​As a long-time foster parent, now adoptive parent, I have seen firsthand what it looks like when children enter care—often arriving with nothing more than the clothes on their back. In those moments, everything is new, and even the simplest needs—clothing, shoes, comfort items—become urgent.

 

When I first began my foster care journey, I remember telling myself, “I don’t have much, but I have enough.”

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Enough to say yes.

Enough to make space.

Enough to show up.

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But I quickly learned that while the heart to serve is there, the needs can be overwhelming.

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Placements happen quickly, often with little information. Taking a child into a store while they are adjusting can add to their stress, and the cost of meeting immediate needs adds up fast—often going far beyond the daily stipend.

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One of the greatest blessings our family experienced was during a sibling placement, when another mom shopped for us and dropped off clothing and shoes. It was more than help—it was relief, support, and a reminder that we weren’t alone.

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That moment stayed with me.

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Our Threads was created to come alongside families in those moments—removing barriers, easing burdens, and meeting needs with dignity and compassion.

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We exist to ensure that when a child enters a new home, they are met with care, comfort, and belonging. But the truth is—we cannot do this alone.

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For nearly 10 years, our family  was  able to foster because others came alongside us—through meals, help with everyday tasks, and donations of clothing and toys. These simple acts made it possible for us to keep saying yes.

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This is where community matters most.

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Together, we can support foster and biological families so they can focus on what matters most: caring for children and building stable, healthy homes.

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Because this is about more than meeting needs.

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It’s about dignity.

It’s about support.

It’s about community showing up when it matters most.

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These are the threads that bind us.

-Erin Kelly