St. John has already formed a partnership with the Children’s Bureau, Inc. as part of our Community Ministry Initiative. On the second Wednesday of each month from 6-8 p.m., Jamila Nwokorie, Case Manager, Post-Adoption Services at the Children’s Bureau, meets with families at St. John. This particular service of the Children's Bureau is meant to complete a comprehensive system of care that allows families to find support after adoption.
Jamila shared with us that the original intent of this specific group was for families who have adopted/fostered inter-racially, however, they have expanded their scope of topic to include all families who have adopted children.
She said, "We want to educate and support the families whom we work with, as both fostering and adopting kids from hard places can be challenging. We meet because being in fellowship with those, like and dislike us, creates opportunity for knowledge and for growth. This program creates support groups throughout the city and surrounding counties to hopefully build a community because we all know it takes a village."
Two families who have attended these meetings regularly learned they live at opposite ends of their neighborhood and have been a great support and resource for each other.
When asked why St. John is a good place for them to meet, Jamila said, "We like to meet at St. John due to the location and accessibility. It’s a friendly, welcoming environment and has a place that is fun and safe for our littles to roam, run and play!"
St. John hopes to continue to provide great opportunities for these families and our entire community.
To learn more about Jamila and the Children's Bureau, click here.
