In 2009, Emmanuel Free Methodist Church in Alton, became burdened to care for vulnerable children. They didn’t know what that was going to look like or how God was going to lead, but they were convinced of two things: 1) the biblical call on the church to care for the vulnerable is strong, and 2) the needs around us were tremendous.

One of the first steps was to sit down with the local county’s DCFS staff (Department of Children & Family Services). Our founder, Katie Myette, along with other leaders from Emmanuel shared with them how God was leading and asked, “How can we partner with you as you care for children in foster care?” Over time, a strong, beautiful partnership developed as they worked together.

Within Emmanuel, God began to call several families to open their homes through foster care. When they looked at the data in 2013, they were surprised to discover that 68% of all new foster families in our county were recruited through their ministry.

In 2014, DCFS approached them about a more intense partnership in Madison county. As they shared the overwhelming needs, it was realized very quickly that one church was not going to be able to do the work that needed to be done. Katie and her team began to pray, dream and talk about, “What would it look like it if it was not just one church? What if God’s people all over the county began to rally around this call to care for children in foster care?” Out of those conversations and prayers, The Restore Network began.

Since that time, God has opened the doors to move into new counties, and we are excited to see where He leads as we continue to follow.