About Foster Connection in Boone, NC
Our Team
Amanda Rhyne
Creative Director
Jennifer Spencer
Meal Director
Jessie Brown
Coordination Director
Karen Petrey
GoBag Facilitator
Jennifer & Lorien Cockman
Event Coordinators
Loralei Weber
Social Media Director
Other Team Members
Misti Humphries
Laura Talley
Audrey Talley
If you need/want to get in contact with any of us please email us at fosterconnectionnc@gmail.com or direct message us on Instagram @fosterconnectionnc
Standing in the Gap for Foster, Adoptive, and Kinship Families
Foster families, adoptive families, and kinship caregivers often face overwhelming challenges—emotional, spiritual, and practical. From navigating the demands of Child Protective Services to meeting the urgent needs of children placed in their homes, families can quickly feel isolated and unequipped. The need for community, encouragement, and resources are greater than ever, especially in Watauga County and surrounding areas.
The Strain Families Shouldn’t Face Alone
Without support, many families struggle to meet the needs of foster youth. The late-night calls for placement, the scramble to find clothing or school supplies, and the weight of loving children who have endured trauma can leave parents feeling exhausted and discouraged. Churches and community members often want to help, but without a clear path for involvement, these families are left without the consistent support they desperately need. The result can be burnout, fractured placements, and children moving through “the system” without the stability they deserve.
In December 2022, a group of women from our church gathered over dinner with a simple goal—to find a way to support local foster families and Child Protective Services in Boone, NC. What began as one meal turned into a mission. By February 2024, we met with the Department of Social Services to ask how we could partner as a bridge between foster families and the community. From offering meals, clothing, and starter items for new placements to being a listening ear, Foster Connection was born.
In April 2024, we hosted our first pastor’s luncheon, casting a vision for churches to unite in serving vulnerable children and their caregivers. Since then, we have seen businesses, churches, and individuals across Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, Jefferson, West Jefferson, Lenoir, and Wilkesboro join us in answering this call. What started with one dinner has grown into a community-wide effort rooted in faith, encouragement, and connection.
Our Story: A Small Dinner That Sparked a Movement
At Foster Connection, we are committed to wrapping around families with the care they need most. We provide support groups, one-on-one encouragement, foster care training hours through a support group, adoption support, and tangible resources like food, clothing, and books. More than that, we remind families that they are not alone. By partnering with churches, businesses, and individuals, we create a strong, faith-driven network where foster and adoptive parents feel seen, encouraged, and equipped to continue their calling.
The Resolution: Community and Connection for Every Family
The Joy of Shared Hope and Support
When families are supported, children thrive. With the right encouragement and resources, foster parents can continue to open their homes with confidence, adoptive families can stay grounded in hope, and kinship caregivers can find the strength they need to keep going. Local churches and community members also find joy in knowing they are making an eternal impact on the lives of vulnerable children. Through connection and encouragement, we are building a future where no foster family in our region has to walk this road alone.