 Grace and Anna are cousins who attend Sunday School together each week. Anna is a delight. When she walks in on Sunday mornings, staff and volunteers can’t help but smile. They know she’ll be helpful, easygoing, and ready to participate.
Grace is loved just as deeply, but her arrival can feel a little different. Volunteers know they may be walking into a morning with some challenges. The girls arrive during “free play” and head off to their favorite activities. Anna notices her favorite puzzle is already being used by another child. She’s disappointed, but she’s able to move on and find something else to enjoy. Grace heads straight for her favorite doll, a doll she’s likely been thinking about all week. But when she sees another child holding it, everything changes. The disappointment feels overwhelming, and moving on doesn’t come easily. The teachers step in, offering alternatives and trying to redirect her, but nothing seems to help. In fact, each suggestion only seems to increase her frustration. Does this sound familiar? Have your childcare volunteers experienced moments like this, where a child struggles to recover from disappointment or a change in routine? Children need the church. Children from hard places especially need to be loved for who they are and cared for in ways they can truly receive. As you prepare for summer programs, VBS, camps, and other activities, are your volunteers equipped to support children like Grace? Did you know that Project 1.27 offers a FREE, on-site Trauma-Informed Training for children’s ministry staff and volunteers? In this two-hour training, we explore how early childhood trauma impacts brain development and behavior. More importantly, we equip your team with practical tools to better understand, support, and connect with children from hard places, so they can truly know they are loved by you and by the God who created them. So what happened with Grace and Anna? The Sunday School team took time to connect with Grace’s aunt and caregiver. They learned that Grace had experienced something deeply difficult early in life, and that certain situations, like losing access to something important to her, felt much bigger than they might for other children. Together, they made a simple but intentional change. They set aside Grace’s favorite doll so it would be available when she arrived. Did it take something away from the other children? Not really. Did it make a difference for Grace? Absolutely. Because sometimes, the smallest adjustments can communicate the biggest truth: You are seen. You are safe. You are loved. If you or your Children’s Ministry Leader would like more information on our Trauma-Informed Training, you can contact Kym Schnittker at [email protected]. By Kym Schnittker, Church Engagement Manager
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 April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time set aside to recognize the importance of protecting children and strengthening families. It is also a time to remember something simple, but powerful: no one can do this work alone.
During Child Abuse Prevention Month, we’re reminded that it takes a community to create safe, supported homes for children. Blue pinwheels, the national symbol of child abuse prevention, represent the joyful, healthy childhoods we want for every child and serve as a visible reminder that prevention is possible. At Project 1.27, we have the privilege of working alongside counties, agencies, churches, and community partners who share this same calling. Each plays a unique role. Caseworkers advocate and make critical decisions for safety. Agencies provide resources, training, and oversight. Churches and volunteers step in with relational support, meeting practical needs and offering encouragement when it is needed most. Together, this network of support surrounds children and families with care that no single person or organization could provide on their own. For children who have experienced abuse or neglect, healing does not happen in isolation. It happens in relationships. It happens when families are supported, when caregivers are encouraged, and when communities choose to stay engaged. Foster and kinship families often carry the daily responsibility of caring for children who have experienced hard things. They are doing important, meaningful work. But they were never meant to do it alone. That is where community comes in. When a family delivers a meal through the Neighbor Program, when a church provides trauma-informed training for their staff, or when volunteers step into New Ground to become mentors for young adults who’ve aged out of foster care, each act becomes part of something bigger. These are the steady, behind-the-scenes efforts that help create stability, build trust, and remind families that they are not alone. Child abuse prevention is not the responsibility of one system or one group. It is a shared commitment. It is built through partnerships, through relationships, and through people who are willing to show up in both big and small ways. Thank you for being a part of that community. Jenny Watson, Director of Communications and Development  “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.” -Galatians 6:9-10 (NLT) Once a year, leaders from “bridge ministries” across the country come together to share ideas about how to “bridge” the local church to the needs of foster care. The 1.27 National Network is a network of 16 bridge ministries with the mission of sharing ideas and encouragement. The annual Executive Retreat specifically brings together the Executive Directors to talk through vision and strategy and troubleshoot shared challenges. In late February ten executive directors attended the 3-night retreat in Scottsdale, AZ. There was a combination of work and fun where leaders could learn from each other. Attendees did small-group work, cheered on a spring-training baseball game, and hiked through cacti in a state park. Bridge ministry work is unique in that it involves working with families, local government, and local churches. Retreat attendees appreciate the shared mission when troubleshooting challenges, because everyone in the room is also bridging these unique groups to keep kids safe within the context of a family.  Project 1.27 started the network and takes the lead by providing staff and resources to make the network and resources like the retreat a reality. Through our leadership of this group, we are able to impact ministries, and therefore the families they serve, from coast to coast. Last year, the 1.27 National Network collectively served more than 10,000 children in foster and kinship care and 9,021 families while engaging nearly 1,500 churches in the work.
