Reflecting on a Gathering for Hope, Community and Generosity
On October 2, 2025, friends and supporters of Tennessee Kids Belong gathered at The Barn at Sycamore Farms for a powerful evening of purpose. The night highlighted how some of life’s most meaningful moments unfold around the dinner table – sharing a meal, telling stories, and building relationships with loved ones. For children in foster care this can remain out of reach as they long for the warmth of a family and the comfort of having a seat at the table where they are known and loved.
Board Member Chris Tyrrell welcomed guests and reminded everyone that we had all come together for a common reason.
“Belonging happens when we gather, share, and make room for one another. That’s what tonight is about.”
The Heart Behind the Table
Executive Director, Kristin Allender, set the tone for the night and helped guests understand that while the child welfare system is complex, belonging is something everyone can help create. Whether through fostering, supporting foster families, or building Foster Friendly® Communities – everyone can find their yes.
Governor Bill Haslam and Board Chair Crissy Haslam, longtime champions of Tennessee Kids Belong, reflected on the organization’s impact and its unique ability to unite people across divides.
“After seeing the impact of this work, I knew that when we left office, this would be the first board I joined. It’s been an honor to serve and to watch belonging expand for kids across our state.”
Crissy Haslam
Celebrating Those At The Table
Katie Dunlap, Community Engagement Director and a foster/adoptive mom herself, shared the stage with two local foster parents, Kate Rapier and Holly Nichols, for a heartfelt conversation about fostering and adoption. Their stories served as testimonies to our mission to improve the experiences and outcomes for youth in foster care. As faith communities, local businesses, and civic leaders, step up for families, entire cities and counties are becoming Foster Friendly®. We thank everyone who has leaned into this work and helped us achieve incredible milestones.
- 465 churches are now engaged in the Foster Friendly Faith movement
- 150 new WRAP teams launched this year with more than 1,800 trained volunteers providing meals, childcare, and practical support to foster families
- 750 businesses+ across Tennessee offer discounts and services through the Foster Friendly App
- We have filmed more than 1,400 children through the I Belong Project™, with over 600 now adopted into permanent families
- Set to film 250 kids in 2025 – a record number of I Belong Project™ videos and 50 more than anticipated this year
Making Bold Asks
“This is sacred work. We are shifting the landscape of our children’s generation. Let’s create more seats at more tables — together.”
Chris Tyrrell
As a nonprofit, we rely on the donations from individuals, businesses and foundations. We ask that you consider supporting our work. Your generosity will help more kids find their place of belonging and transform entire communities into becoming more Foster Friendly®.
Help us reach our goal this year of advocating for 250+ kids in need of a family and equipping 8 new Foster Friendly® communities to support the families who care for them.
