Today we’d like to introduce you to Julius & Shanda Karow. They and their team shared their story with us below:
Julius and Shanda Karow married in 2011 & knew that their passion together would be for the Orphan. Julius was adopted by his grandparents and knew the importance of family reunification, having a strong support system and keeping siblings together. Shanda grew up in a mainly single-parent home with her siblings and mom who became a licensed mental health therapist and worked with children under CPS care. Together, Julius and Shanda became foster parents in 2012. Over the years, they have fostered over 25 children and were blessed to become the forever family to 4 of those children through adoption. Throughout all of the highs and lows of their journey, they knew their Heavenly Father was guiding their path, but they were always searching for people who could support & understand all that their family was facing. This is the passion behind Kingdom Care: that no family would face this journey alone or be without a supportive group of people to rally alongside them as they say “Yes” to caring for the orphan. Their journey has led them to the Orphan Care Pastors roles at Risen Nation Church, where they serve a congregation devoted to emptying the Foster Care system as well as Founders and Executive Directors of Kingdom Care.
At Kingdom Care Orphan Care, our mission is to transform the lives of vulnerable children and youth by emptying the foster system through comprehensive support for foster/adoptive families, biological families, and aged-out foster youth.
We are dedicated to providing a nurturing and stable environment for children in need by empowering foster and adoptive families with the resources, training, and emotional support they need to create loving and permanent homes.
We recognize the importance of preserving biological families and work diligently to provide them with the necessary assistance, guidance, and services to address the root causes of instability, promoting family reunification whenever possible.
Additionally, we extend our commitment beyond the foster system by offering holistic support for aged-out foster youth as they transition into adulthood, equipping them with essential life skills, education, and mentorship opportunities to thrive independently.
Through our unwavering dedication, Kingdom Care Orphan Care strives to create a society where every child finds a safe and nurturing family, where biological families are strengthened, and where aged-out foster youth can confidently embark on a successful and fulfilling future. Together, we are transforming lives and building a brighter future for vulnerable children and youth.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
We have been so blessed throughout this journey that God has called us to. He has been so faithful in making sure that each step has been taken care of, and we are so excited to see where he takes us next. The biggest obstacle for us is funding and wanting to meet more needs. We know that God has a plan and will provide when the time is right
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about Kingdom Care Orphan Care?
We are a 501(c)3 Non-profit that provides support to foster and adoptive families. We also work closely with CPS to provide support to biological families who have CPS involvement.
Mission: Our mission is to empty the foster care system, one child at a time.
We do this in three ways:
• By spreading awareness to churches, schools, and other organizations by educating them on the importance of orphan care and how they can say YES to impact the need in their community!
• By Recruiting and training volunteers as well as mentoring new/prospective foster and adoptive parents on their YES!
• By providing wrap-around support for biological families, foster families, and adoptive families, empowering them to continue saying YES to each child in their home!
Kingdom Care’s vision is to bring the beauty of the Kingdom to the brokenness of orphan care. We envision a world where every child has a home and are no longer called orphans, only sons and daughters!
Kingdom Care is not just an organization it is a Kingdom-Minded and practical way for the church to wrap around families that are on the front lines of the orphan care crisis.
We believe that if we are going to be able to empty the system, the church has to take back it’s blessings by once again becoming what Christ gave his life up for.
We actively teach and show the church and the community what it looks like to be a part of the orphan care crisis solution. This involves saying YES in many different ways to those who have already given their YES to these children in their homes.
We do this by not only meeting a family’s immediate or one-time needs but surrounding them with community and support from the local churches that we partner with.
We have many ways that churches and individuals can say YES to orphan care. Though we all may not be called to foster or adopt the Bible in James 1:27 shows that we are all called to do something.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Seek God first and he will put the people in your life to help you through the process. Keep your ears and your eyes open and seek to allow people to ignite their calling and purpose through your organization. Love God and love people
Contact Info:
- Website: Kingdomcareorphancare.com
- Instagram: @kingdomcareorphancare
- Facebook: @kingdomcareorphancare
