Resource Tennessee Resource

Foster Friendly® Summer Activities

Summer is a wonderful time to strengthen the bonds within foster families, creating a sense of belonging, connection, and joy. The slower pace of summer break and the longer sunny days offer countless opportunities for shared experiences and meaningful moments together. Whether it’s trying something new, exploring your community, or simply spending intentional time as a family, these moments can help children in care feel more secure, valued, and at home. Sometimes the smallest traditions — a weekly outing, a shared treat, or a family adventure — can become the memories that mean the most.

What is a Foster Friendly® Community?

A Foster Friendly Community is a place where businesses, faith communities, civic leaders, and everyday neighbors work together to support foster families and children in care. Instead of families navigating the challenges of caring for vulnerable children on their own, they are surrounded by practical support, encouragement, and meaningful resources.

Spring Break Camps & Activities

Spring Break looks different for foster families.

While many families are planning trips and special outings, foster and kinship families are often navigating unexpected childcare needs, tight budgets, and the challenge of keeping work commitments—especially in homes with multiple children.

Foster Friendly® Business Spotlight – Mama Sing My Song

Mama Sing My Song is proud to be a Foster Friendly® Business. This incredible organization has launched a special partnership with Tennessee Kids Belong for National Adoption Awareness Month this November and will donate 20% of all purchases to support our work - just use the code TKB20 at checkout.

Go Upstream Book Release

Kids who age out of foster care are substantially more at risk of suicide, PTSD, addiction, human trafficking, teen pregnancy, homelessness and more. Without a stable family, consistent support system, or safety net, many face heartbreaking and preventable outcomes.
Go Upstream explores powerful models, stories of redemption, and profound ways that we can change the trajectory of a child’s life before they age out.

A Perfect Match: The I Belong Project™ at GEODIS Park

Earlier this year, Tennessee Kids Belong had the incredible opportunity to host an I Belong Project™ video shoot at GEODIS Park, home of the Nashville Soccer Club - and what a day it was! From the moment the kids arrived, they were welcomed like VIPs, surrounded by encouragement, laughter, and community.

Kroger Rewards – A Unique Way to Give

Support Tennessee Kids Belong through Kroger's Community Rewards Program. Every time you shop, Kroger will donate a portion of your purchase to support our mission to improve the experiences and outcomes of kids in foster care in our state.

Fall Fun on the Foster Friendly® App

Fall is here and we're thrilled to highlight a couple of our Foster Friendly® businesses who are offering special discounts to ensure all kids can experience moments of connection, laughter, and belonging.

A Celebration of Foster Friendly® Hendersonville

Join us in celebrating Hendersonville, Tennessee's incredible commitment to becoming a Foster Friendly® Community. The city is setting a powerful example of what it looks like to step up and care for its most vulnerable children. Through a growing network of committed individuals, organizations, businesses, faith communities, schools, and area leaders, Hendersonville is building a culture where foster families feel seen, supported, and valued.

A Wild Time at the Knoxville Zoo

This summer, Tennessee Kids Belong brought the I Belong Project™ to the Knoxville Zoo, and let’s just say—it was a wildly good time.
The zoo offered a playful and welcoming space for kids to just be kids. Laughter, wide-eyed wonder, and a few unique animal encounters filled the day.

The Power of Showing Up

“I stepped out of my comfort zone and just started serving in whatever ways were needed—big or small,” she recalls. “I’ve learned to listen more closely, to show up even when I’m not sure what to say, and to recognize that sometimes the most meaningful support is simply being present, offering a prayer, or just sitting with someone.”

Sharing Stories that Matter from Chattanooga

At a recent I Belong Project™ filming day we had the pleasure of meeting nine incredible kids in Chattanooga. Kids felt seen, supported and loved surrounded by amazing partners and volunteers. It was a special day spent capturing stories that matter.