CFNA Friend a Family Program

The Friend a Family Program is a wonderful opportunity to make a difference in a family's life and build deep, lasting relationships.  

Here are some examples of the types of activities a Support Group would participate in:

• Help families settle into their new homes

• Learn their neighborhood and how to get around

• Understand bills and budget

• Practice English

Due to the overwhelming generosity of Lutheran churches and the Lutheran Foundation of St. Louis, there is no financial commitment; however, Support Groups are expected to interact with families at least weekly and serve for at least 3 months.  In addition, all Support Group members must be at least 18 years old, provide a criminal background check, and receive orientation/training.  Additional details are available here. 

We are currently in the recruitment and learning phase of this program. To-date, eight congregations have identified a point person to form Support Groups at their church.  Faith Oakville will be featuring and recruiting members to participate in the Friend a Family program at their Christmas Eve service.  In addition, we are learning what it takes to support one of these families from the experience of five individuals from three Lutheran churches who came together to respond to emergent needs of an Afghan family with seven children. The group has been involved in setting up the family’s home, navigating medical and school appointments, and building a relationship with the family.  God is visibly at work with this team and family.  We hope to have 3-5 new Support Groups signed up by the next International Institute orientation in January. 

If interested in being involved, please work with your local congregation to form or participate in a Support Group. Contact Christy Hoehner (choehner@cfna-stl.org), CFNA Friend a Family Coordinator, to learn more.