Strengthening Families, One Fun Day at a Time - The Sanctuary Foster Care Services

On Saturday, September 27th, we had the wonderful opportunity to partner with Grace Church Houston for a fantastic day of fun with families supported by The Sanctuary Foster Care Services, one of our Community Radio Outreach Partners (CROP).

Sanctuary Staff and Volunteers from KJIC and Grace Church Houston

KJIC had the joy of providing music and, thanks to Dawn and John Rosenboom, karaoke fun!

We arrived and set up our KJIC tent along with Dawn and John’s amazing karaoke sound system, then joined the staff of The Sanctuary and volunteers from Grace Church Houston to pray over the day. We thanked the Lord for beautiful weather, a joyful volunteer team, and the precious families that would be blessed. We asked God to use this time to provide rest for parents, joy for children, and opportunities for families to connect through play.

These Family Fun Days—hosted by local churches, staffed by volunteers, and filled with activities—aren’t just for entertainment. They are intentionally designed as safe spaces for foster care families, children, and post-adoptive families that The Sanctuary serves.

At this event, an attorney was even present to share about foster care and adoption, answering important legal questions for foster parents. During the seminar, volunteers stepped in to guide the kids through bounce houses, games, and activities, ensuring everyone was cared for.

While I knew the day would be full of fun, the glimpse I received into the lives of these families was an unexpected gift. One moment that stood out was watching a foster dad try to connect with a child who only wanted to jump in a bounce house where he couldn't join her. I reminded him that his simple presence mattered—that she would glance up, see him watching, and know she was protected and cared for. As parents, sometimes our very presence creates a bond even when we’re not right beside our kids. That dad left encouraged, and I was reminded how much determination it takes to build trust with a child who has been wounded in the past. Foster parents are doing such a hard, holy work, and I am so thankful for The Sanctuary’s commitment to walk alongside them.

Jennifer, Community Support Supervisor for The Sanctuary and Amber

The Sanctuary’s support goes far beyond fun events. They provide 24/7 crisis intervention, counseling for children and families, and advocate for permanency—working to ensure that once a child is placed with their agency, they remain in that home until reunited with their family of origin or adopted. No more bouncing from placement to placement. I’ll never forget hearing Amanda Boyd, The Sanctuary’s founder, share at a Get Together Bay Area meeting that permanency is their driving goal.

One of the most beautiful things I noticed that day was the way foster parents supported one another. They knew each other’s kids, looked out for them, and encouraged one another with such kindness. Through The Sanctuary’s support, these families are experiencing true Christian community, standing shoulder to shoulder in this calling.

Of course, karaoke was a highlight! Watching kids come out of their shells—singing, dancing, and laughing—was pure joy. Volunteers joined the fun too, and we were even blessed to have Allie Rae, a local artist we play on the station, sing alongside the kids and share encouragement.

We are so grateful to Dawn and John Rosenboom for bringing their equipment and giving their time to serve these families alongside KJIC.

And finally, thank you to our listeners and supporters. Because of you, we get to share Christian Country Music and the love of Jesus—not just on the air, but also in our community at events like this.