Emergency placements in foster care are always a challenge due to the nature of speed, lack of information, and uncertainties.  These placements happen because there is a determined immediate danger to the children’s lives.  Add  COVID-19 and you have a perfect storm.
 
Agape recently received a text from a case worker:  “Hello.  I am doing an emergency placement.  Do you know anyone that has Similac Sensitive Formula?  We cannot find any formula.”  Agape connected with this case worker immediately to gather more information on how we could help.  The foster parents and the case worker were driving all around town trying to look for formula, unable to find the specific brand the baby needed.  Store shelves were sparse or empty.  The baby needed this particular formula for sustenance and the concern in the case worker’s voice was very understandable.
 
We reached out to one of our non-profit community partners, the Pregnancy Center of the Coastal Bend.  Upon hearing the circumstance, they did not hesitate to help the baby and they were able to provide the formula! Praise God!  What a joy it is to serve alongside co-laborers who are truly pro-life.  In addition, upon hearing the need, friends of Agape donated diapers and wipes for the baby, as well as for the baby’s  sibling.  Other Agape friends living outside  of our community even offered to mail the items!  Wow.  Generosity and compassion of people really bring home the fact that we are all in this together.  We need each other.
 
Due to unexpected circumstances, the children had to be taken to emergency care during the night.  Trips to emergency care  often result in weeks filled with long nights, pharmacy visits, follow-up medical visits, incredible amounts of paperwork, and lack of  rest for foster families.  We are thankful to Chick-Fil-A – Staples/McArdle for providing meal cards to Agape Ranch so we can provide them to  foster families like this one.  
 
Our community came  together and wrapped around this foster family.  We are so grateful for a community that responds instantly when vulnerable children are in need.  Thank you!