In Christian County there are about 196 youth in foster or kinship placement. Joy Closet, a local organization helps create a community closet for foster families within the East Lakes Region, to get clothing, shoes, car seats, and other necessities free of charge when a child is placed a new foster family. On January 20, 2023, at the Christian County Ag Exposition Center, the Christian County Extension Office partnered with Joy Closet to host a “Connecting Family Event.” This allowed about 15 foster and kinship families a time to bond with their children and connect with others in the same situation as their own. Many extension groups volunteered their time to make this event a success. Various stations were set up around the arena all with the common theme of farm and gardening. 4-Hers hosted a trail-mix bar using a SNAP recipe, petting zoo, and other farm themed games. The master gardeners taught the families how to start seedlings for their summer garden and the youth had the opportunity to paint their own clay pots. Homemakers manned the kitchen serving everyone dinner. With approximately 60 participants in attendance each was fed a meal, learned how to prepare a easy healthy snack at home, took home a kit to start their own gardens, and creative pots with the children painted. This experience  not only allowed foster families to bond with each other but it was a great way for all extension departments to collaborate as well as their extension groups. 

Heather Gray the director of Joy Closet said “The “friends” that Joy Closet serves don’t get to have a lot of fun experiences like the Family Farm Day. Everyone had a blast, and the food was delicious. Also, having community support for foster and kinship families in the area is very valuable and we appreciate all that went in to making this event successful.”