May is National Foster Care Awareness Month, and Monroe Harding is calling on the community to take action in response to a growing crisis affecting Tennessee’s most vulnerable youth. Right now, 8,798 children across the state are waiting for a safe, stable foster family to support them through one of the most critical times in their lives.
As one of Middle Tennessee’s leading organizations serving youth in foster care and young adults aging out of the system, Monroe Harding has been at the forefront of providing homes, healing, and opportunity since 1893. Through foster parent recruitment, supportive housing, educational services, and workforce development, Monroe Harding walks alongside children and young adults as they build paths to a brighter future.
“There is no substitute for the stability and love that a family can offer,” said Pamela Madison, CEO of Monroe Harding. “When we don’t have enough foster families, children are forced to move from home to home, placed in temporary transitional facilities or spend nights in DCS offices, which could lead to deep emotional stress and long-term mental health challenges.”
Recognizing the trauma that often accompanies life in foster care, Monroe Harding provides mental health support as a core part of its programming. Young people have access to trauma-informed therapy, life coaching, and healing-centered services that help them cope, grow, and thrive.
To mark Foster Care Awareness Month, Monroe Harding will host its annual Community Luncheon on Thursday, May 22 at 11:30 AM at Westminster Presbyterian Church. The event will bring together supporters, partners, and advocates to hear directly from the young people Monroe Harding serves and learn how they can be part of the solution.
“This is a crisis, but it’s also a call to action,” said Madison. “Whether you open your home to a child in need or support the work we do every day, you have the power to change a life.”
Subscribe to our Newsletter!
