At The Restore Network, we continue to be in awe of how God is moving through this community. In 2026, we gathered together for three banquets with nearly 600 of you, people who care deeply about children and families in foster care.

Together, we shared meals, heard stories, celebrated what God is doing, and felt the weight of the need alongside the hope that’s rising to meet it.

 

 

This year, our theme of “streams in the desert” felt especially fitting. As our Executive Director Jordan Bird shared, we are seeing God establish an oasis here in Illinois, a place of renewal, support, and healing for foster families. And beyond that oasis, there are still counties waiting for the water. The need is great, but so is the opportunity to bring life where it’s needed most. Because of your generosity, and the faithfulness of an anonymous donor who committed a $75,000 match across our three banquets, we are so grateful to share that the full match was met. Altogether, $292,090 was raised to support foster families and continue building a better system for kids across Illinois. While we didn’t reach our full goal, we are genuinely encouraged. More people are stepping in. More families are being supported. And even now, streams are forming in places that once felt dry.

 

 

We are so grateful for this community and for God’s continued provision through each of you!