How does it work?

When foster families are supported, they are 90% more likely to continue fostering.

Six steps to set the Table and start passing the casserole

Step 1

A church commits to sponsoring a Crowded Table and identifies one to two team leaders (if the church is able, it begins to invest $10.00 monthly in the Table team’s foster family fund- the foster family fund subsidizes the cost of Table Team services when necessary).

Step 2

The church recruits and approves a Table Team of 10 to 20 individuals and or families who commit to supporting a foster family for two years (team members who are able begin to invest $10.00 monthly in the Table Team’s partner foster family fund).

Step 3

The team completes Crowded Table Team training where they learn the goals foster care, best practices in support methods as well as how to effectively use the care coordination tool.

Step 4

The Table Team meets their partner foster family and corresponding caseworker.

Step 5

The two year partnership between the foster family, caseworker, and church begins - including weekly check ins between the team leaders, foster family, and caseworker as well as support and troubleshooting services from Crowded Table. 

Step 6

Crowded Table identifies and coordinates continued training and resources as well as regular support throughout the two year Table Team’s partnership.

A sample Two-Year Table Team Timeline

Month 1 to Month 3 

Meals delivered once or twice a week, Groceries delivered once a month starting in month 2, and laundry / lawn care services offered

Month 4 to Month 6

Meals delivered weekly, groceries monthly, laundry and lawn care at rate requested by family, and half of the team has completed DCS volunteer training and approval process

Month 6 to Month 12

Meals weekly, groceries monthly, laundry and lawn care upon request, transportation assistance provided by DCS approved volunteers when requested by the foster family

Month 13 to Month 20

Meals weekly, groceries monthly, laundry and lawn care upon request, transportation upon request by DCS approved volunteers, and respite care assistance provided when needed by DCS approved Volunteers

Month 21 to Month 24

Table team continues all services and discerns continuing Table partnership with foster family and caseworker