County meeting hosts '1 More 1 Less' founder to discuss fostering and church partnerships
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Summary
Jeff Marburger of 1 More 1 Less introduced the county to an initiative that partners churches and volunteers with child welfare to recruit, support and retain foster families; county staff said about 181 children in Burke County were in DSS custody at the time of the presentation.
At the June 16 meeting, the Burke County manager invited Jeff Marburger of the nonprofit 1 More 1 Less to introduce the organization’s work to recruit and support foster families by partnering local churches with child welfare agencies.
Marburger said 1 More 1 Less works to “inform, inspire, and intertwine the local church with foster care, reunification, and adoption.” He described models used in Cleveland County — including champion churches, volunteer support systems and a Not Far From Home transitional program — as examples the group hopes to replicate with local partners in Burke County.
Marburger and the manager told commissioners that, based on an April report cited during the presentation, about 188 children were in the county’s custody; a commissioner later referenced a figure of about 181 children in county care. Marburger described local church parsonages and retired households as possible resources and said the group aims to have two “champion” churches per county to encourage best practices and peer learning.
The presentation was introductory; Marburger said he was grateful that Burke County was the first county to invite the organization to present inside a board meeting. Commissioners thanked the presenters and indicated interest in the concept; no formal action or funding decision was taken at the meeting.
Why it matters: County officials said recruiting and retaining foster parents has been a persistent problem that can force out‑of‑county placements. The presentation outlined a voluntary community-based strategy to increase local foster placements and support family reunification.
What’s next: Staff indicated they plan to invite local stakeholders and organizations to further explain programs and explore how local churches and agencies might be engaged in support of foster children and families.
