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The foster care crisis is a pervasive and complex problem, and there are no easy or quick solutions. Because of that reality, I continue to look for example ministries that are effectively and strategically serving in the foster care space. I recently connected with Josiah White’s, a ministry that has been serving kids, teens, and families for more than 170 years and is one of Indiana’s largest nonprofit social services agencies. Josiah White’s has offices around the state, including a residential campus in Wabash, Indiana.
In this interview with Ron Evans, Josiah White’s President and Chief Executive Officer, we discussed the remarkable story and strategy of the ministry.
Key Takeaways:
- The story of Josiah White, a 19th century Quaker entrepreneur, who drafted and funded a plan to help “the most deserted of children.” His goal was to help children in need obtain a quality education, grow in their spiritual development, and gain valuable work experience.
- The idea of a personal mission statement.
- Some fascinating stories about how Josiah White’s is impacting kids, teens, and families.
- Josiah White’s proven model for training and licensing Christian foster families with a special emphasis on fostering teenagers.
- How the ministry is working alongside churches and the Department of Child Services to promote family preservation.
- An explanation of Josiah White’s residential programs and school for teenagers.
- The nuts and bolts of the ministry’s experiential learning center and Cafe and how those efforts fit into the broader ministry strategy.
- An encouragement for church and ministry leaders to impact the foster care crisis.