Empowering: This is where you help your foster child feel like they can do this—that they’re not helpless in this world. You empower them by helping meet their physical needs (sleep, food, etc.) and teaching them self-regulation. Empowerment also means showing them they can make choices, understand their emotions, and thrive.

- How you do it: Maybe you teach them a calming technique, or encourage them to make small decisions, like choosing what to wear or what snack to have. When children feel empowered, they start to believe in their own strength—and so do you!

3. Correcting: Every parent needs to set boundaries, but TBRI teaches us how to correct behavior in a way that doesn’t break trust. This pillar is all about offering guidance and support rather than punishing. It’s about redirection, understanding, and showing kids that they can learn from their mistakes in a safe environment.

- How you do it: Rather than focusing on punishment, help them understand the why behind the rules and what the consequences of actions are. It’s about teaching, not blaming.

Why TBRI Works So Well for Foster Families

Trauma-Informed: TBRI understands that children coming from difficult backgrounds might have a heightened response to stress, so it helps you respond with compassion rather than frustration. It’s not about managing behaviors—it’s about healing behaviors.

Attachment-Focused : Kids who’ve experienced trauma might have difficulty trusting adults, but TBRI helps you become a safe, reliable presence. Building that attachment is key for them to feel confident, secure, and open to learning.

Brain-Based : TBRI is based on the science of how the brain works. It helps you understand how trauma affects a child’s brain development and gives you the tools to support them in a way that helps their brain grow in healthy, positive ways.

Holistic : TBRI addresses a child’s full needs—emotional, physical, and psychological. It’s not just about what they do but about understanding why they do it, and giving them the tools to be their best selves.

So, Who Can Benefit from TBRI?

While TBRI is a game-changer for children with a history of trauma, it can actually help any child who might be struggling with big emotions or challenging behaviors. Whether you're a brand-new foster parent or an experienced one, TBRI can guide you toward creating stronger, healthier relationships with the kids you care for. You’ll be empowering them to believe in themselves and healing wounds that might seem invisible but run deep.

• Foster and adoptive families: If you’re already fostering or adopting, TBRI is a natural fit for helping your child thrive and build trust.

• Therapists and counselors: Professionals trained in TBRI can help children and parents work through emotional struggles.

• Teachers and educators: TBRI is also great for school settings where kids may need a little extra help with emotional regulation and social skills.

• Parents and caregivers: Whether you’re a foster parent, adoptive parent, or biological parent, TBRI is an incredible tool to build a lasting connection.

How Can You Get Started?

If you’re feeling inspired and ready to bring more love, healing, and connection into your home, consider becoming a licensed foster parent. It’s easier than you think to get started, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Here are some great resources to begin your journey:

• Books: Dr. Karyn Purvis’s The Connected Child is a must-read for understanding the principles of TBRI.

o Purvis, K., & Cross, D. R. (2016). The Connected Child: Bring Hope and Healing to Your Adoptive Family. McGraw-Hill Education.

• Training and Workshops: We offer TBRI training sessions for future foster parents—get in touch to see how we can help you become the best foster parent ever! Our staff are all trained TBRI caregivers, and with five TBRI practitioners on our team, you can count on getting top-notch support and guidance.

• Therapists and Support: Whether you need extra help or just want a community of other foster parents, we're ready to walk this journey with you.

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Final Thoughts

Trust-Based Relational Intervention isn’t just about parenting—it’s about building deep, meaningful connections with kids who need your care. If you’re ready to make a real difference, become a licensed foster parent today and use TBRI to help the children in your care feel safe, loved, and empowered.

When you foster, you don’t just change a child’s life—you change your own, too.

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References

• Purvis, K., & Cross, D. R. (2016). The Connected Child: Bring Hope and Healing to Your Adoptive Family. McGraw-Hill Education.

• Purvis, K., & Cross, D. (2013). Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI): An Overview. The Karyn Purvis Institute of Child Development. Available at: www.childdevelopment.tcu.edu