Instant Friendship Formed From a Hosting

Earlier this year, Mark, a social worker who attends a local church, reached out to Together for Good (TFG).

He had been working with a mom, Bethany*, who had a five-year-old daughter. Bethany had been on Mark’s caseload for a while, and he knew that the thing she needed most was not more services, but relational support.

When TFG Rochester’s Site Lead, Heidi, did the intake, Bethany was quite anxious about TFG and being separated from her daughter, Avery*. But despite her nerves, Bethany agreed to the hosting. She knew that she needed a break—and more importantly—that she needed people to support her as she raised Avery.

When Bethany and Avery showed up for Avery’s hosting, both were initially reserved. Heidi prayed with the host mom and Bethany, asking for God’s peace to be with Avery and Bethany during this new experience. Avery gave her mom one last hug and then got into the car with her host family.

Avery’s host mom told Heidi later that as soon as they began driving away, Avery and her host siblings began chatting and “instantly became friends.” Heidi shared, “Avery loved her time with her host family and loved going to church!”

Throughout the weekend, Avery’s host mom texted Bethany updates and photos of Avery. Bethany was so grateful to not only have a break but to see that Avery was having such a wonderful experience with her host family. Knowing that Avery was not only safe, but thriving, gave Bethany the ability to truly rest that weekend.

Since then, Bethany and Avery’s host mom have become good friends. Avery is regularly hosted with the same host family, and often that family will meet up with Bethany and Avery for an afternoon at the park.

Avery’s hostings continue to be made extra special by support volunteers from the church Avery’s host family attends. During her hostings, meals are regularly provided and sometimes gift cards to Dairy Queen, allowing the weekend to be filled with fun and memories!

Mark has seen Bethany’s stress decrease with the support of Together for Good. Both Avery and Bethany are experiencing the value of relationships. The local church has shown them that they are loved and that they do not need to live life alone.

*Names changed and stock photos used to protect privacy.