Creating circles of support
Safe Families for Children was created to offer a temporary safe home to thousands of children while freeing up their parents to focus on the crisis at hand. It also provides the parents with the support and tools they need to address the crisis so they can eventually reunite with their kids and thrive.
Other ways to join the Circle of Support:
There is no impact without you! Our church-led movement thrives on the support of compassionate individuals who are ready to make a difference. Every contribution matters, and every role is essential.
As part of our movement, we offer comprehensive training to equip you for the role that best aligns with your strengths and calling. From initial training to ongoing support, we are committed to empowering you for effective and fulfilling service.
Together, we can create transformative change and bring hope where it is needed most. Your involvement is crucial to the success of our mission, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
Ready to join us? Be a part of our movement and help us make a lasting impact.
Average Length of Stay for Children Ages 0-15
Circles of Support in Practice
What does it look like to create a circle of support around a family? Within the past year, Anna* had experienced many life changes in moving, processing Autism diagnoses for two of her children, and having her oldest son return from foster care. Proactively trying to fight for support and resources, Anna knew she could not care for her family alone. Through connection with Safe Families previously, Anna knew who to call when she could not find anyone to watch her 8-year-old son, Timothy*. Her older son had been struggling with mental health needs due to past trauma and was in the emergency room. Carly and Phil, a young couple newly approved as a host family, were happy to jump in as they lived less than 10 minutes away from Anna and could be there within the hour to pick him up. Timothy was nervous to go somewhere new, but instantly connected with Phil when he saw his favorite action figure magazine on their end table.
Over the next three months, Carly and Phil supported Anna by watching Timothy and his younger sister a couple of times a month to allow her to focus on the needs of her older son. Additional families in Carly and Phil’s community jumped in to support her with tangible needs such as car maintenance, mowing the lawn, and occasional meals. One couple approved as Family Coaches spearheaded coordinating support and checking in with Anna. Over this time, the mental health and behavioral needs of Anna’s son improved and they moved to a nearby city to be closer to family. Carly and Phil have stayed in touch with Anna and her kids although formal support has ended.
*Names changed to respect privacy
Safe Families PDX
Serving the specific needs of those in crisis and keeping local families together in greater Portland area since 2020.
Safe Families MWV
Serving the specific needs of those in crisis and keeping local families together in the Mid-Willamette valley since 2023.
Who We Are
Founded in 2003, Safe Families for Children surrounds families in crisis with caring, compassionate community. We are a volunteer-driven nonprofit that provides hope and support to families in our local communities. We believe in the values of Radical Hospitality, Compassion Fueled by Mercy, and Disruptive Generosity.
Get Involved
There is no impact without you! Our church-led movement thrives on the support of compassionate individuals who are ready to make a difference. Every contribution matters, and every role is essential.
As part of our movement, we offer comprehensive training to equip you for the role that best aligns with your strengths and calling. From initial training to ongoing support, we are committed to empowering you for effective and fulfilling service.
Your gift changes lives!
Safe Families for Children was created to offer a temporary safe home to thousands of children while freeing up their parents to focus on the crisis at hand. It also provides the parents with the support and tools they need to address the crisis so they can eventually reunite with their kids and thrive.