We are grateful that we are not alone in our approach of bridging the needs of children and families involved with child welfare to the local church. Offerings like the 1.27 National Network retreat allow us all to better serve our local communities. By Alexandra Kuykendall, 1.27 National Network Director  Many foster parents enter the journey with compassion and commitment, but quickly discover the role is more complex than they imagined. The emotional strain and constant uncertainty can leave caregivers wondering, “Am I really equipped for this?”
Through ongoing training, caregivers begin to see foster care through a new lens. One training we offered this year, Exploring Birth Family Connections, reframes one of the most challenging aspects of the role. As one participant shared, “I think this training helps give vision in how and why to bravely and wisely step into a challenging piece of foster care.” That “challenging piece” is supporting connections with birth families, and we know training can make this aspect less overwhelming and more meaningful. Other powerful moments are seen through opportunities like You Matter Too - Lunch and Learn. These sessions emphasize that caregiver well-being is essential, not optional. One attendee reflected, “I feel I can use it and recommend this to other kinship providers.” The impact of these trainings is clear in participant feedback: · “Thank you! The website tool is amazing.” · “Thank you, I am familiar with Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), but today you helped me understand them.” Retention in foster care isn’t just about asking families to continue; it’s about equipping them to do so. In addition to our Advanced Trainings, we also offer the Hope for the Journey Conference, a one-day training focused on attachment, behaviors, and practical help. New foster parents can also be matched with an experienced foster family through our Foster Parent Mentor program. Foster caregivers stay not because the work becomes easy, but because they feel supported, prepared, and valued. Project 1.27 is committed to meeting the needs of Foster/Adopt and Kinship homes by offering ongoing training opportunities and connections that encourage, inspire, and strengthen caregivers. By Lisa Marr, Family Connections Manager  Project 1.27’s Church and Community Engagement Team recently partnered with Thrivent to host a Trauma-Informed Training Preview Breakfast at Wellspring Church in Englewood. This event gave pastors and ministry leaders a glimpse into our full training and offered practical ideas for making their time with children more meaningful.  Every Sunday, in every church, children arrive carrying stories we cannot always see.
Some are well-known and deeply connected. Some are stepping into a new foster home. Some visit only occasionally. Others come for VBS or summer camp for just a week. But each child walks in with a need we all recognize at our core: to be seen, to be known, and to feel safe. At Project 1.27, we understand that some kids need encouragement and understanding in different ways to help them thrive, even in places meant for joy and belonging, like church. We would love to partner with you as you welcome kids from all places by offering you our free Trauma-Informed Training: We offer a free, two-hour on-site training for your church volunteers. The session includes background on how trauma affects behavior, plus a Toolbox of approaches to support connection and calm in the classroom. It’s biblically grounded and highlights the truth that every child is an image bearer of God. This training is perfect for VBS volunteers, Sunday school teachers, or youth leaders. VBS & Youth Service Projects Are you looking for a meaningful way to engage your kids and students? We can help you design a service project that directly blesses vulnerable children and families in your community. If you’re interested in learning more about Project 1.27 or exploring how we can partner together, we would truly love to connect with you. Because when the Church leans in with understanding and compassion, it matters to families. Kids Need Families and Families Need You! By Kym Schnittker, Church Engagement and Events  March is Caseworker Appreciation Month, and at Project 1.27, we are deeply grateful for the dedicated professionals who walk alongside children and families every day. Caseworkers often serve as the steady presence in some of the most challenging moments in a child’s life, advocating for safety, supporting foster families, and working tirelessly toward stability and healing. This month, we want to honor their compassion, resilience, and commitment to the children in Colorado’s foster care system. To help give a glimpse into the heart of this work, we asked Jessica Reffule, a Placement Case Worker on the Western Slope, about her role.  What led you to become a caseworker?
