Would you consider becoming an OOA volunteer?

Operation Open Arms (OOA) is in search of dedicated, stable, and loving homes! Please watch our video, read the testimonies and schedule a (pressure free) consultation to learn more about ways to give, respite homes and foster care homes! You are needed!

Testimonial From a Foster Mother

Before I became a foster parent, I had been seeking a way to serve the Lord.  A phone call came regarding a mother in prison who needed someone to care for her child and facilitate bonding.  I knew in that moment this was meant for me. 

Fostering took learning, patience, and trust – on both sides.  I think the most challenging part of being a foster parent is incorporating the needs of the child as well as the mother into our hopes and family plans.  I understood from the beginning that each child I fostered was not mine. Each child had a birth mother.  This realization made it easier for me to be less of a “mom” and more of a mentor.  I never spoke badly of a birth parent.  I tried to love them too.  I also made sure to defer to birth mom as the mom when referencing her.

The rewards, for me, were watching the connection of mother and child; enjoying the growth in birth mom as she learned to trust; and realizing how much my heart could grow.  I loved each child.  If there is one piece of advice, I could give it would be: “this is not for the faint of heart.  Experienced parents are more likely used to the fact that their hearts may be broken, because all children come with their own wiring”.

From Foster Mother Sharon

Become an OOA Foster Family

  • Operation Open Arms (OOA) is in search of dedicated, stable and loving foster homes! When we say “foster”, we mean the act of fostering growth, development, encouragement, love, care, and nurturing. Do you see yourself fitting this description?  Becoming a foster parent is a challenging yet rewarding role. Foster parents provide day-to-day support to children temporarily relocated outside of their homes.  Can you imagine your family being the daily source of support and love for a child? Consider the profound impact your family can have, both in learning and giving, by becoming a foster home.  If this piques your interest, click the button to schedule a consultation with one of our social workers.

    We strongly encourage you to explore the process of becoming an OOA foster family. OOA foster families become part of our extended family, and we aim to surround you with support. We ask each foster family to embrace every child entrusted to them as a member of their family and commit to fostering the child for the duration of their time in foster care. Our goal is to place each child in one foster home, and accepting a foster placement is a commitment to both the child and their biological family. Foster families are extraordinary individuals who seek to make a positive difference.

  • Thank you for considering becoming an OOA foster family! Foster families are needed. We also want you to make sure this is something that volunteer commitment is a positive fit for your family. The first step is learning about the process.

    Read, Watch & Talk

    Read, watch and talk about the information you learn on this website with your family. Write down a list of questions you and your family have.

    Schedule a Consultation

    A consultation can be virtual or in person based on your preference. Staff will address all of your questions and explain the process in depth. Make sure you bring your list of questions.

    Home Study

    A professional social worker will conduct your home study. A home study includes: documentation, background checks, home inspection, interviews (with each person that resides in the home and any adult children outside of the home), and in conclusion produces a thorough written assessment report called a home study.

    Training

    The adults in the home who will be the foster parents will complete training. The training includes: a two-day training with Orphan Care Alliance, half day training with Operation Open Arms, reading materials, virtual trainings, and CPR certification.

    Placement

    Finally after home study approved and training your family accepts a placement of a foster child into your home. When a child is placed in your home, our staff are available around the clock to provide support. Your family will have a personal social worker developing and implementing a customized care plan. Our care managers work with community agencies and professionals to connect your family with resources, oversee the placement, coordinate respite care, and assist with bonding with the biological family.

  • The next step is scheduling a consultation with our staff. We can meet with you virtually or in person based on your preference. The consultation will be approximately an hour. We will address all of your questions (so come prepared with a list) and guide you through the process of becoming an approved OOA foster home. Our staff want to make sure this is a positive experience for you and your family.

  • If as you explore the option of volunteering as a foster family you find you are interested yet hesitant then perhaps begin as a respite provider. Our foster families need occasional respite for a week or weekend. Please reach out to learn more

Upcoming Foster Family Events…

Support Groups

Information Sessions

New FP Trainings

Meet one night a month.

Held once a quarter, virtually.

Held once a quarter, in person.