Each May, Monroe Harding celebrates National Foster Care Month to raise awareness of issues affecting foster care through its annual Community Breakfast, which is scheduled for Thursday, May 9th at 7 AM at the McKendree United Methodist Church located at 523 Church St, Nashville, TN 37219. This year, Monroe Harding is concentrating its efforts on building awareness of the dire need for foster families and extending foster care services for young adults who have aged out of care.
According to the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services 2023 report, there are over 6,000 kids in foster care within Tennessee. The need for foster families is not just a statistic, it’s a crucial part of our community. Many children who are unable to live with their birth families, rely on foster care. For over 130 years, Monroe Harding has been a pillar of support, providing homes for children in their most vulnerable times.
“Our youth are the most precious individuals on earth, and they deserve the right to be supported, cared for, and uplifted. Our youth are like family to Monroe Harding. We love on them when they are in our care, and we support them as they transition to independent members of society,” said Pamela Madison, CEO of Monroe Harding.
However, many may wonder what happens to a child once they age out of foster care. Aging out of foster care is a complex issue that deserves attention and action. Many children who age out of the system are left without the necessary support and resources to succeed. This is where Monroe Harding steps in. With over 600 young adults in Middle Tennessee needing services after they turn 18, Monroe Harding has stepped up to provide much-needed resources through its five Supportive Homes within North Nashville.
Residents within Monroe Harding Supportive Housing Units have access to wraparound care that includes job training, educational support for pre-and post-secondary degrees and certificates, financial stability through its Opportunity Passport matching program, and much more.
In addition, it is the home of a drop-in Youth Resource Center in downtown Nashville, one of four designated community resource centers for current and former foster youth in the state of Tennessee. The Resource Center sees over 300 young adults annually for continuum of services.
“We cannot do this work alone. We are asking the community to join us by becoming foster families and mentors to those needing care during their most vulnerable times,” said Pamela Madison.
To learn more about Monroe Harding or the 2024 Community Breakfast, please visit www.MonroeHarding.org.
