News from Central and East England

Find out how we are finding homes for children in Central and East England

The latest updates, encouragements and prayer points from Home for Good’s work across Central and East England.

Sharon says farewell

Over the summer, Sharon Partridge-Underwood finished her time with Home for Good to take up an exciting opportunity with another organisation. We’re hugely thankful for Sharon’s contribution to our work over the past six years, including her recent role within the Central and East region. We’re delighted that Sharon will continue to play her part as a Home for Good Champion.

Sharon wrote the following reflection at the start of the school holidays in July…

In this season, I am reminded that even with some time off, summer can bring just as much work as any other time.

One Bible character who exemplified the importance of taking time to breathe and reflect amidst busyness is Moses. Throughout the book of Exodus and other parts of Scripture, Moses was heavily involved in leading the Israelites out of Egypt and guiding them through their journey in the wilderness. This was a demanding task, filled with challenges such as dealing with the complaints of the people, interacting with Pharaoh, and seeking God's guidance.

Despite his busy schedule, there were moments when Moses took time to communicate with God, often going up to Mount Sinai to pray and receive the law. These moments of solitude and communion with God allowed him to recharge spiritually and gain the wisdom needed to lead effectively.

Another example is Jesus. During His ministry, He was constantly surrounded by crowds, healing the sick, teaching, and performing miracles. However, the Gospels frequently mention that Jesus took time to retreat to solitary places to pray and spend time with His Father (see Mark 1:35, Luke 5:16). These moments of rest were crucial for His ministry, enabling Him to remain focused and energized for the tasks ahead.

Both Moses and Jesus serve as reminders of the importance of taking time to breathe, reflect, and seek spiritual renewal, even amidst a busy and demanding life. I pray that we will all find that time to breathe, reflect and find the spiritual renewal needed.

Job Opportunity

We are currently recruiting for the role of Central and East Engagement Coordinator. This opportunity comes at an exciting time for Home for Good and Safe Families, as the two charities merge to become one. The Central and East Engagement Coordinator is a key staff role as we develop our shared approach to inspiring and equipping churches to actively care for children, young people and families. We have strong networks of churches and Champions across the region and there’s huge potential to extend this work. You can find out more about this role here. Please do pray for this recruitment process – and please share this opportunity with anyone you know who might be interested.

Recent highlights

We are very excited to share that we have a new commissioner agreement with Milton Keynes Local Authority. We know the need for foster carers is extremely high so we are looking forward to building on this relationship and finding local foster carers in this area.

We are also blessed to continue our partnership with PACT (Parents And Children Together) and enjoyed hosting an information evening together at Goldhill Baptist Church recently.

Another highlight has to be the five new Volunteers who have done their training and are now able to champion the work of Home for Good. Welcome!

What can I be praying for?

We would love you to stand with us in prayer as we continue to work to find a home for every child who needs one in Central and East of England.

Thank God for His faithfulness, particularly in the Central and East area over the past few months.
Pray for the families who are caring for children or enquiring about fostering, adoption and supported lodgings.
Please do continue to pray for our ‘Who Cares’ Campaign, that many people would stand to say ‘I Care’.
Pray for the merger with Safe Families and for new opportunities to inspire and equip churches across the Central and East region.
Pray for our volunteers to find rest amongst the busyness.
Pray for the recruitment process for the Central and East Engagement Coordinator, that God would bring someone into this role who can extend our work and grow our impact.