The work of Keystone Family Alliance was presented Nov. 16 to parishioners of Bethany Wesleyan Church, Cherryville Campus, Lehigh Township.

Sarah Whiteford, Lehigh and Northampton Coordinator, Keystone Family Alliance, was introduced by Bethany Wesleyan Church Lead Pastor Kevin Fetterhoff.

Whiteford explained the mission of Keystone Family Alliance.

Keystone Family Alliance is comprised of representatives from churches in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

The Alliance aims to “educate, motivate and equip every Christian” in Pennsylvania “on the needs of orphans and vulnerable children.”

The organization’s motto is: “Everyone can do something. What’s your ‘something’?”

“Agencies and caseworkers struggle to find new foster and adoptive families,” states the Keystone Family Alliance website.

The Alliance bridges “the gap between the desperate need of the child welfare system and Pennsylvania churches,” according to its website.

“For churches, Keystone Family Alliance provides the framework and support to help churches successfully recruit families to care for children in their communities,” the website states.

Keystone Family Alliance was founded in 2008 in State College, Centre County, by Pastor Vince Smith and a group of pastors. In a few months, the Centre County Orphan Care Alliance was established.

In 2010, participants increased from 30 families to 550 families to fulfill the needs of social workers, such as providing strollers, cribs, beds, gas cards, repair work, and mentors for biological mothers.

In 2020, the organization expanded to the other 66 counties in the state. As of October 2022, there are coordinators in 10 counties in the state.

Keystone Family Alliance is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

Keystone Family Alliance’s Gateway connects communities to specific needs of foster, adoptive and biological families and its Care Communities gives wrap-around support for one year or more of a foster or adoptive family.

Whiteford becomes Mentoring Director for Keystone Family Alliance, starting in December.

Trista Herrlin succeeds Whiteford as Lehigh and Northampton County Coordinator for Keystone Family Alliance.

Whiteford, Herrlin and Kristin Everett, Bethany Wesley Church Advocate for its Foster Care and Adoption Ministry, greeted BWC Sunday service attendees, provided information and answered questions.

Keystone Family Alliance presents a Virtual Care Community Volunteer Orientation, 7 p.m. Dec. 8 via Google Meet. Information and to register: https://www.keyfam.org/supportfamilies

Bethany Wesleyan Church information: https://bethanywes.org/