What ultimately led me to become a caseworker was the influence of people I deeply respected. I had close friends working in child welfare who encouraged me to apply after I finished school, and at the same time, I was surrounded by friends who were fostering, and I got to see their firsthand experiences. Being able to see both sides of the system from within child welfare and from the perspective of foster families was a gift. That early exposure gave me a well-rounded understanding of the work and helped guide me. Did you always see yourself doing this kind of work? I’ve always wanted to help people, and this work felt like a natural fit. I love the families and the kids I get to work with, and now that I’m here, I can’t imagine myself doing anything else. What do you love about what you do? What I love most about my job is getting to know the foster/kin families who step into a role that isn’t easy and choose to show up anyway and building relationships. I also love that there’s always something new to learn; every child, every family, and every case is different. That constant growth and variety make the work incredibly meaningful. If you could change one thing about the system, what would you change and why? If I could change one thing about the system, it would be to ensure families and caregivers have more consistent training and resources from the very beginning. When people step into this work, whether they’re parents, foster families, or caregivers, they’re often doing something incredibly hard with limited tools. Strengthening early support would not only help families feel less overwhelmed but would ultimately create more stability and better outcomes for the kids we’re trying to serve. Understanding the legal process takes time. Can you tell me about one moment that changed you? One moment that has stayed with me is seeing this young boy make real progress, not just in behavior but in learning to connect with others and trust others. He came in guarded, unsure, and angry. Over time, through patience and support, he began to trust the people around them. Watching him open up, build relationships, and take small steps toward feeling safe reminded me why this work matters. Those moments of growth and connection are what make every challenge worth it. We can't change a child's past, but we can help make their future brighter. What is one thing you wish foster parents knew? I wish foster families knew how much power they truly have and that they’re not alone in this work. While we may not always agree with judicial decisions, we’re here to support them and make the most meaningful impact possible in the time we have. This isn’t easy work, but when foster families stay engaged, advocate, and lean into that role, real change happens. We support that involvement and believe in the difference it can make. What reminds you that this work matters? What reminds me that this work matters are the moments of connection, seeing a child feel safe, watching a family grow more confident, or witnessing progress that may seem small but is life changing. Those moments, and the resilience of the kids and families I work with, are constant reminders that even on the hardest days, the work we do truly makes a difference. What is a way that the community can encourage you? Understanding that we are here to help. We want to support families and guide them towards the best outcomes for themselves and their children. Anything else you’d want people to know? What foster parents do matters more than they may ever realize. I hope the foster families know they are a blessing to the children and communities they serve. I would tell them to not be afraid to ask for help, don't be afraid to speak up. Have compassion for those around you. Stories like Jessica’s remind us that caring for children in foster care takes a community. Caseworkers, foster families, churches, and supporters all play a role in helping children find safety and belonging.  Loving with intentionality means choosing to actively nurture a relationship through consistent effort, mindfulness, and commitment. While this phrase is often associated with partnerships and marriages, its meaning reaches far beyond romantic relationships. In foster care and adoption, loving intentionally shows up in profound and practical ways. Children of color are disproportionately represented in foster care, and many foster families will care for one or more children of color during their fostering journey. For children in care, identity and belonging can feel fragile. When a child’s culture is ignored or misunderstood, they may feel unseen, unsafe, or disconnected. As we observe Black History Month, we are invited to reflect on how intentional love intersects with cultural care in foster care.
Honoring a child’s culture is an intentional act of love. It acknowledges an essential truth: a child’s sense of belonging is deeply connected to their culture, identity, and personal story. When caregivers respect cultural traditions, language, and lived experiences, children feel seen and valued. This validation increases emotional safety, reduces anxiety, and strengthens trust, laying the foundation for healthy attachment and open relationships. Foster and adoptive parents open their hearts and homes to children who have experienced loss, transition, and uncertainty. Intentional love means being fully present, setting clear and healthy boundaries, and choosing patience and care, even when it is difficult. It is love that is deliberate, steady, and rooted in commitment. Practicing Intentional Love Through Cultural Care Practice Cultural Humility Acknowledge what you do not know and remain open to learning from the child, their birth family, and their community. Celebrate Daily Life Familiar cultural routines, such as storytelling, music, faith practices, and celebrations, provide comfort and stability during transitions. Incorporate traditional foods, music, books, holidays, and faith expressions into daily life. Provide Representation Seek out cultural events, mentors, and community spaces that reflect a child’s identity. Surround children with toys, books, media, and role models that affirm who they are and what is possible for them. Address Practical Needs Learning culturally specific care skills, such as hair and skin care, is a powerful way to affirm a child’s dignity and self-worth. Build Trust Through Validation A strong connection to culture acts as a protective factor, helping children face adversity with resilience and hope. Loving with intentionality in foster care means choosing to see the whole child, their past, their culture, their story, and their God-given worth. It is love that listens, learns, and honors identity as an act of belonging. By Marilyn Robinson, Director of Family Connections  The Neighbor Program connects families who need support with volunteers who want to help. Through simple, consistent acts of kindness, we help kinship and foster families feel seen, cared for, and not alone.
