Keystone Family Alliance Lackawanna County

KEYSTONE FAMILY ALLIANCE EXISTS TO:

• Ensure that every Christian in Pennsylvania is aware of the plight of orphans and vulnerable children locally and globally.

• Motivate every believer in Pennsylvania to engage in their responsibility to care for orphans and vulnerable children.

• Provide Biblically-based resources and material support to help create well-equipped homes for every orphan and vulnerable child in Pennsylvania.
  
  Our vision is to mobilize 550 volunteers in each of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties to serve vulnerable children and families through NeedBridge, recruit three foster families in each of the state’s 500 school districts to care for sibling groups and older youth, surround every foster family with at least five dedicated volunteers through engineered Care Communities, and engage 39 churches per county to work collaboratively in supporting orphans and vulnerable children.

The foster care crisis is a significant issue in Pennsylvania with approximately 14,000 children in foster care, including 2,000 waiting to be adopted, while 1,100 youth age out annually without finding a permanent home. While these numbers are sobering, a closer look at Lackawanna County reveals a hopeful opportunity for change. There are currently 274 children in foster care, and with an estimated 100,000 active Christians in the county, the need could be met if the community works together. Foster homes should be waiting for children, not the other way around.

The consequences of inaction are serious. There is a critical need not only for more foster families, but for stronger support systems. With Keysytone Family Alliance we support these foster families with engineered care communities. These communities, teams of volunteers, provide practical and consistent support such as meals, respite care, and household help.

Additional support can come through the Need Bridge system, where people like you can meet tangible needs like diapers, clothing, or gift cards by responding directly to requests from caseworkers. Every child needs a family a place to belong, grow, and be supported. While not everyone is called to foster, everyone can play a role. By working together, Lackawanna County can meet this need and ensure children experience the stability and care they deserve.