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News & Updates
BFT’s latest news and stories


💜 Welcome to the Team: Kelly Selby
We’re thrilled to introduce Kelly Selby , who joined our Parenting+Plus Program  in July 2025 as a Family Support Specialist ! Kelly brings with her a wealth of experience supporting parents and children with disabilities, trauma and mental health needs—including work with families involved in foster care. For the last eight years before joining BFT, she has dedicated her career to helping families strengthen relationships, build resilience, and find hope through education an
Oct 302 min read


🌟 October Employee of the Month: Karen Johnson
Community Services Coordinator | Parenting+Plus Team This month, we’re proud to celebrate someone whose work has shaped Bringing Families Together for nearly two decades — Karen Johnson , our Community Services Coordinator and Internship Coordinator . Karen joined BFT in September 2007 , and for 18 years , she has been a cornerstone of our mission to strengthen families and support lasting reunification. She leads with both heart and expertise, combining her background in edu
Oct 82 min read


🌟 August Employee of the Month: Dawn Mathes 🌟
Lead Family Support Specialist | Home Visitation Team At Bringing Families Together , our Employee of the Month is chosen by the people who know the work best—our team. That’s why this recognition is extra special: it’s a reflection of respect, trust, and appreciation from peers. And this month, the spotlight shines on Dawn Mathes ! Dawn joined BFT in August 2021  and has been a cornerstone of our Home Visitation Team  ever since. With a B.S.  degree and a strong background a
Aug 252 min read


🌟 Announcing Our Summer-Fall Parent Cafés: Cultivating Strength, Hope & Connection 💜
At Bringing Families Together , we understand that parenting comes with both challenges and joys. That’s why we host Parent Cafés —a welcoming, judgment-free space where parents and caregivers can connect, share, and support one another. Rooted in the Five Protective Factors —resilience, relationships, support, knowledge, and communication—our Parent Cafés offer real conversations, practical strategies, and authentic encouragement. Whether you’re fostering, adopting, or paren
Jul 172 min read


Bringing Joy, One Balloon (and Family) at a Time: Celebrating JeanAnn Lovins, Our May Employee of the Month
Sometimes it’s the quiet, thoughtful touches—the ones that don’t scream for attention but leave a lasting impression—that tell you the...
May 132 min read


Celebrating Families at the Lincoln County Community Baby Shower
Bringing Families Together was honored to take part in the Lincoln County Community Baby Shower  on April 24, a joyful event celebrating...
May 92 min read


May is Foster Care Month: Help Us Bring Families Together
At Bringing Families Together , we believe every child deserves a safe, stable, and loving home. During National Foster Care Month , we...
May 82 min read


Just Dance...It Will Be O.K. 💃🕺Why Taking Joyful Breaks Matters for Families and Team
At Bringing Families Together , we’re serious about supporting youth, foster families and birth families—but we also know the importance...
May 12 min read


Announcing Our Spring-Summer Parent Cafés: Let’s Grow, Renew and Connect Together 💜💜
At Bringing Families Together, we know parenting isn’t always easy—but you don’t have to walk the journey alone. That’s why we host...
Apr 271 min read


📣 Announcing Our Summer Parenting+Plus Parent Support Class Series!
Bringing Families Together is excited to welcome families to our Parenting+Plus Parent Support Class , a free in-person series designed...
Apr 212 min read


Discover the Path to Foster Care and Adoption at Bringing Families Together
Curious about fostering or adopting but not sure where to begin? Bringing Families Together (BFT) is here to help! We understand that...
Apr 152 min read


Two Families Reunified – A Celebration of Love, Perseverance and New Beginnings
At Bringing Families Together , there is nothing more joyful than the safe reunification of families—and this month, we have twice the...
Apr 152 min read


Bringing Families Together Launches Parenting+Plus Program & Announces Team Coordinator
At Bringing Families Together (BFT), we believe that strong families create strong futures for children. That’s why we are thrilled to...
Apr 22 min read


New Foster Care Training - MO CARES
Bringing Families Together and the State of Missouri are moving to update the foster parent training curriculum. The current STARS...
May 6, 20241 min read
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