Our volunteer Neighbors are trained, background-checked, and thoughtfully matched with a family. They provide monthly meals or grocery deliveries, along with friendly encouragement and connection. It’s not about fixing problems, it’s about showing up. A meal at the door, a quick text check-in, or just a consistent presence can make a meaningful difference in a family’s month. If your family could use a little extra support, or if you feel called to serve a family in a simple but impactful way, we would love to connect with you. One favorite way to show care is with this White Chicken Chili Recipe, which has received rave reviews from Neighbor Program families! We are currently seeking families in Centennial, Lakewood, Denver/Washington Park, Englewood, Parker, and Highlands Ranch. We can’t fix everything, but we can fix dinner. To learn more about receiving support or becoming a Neighbor, reach out today. By Jackie Hall, Neighbor Program Manager  Last May, at Project 1.27’s Hope for the Journey conference, the impact of trauma-informed training came to life in a powerful and unexpected way. During the event, a newly trained foster father, Dean, volunteered in the children’s program while caregivers attended an eight-hour Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) training. It quickly became clear that one 6-year-old boy, Dillion* would need additional care and attention. As an infant and young child, Dillion had been severely neglected, often confined alone for long periods without adequate food or water. These early experiences deeply affected his sense of safety and self-regulation. He had a history of running away and found it extremely difficult to remain in structured classroom settings, making supervision challenging and at times unsafe. Full of energy and speed, Dillion bolted several times from the children’s area. Dean stepped in with calm confidence. Drawing on his training, he responded with patience, attunement, and empathy, rather than control. He spent the day one-on-one with Dillion, engaging him in relational and regulating activities such as walks, bounce houses, and petting goats. By staying present and responsive to Dillion’s cues, Dean helped him feel safe, understood, and supported. This intentional, relationship-based care not only transformed Dillion’s day but also ensured a safe and successful conference experience for families and staff alike. Since that event, Dean and his wife, Darya, have become foster parents to two children under the age of two.  “Volunteering with Project 1.27 at Hope for the Journey gave us a powerful window into the lived experiences of children from so many different backgrounds. We saw that behind every behavior was a deep desire to be loved, seen, and acknowledged. That perspective has shaped how we show up as foster parents, especially with our current toddler, helping us respond with more empathy, patience, and understanding, knowing his behaviors are rooted in a need for connection and safety," Darya shared.
Project 1.27 is dedicated to equipping foster families with the essential tools to foster healing and healthy development in children who have experienced early adversity. Stories like Dillion’s demonstrate that trained and supported caregivers can truly transform lives. By Lisa Marr, Family Connections Manager *Name has been changed  A great deal of attention and time is devoted to recruiting, training, and supporting Foster families, and sometimes our Kinship and Adoptive Families feel left out in the cold. If you have adopted, you might be wrestling with some difficult post-adoption issues. We have some great resources for you.
Raise The Future Raise The Future offers Family Support Services statewide in an effort to provide sustaining support and prevent entry and re-entry into the child welfare system. The Family Support Services program incorporates Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) training, personalized in-home coaching, specialized web-based training, and some resource coordination for families. All the services that they provide are FREE and funded by a statewide grant. If you are struggling with trust, connection, and/or correction of your adopted, kinship, or foster children, contact Brittany Medina at [email protected] Preston Ranch Preston Ranch is eager to provide grants to post-adoption families who have financial struggles due to the complex needs of the children in their care. Please go to their website to apply for Medical Grants, Mental Health Grants, and Crisis Intervention Grants. “The mission of Preston Ranch Ministries is to offer Christ-centered support, strengthening families committed to adoption through post-adoptive grants. We seek to champion these families in their dedication to adoption, and their healing and restoration in Christ.” Project 1.27 Monthly Advanced Trainings Project 1.27 has recognized a growing need for specialized awareness and insight among our Foster/Adopt and Kinship families. To address this, we have developed a monthly Advanced Training Schedule that is FREE to all interested individuals. The full schedule will be released soon, and it will feature a wide range of training topics, including:
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Project 1.27 • 14000 E. Jewell Ave. • Aurora, CO 80012
EIN 26-3341511
Copyright Project 1.27 • All Rights Reserved
EIN 26-3341511
Copyright Project 1.27 • All Rights Reserved