Every child deserves to be seen, known, and experience belonging.
That’s why communities across Tennessee are opening doors for children in foster care through the I Belong Project®. It’s more than a fun day, it’s an opportunity for children to share who they are while communities come together to help more families say yes to adoption.
Earlier this year, children and teens experiencing foster care from across West Tennessee gathered at Cordova Skating Center in Memphis for a day filled with fun, encouragement, and opportunities to share their stories.
Every interview, photograph, and video profile helps introduce a child to prospective adoptive families. Instead of seeing a case file, families get to meet a child with favorite hobbies, big dreams, a contagious laugh, and a personality all their own.
Throughout the day the kids enjoyed crafts, games, great food, and thoughtful gifts prepared by volunteers and community partners. Every detail was intentionally planned to create an environment where each child felt celebrated, valued, and seen.
Meet the Kids
Click on a child’s photo to watch their video, learn more about who they are, and discover their unique adoption needs.
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
This day wouldn’t have been possible without the businesses, faith communities, volunteers, and creative professionals who generously gave their time, talents, and resources to help make these children feel celebrated.
- Cordova Skating Center opened its doors so kids could enjoy a day of fun and connection.
- C3 Memphis welcomed everyone with breakfast and coffee.
- Faith Baptist Church for snacks and drinks.
- TAG Truck Center for lunch.
- Canela Bites for delicious cookies.
- Orchard Memphis for providing gifts for social workers.
- White Station Church helped each child leave with thoughtful gifts.
- Jockey Being Family equipped every child with a new backpack.
- Englewood Church and Church at Sugar Creek for craft activities.
- Reformation Memphis for balloons that helped make the day feel extra special.
We’re also grateful for the talented media team who gave their time and gifts to capture these stories with excellence.
- Russ Turman – Videography
- Leslie Grace Photography and Films
- Alyssa Jeanes Photography
- Becky Mitchell – Becky’s Lens Photography
Every child who participated in the Memphis I Belong Project® has a story worth telling.
Because a community came together to open its doors, those stories are now reaching families who may never have met these incredible kids otherwise.
Belonging begins when a child is truly seen. Together, we’re helping more children be seen, more families say yes, and more incredible futures begin.
