Olive Crest
We were all inspired by the movie “Instant Family” with Mark Wahlberg. Imagine growing up without the love and support of family to guide you through life. That’s the stark reality for approximately 400,000 children in foster care in the United States. Kids who, through no fault of their own, have found themselves in a system that – try as it might – often falls short.
One local organization making a difference is Olive Crest. Jen Halliburton is the Church and Community Engagement Director at Olive Crest for Orange County and the San Diego region. Read her story and learn more about foster care and ways you can get involved.
We’re working with all kinds of at-risk families. So what does it mean to be at risk? The one most people are aware of is a child being removed from a home due to child abuse or neglect. However, Olive Crest works with so many more programs besides just foster youth. So many of the families we’re serving may just be lacking resources and support. So we work as a team to come alongside these families and to resource them so that they can do what they need to do to be the most healthy parents for their kids. I think it’s a misconception often that people think, we’ll just remove that child and let’s write that family off and, and let’s have that child be adopted.
One of the most incredible testimonies that I get to hear while working really closely with our case managers is when you see a parent who has been separated from their child, but they do what’s been asked of them. It doesn’t always happen and its not a quick fix. It is typically a long journey. Isn’t that how it is for all of us? Aren’t all of us on a long journey towards improvement and reconciliation? We’re all in a process. So one of Olive Crest’s goals is to do all we can to give them that chance.
So Eastside is a critical partner with Olive Crest. I’m so thankful for your faithful partnership, especially when it comes to school time for the kids. Eastside has provided backpacks and school supplies. Eastside has also supported Olive Crest’s transitional-age youth in some of our apartments with furniture, bedding, and essentials that are needed for these kids. Some of these kids are just sixteen years old and living on their own. The kids that are provided are so personal and make these kids feel so special and make such an impact! There are so many ways to get involved and provide tangible ways to meet the needs of these kids.
If you were inspired by this story we would love to tell you more about Eastside. We have a relentless love and commitment for all to know God. We are committed to finding unique ways to serve our local communities & help our global neighbors. We are passionate about finding solutions, building bridges, and bringing the love and hope of Jesus to hurting communities. We would love to invite you to join us in person or online. At Eastside we believe that this is a place for everyone, wherever you are on your journey. If you would like to find out more about Eastside please visit eastside.com
We partner with local organizations that make a huge difference in our communities. If you are interested in learning more about becoming a foster or adoptive parent, we’d love to help connect you with those organizations. But all of us can do something. You can buy diapers and wipes. You can provide a meal. You’d be providing indescribable encouragement to those families. Click HERE or the “Learn More” button below to discover ways you can care for the vulnerable and under-resourced around us.