Tennessee Kids Belong, a statewide nonprofit that works to recruit and support foster and adoptive families, today announced that Crissy Haslam, former First Lady of Tennessee, will serve as Chair of the organization’s Board of Directors. A passionate supporter of foster care initiatives, Haslam will help lead the organization into a new chapter of growth and impact.
Haslam has served as a member of the Board of Directors for Tennessee Kids Belong for the past six years, offering steady guidance and deep compassion for those impacted by foster care. As First Lady of Tennessee, Haslam spearheaded the TNFosters campaign and co-chaired the Governor’s Children’s Cabinet, improving the lives of children and families across the state. She is also a past recipient of the Adoption Project’s Champions for Adoption and Foster Care Award. As Chair of the Board, she will continue this legacy by supporting Tennessee Kids Belong and its mission to dramatically improve the experiences and outcomes for kids in foster care through innovative programs and community partnerships that recruit and support foster, kinship and adoptive parents.
“Every child deserves a place to belong,” said Haslam. “I’m honored to serve as Board Chair of Tennessee Kids Belong to champion impactful and life-changing programs that support children in foster care and the families who embrace them. I look forward to bringing together leaders throughout the state to create improved outcomes for kids in care.”
As Chair, Haslam will direct the strategic growth of the I Belong Project™, a video storytelling initiative started in 2016 to give a face and a voice to young people seeking adoptive families, and Foster Friendly® Program and App equips area businesses, faith communities and partners to WRAP around kinship and foster parents with discounts, resources and more. These innovative and proprietary recruitment and retention initiatives unite businesses, faith communities, nonprofits and local leaders to transform entire communities into places where kids in care and those who embrace are seen, supported and valued.
“Crissy brings unwavering dedication and profound empathy to serving Tennessee’s most vulnerable children,” shares Kristin Allender, Executive Director of Tennessee Kids Belong. “We are grateful for her leadership and the experience and vision she brings to the role of Board Chair.”
Tennessee Kids Belong works to dramatically improve the experience and outcomes for children in foster care. This occurs through innovative programs and community partnerships that recruit and support foster and adoptive families.
I Belong Project™ events are designed for kids in foster care who are legally free for adoption to have fun, unforgettable experiences where they feel seen and loved. The day includes a professional photo and video shoot allowing youth to share their stories and showcase their personalities. The resulting profiles serve as powerful tools in connecting kids with permanent, adoptive families.
The innovative Foster Friendly® Program and App equips and engages area businesses, faith communities and nonprofits to WRAP around kinship and foster parents with discounts, resources and more. The exclusive offers and services found on the app address tangible and intangible needs from meals to lawn care - alleviating financial pressures and feelings of isolation, allowing families to keep their homes open longer and best serve those placed in their care.
