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Foster-care nonprofit urges churches to expand support as county recognizes volunteers
Summary
One More One Less described a church-centered model to recruit and support foster families; presenters said roughly 188 children were in Burke County DSS care (April) and urged local churches to become 'champion' partners. The board also recognized multiple volunteers with the Governor's Volunteer Service Awards.
County officials and local nonprofit representatives used the June 16 meeting to spotlight volunteerism and local foster-care needs. County Manager Brian Manning introduced a new local initiative and invited Jeff Marburger of One More One Less to explain the group's approach: partner with churches to recruit, support and retain licensed foster parents and provide transitional services for youth aging out of care.
"There are, Brian, correct me if I'm wrong, but about a 188 kids as of the April report here in Burke County that are in DSS's care," Marburger said, describing the local caseload and the organization—s experience in Cleveland County.
Marburger and county staff emphasized a two-church champion model: the organization seeks two anchor churches in each county to lead recruitment and support efforts and to provide volunteer networks to help foster families. He also described a "Not Far From Home" transitional house model for youth aging out of care and called for parsonages and local church resources to be considered as part of the solution.
Earlier in the meeting the board presented Governor's Volunteer Service Awards. Alicia Wilson (director of volunteer services) and Brownie Rochefort of Volunteer Burke introduced recipients including Doug White (outreach to seniors), Jasper Hemphill (Red Cross and disaster response), Joyce Petit (Amoram office volunteer), Julie Dickinson (J. Iverson Riddle volunteer) and Salem United Methodist Church (longtime partner and sponsor of residents).
The board thanked the volunteers and invited the foster-care presenters to continue engagement with county staff in the months ahead. No formal action was taken on the presentation; staff said they will continue outreach and invite additional partner briefings as the initiative develops.
