Keystone Family Alliance, a non-profit 501c(3) organization, aims to educate, motivate and equip the Faith Community across Pennsylvania on the needs of orphans and vulnerable children, both locally and globally.
And, it has continued this mission and vision within Clearfield County. Expansion within Clearfield County happened formally in November 2023, with preparations beginning earlier in the year through work with the Clearfield Ministerium.
In mid-November, Clearfield County Coordinator, Bobbie McBurney-Johnson, came on-board with this ministerial outreach to help facilitate the full expansion into Clearfield County.
Keystone Family Alliance, which originated within Centre County in 2008, bridges the gap between the desperate need in the child welfare system and Pennsylvania churches.
By engineering wraparound Care Communities, operating an online portal to connect community volunteers and helping to recruit additional foster/adoptive families, Keystone Family Alliance provides tangible support, prayer, resources and aid, resulting in much-needed support for foster, kinship, adoptive and biological families within the community.
Today, there are approximately 14,000 children in the foster care system across Pennsylvania. For every one child placed in formal foster care, there are at least 10 children being raised by kin informally.
Approximately 2,000 children are awaiting adoption in Pennsylvania today, and, before the year is over, nearly 1.100 children will age-out of the system with no forever family.
Keystone Family Alliance has the vision to rewrite the story for Pennsylvania’s orphans and vulnerable children.
“Keystone Family Alliance is not a foster or adoption agency. Rather, we are a bridge organization that connects the local church to the needs of local children, families and agencies. We connect people to practical ways they can serve orphans and vulnerable children,” says Vince Smith, executive director.
“Whether you are a church, organization, or someone who wants to help, we believe that everyone can do something.”
As part of this ministry’s efforts to reach families within Clearfield County, Johnson is preparing for the first fundraiser and awareness event, being held on Feb. 28, 2024, at the Clearfield VFW.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. that evening , with the evening program beginning at 6 p.m. The theme of this free event is “Ripples”, to remind everyone that even the smallest gesture can have a huge impact on the lives of orphans and vulnerable children.
Speakers will include family members who have adopted internationally and families who have fostered to adopt, while Johnson will share her kinship care experience.
Clearfield County Children and Youth Services will also provide an overview of the Clearfield County Child Welfare landscape.
“This event will be a straight-forward, information-filled, free-will giving opportunity to make a difference for kids and families in need within Clearfield County,” says Johnson.
“Most importantly, we believe hearts will be moved to action as folks share their amazing life-changing stories of how God has moved in difficult situations to bring beauty from ashes.” A variety of desserts and soft drinks will be served as well during the evening.
Everyone wishing to attend this event can register by visiting https://clearfield.givesmart.com no later than Feb. 23, 2024.
County churches and businesses are encouraged to partner with this outreach through sponsorships and table hosting by visiting the same Web site prior to Feb. 13, 2024. A financial offering will be taken up at the end of the evening’s program.
Keystone Family Alliance is currently serving in 17 counties across the state with plans to continue to serve additional counties in 2024 and beyond.
For more information on Keystone Family Alliance and how to get involved in your county, please visit www.keyfam.org or contact Bobbie McBurney-Johnson, bobbie@keyfam.org for Clearfield County.