About CFK:
History
Congregations for Kids (CFK) was founded in 2006 by Tammera R. Nelson, a veteran leader with Mecklenburg County's Department of Social Services - Youth and Family Services Division. Nelson envisioned a community-driven initiative, specifically with the faith-based community and others to find loving foster and adoptive families for children. Through grassroot efforts by her and her team, and strategic partnerships with the faith community and other organizations, the vision materialized.
In 2014, Nelson transitioned Congregations for Kids to ForCLT, where it continued to flourish, evolving into a formal network. As the foster care system's needs became more widely recognized, the movement gained momentum, engaging more churches and businesses.
By 2017, CFK had grown into an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, dedicated to mobilizing the community to champion the needs of children in foster care.
Today
In the greater Charlotte area, CFK equips and empowers the community to be champions for children, families and social workers in the foster care system through our four pathways: Foster, Mentor, Serve, Give.
Belief Statements:
We believe every child in foster care deserves to have a champion by their side.
We believe that a positive relationship with a caring adult can change the trajectory of a child’s life forever.
We believe everyone can do something to be a champion in the life of a child.
Core Values:
CFK is faith fueled and while volunteers and donor may not share our faith, we embrace diversity and believe individuals from all walks of life can agree on our core values: dignity, respect, valued relationships, and integrity.
We serve all children, families, foster parents, and social workers of any age, race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual preference or orientation, and socioeconomic status.
CFK affirms the inherent dignity and worth of each person we serve.
CFK strives to treat each person we serve in a caring and respectful fashion, mindful of individual differences and cultural and ethnic diversity.
CFK affirms the value of human relationships. CFK understands that relationships between and among people are an important vehicle for change, and as such, seeks to strengthen relationships for youth in foster care in an effort to promote, restore, maintain, and enhance their well-being.
CFK requires the integrity of all staff and volunteers. As such, staff and volunteers should behave in a trustworthy manner and act honestly, responsibly, and ethically in their interactions with youth in foster care.
(Portions adapted from the Social Work Code of Ethics)
Meet the CFK Team…
Genevieve Bowden, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
“From the classroom to the cubicle, I’ve worked with or for kids just about my entire life. I’m passionate about relationships and connection and am motivated by the impact they have on the lives of the kids we serve. Advocating for the most vulnerable is one way I can show the love and gospel of Jesus Christ in our city.”
Monica Arce, ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR
“My passion and childhood calling into foster and adoptive care ultimately led me to become a foster parent 2 years ago. I have since seen the gaps in the child welfare system and am eager to use my 9+ years of administrative experience to better meet these needs.”
Hillary Merwin, PROGRAM DIRECTOR - Mentor Match
“Having worked 7 years abroad in the orphan care system with older youth, I’ve been a witness to the impact that one positive relationship can have on the life of a child. It is a privilege to come alongside CFK in the work they are doing to bring visibility and support to this community.”
Sarah Cassidy, PROGRAM DIRECTOR - The Landing Platform
After volunteering with at-risk youth and young adults for over 20 years, I left my corporate job and joined CFK. As a graduate of Virginia Tech, I feel very connected to the school motto “Ut Prosim” which means “That I May Serve” in Latin. It’s rewarding to advocate for families and social workers who can benefit from CFK’s support.
Jen Hunt, PROGRAM DIRECTOR - Foster Support
"I have been a foster/adoptive parent for the past eleven years, so I step into the role of Family Care Coordinator as one who already has so much admiration and affection for the work that foster families are doing. It's hard and it matters. My heart is to come alongside families and be an encouragement and a support.”
Sara Miller, OUTREACH COORDINATOR
“As a mom it breaks my heart to think about the vulnerable children in our city who don't have the stability and resources they need to grow and thrive. As a believer I feel called to surround these children and families with love, support, and hope. I'm honored to be a part of the CFK team and to work with our church partners to be a champion for the children, families, and social workers involved in the foster care system.”
Alicia Counihan, SOCIALIGHT COORDINATOR
“I spent 11 years as a classroom teacher and observed firsthand the significance of children having consistency, support, and encouragement from adults in their lives. Working for CFK allows me to work for the vulnerable children in our city by supporting and encouraging the foster care community like the social workers advocating for them.”
Porsha Russell, MENTOR MATCH COORDINATOR - YOUTH ADVOCATE
“I have been working in Child Welfare for over a decade with a focus on foster care and adolescent support. My passion for serving families involved with foster care began in 2009 in Shelby, NC, and continued when I moved to Charlotte in 2014 to work at the Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services. As an Adolescent Social Worker, I ensured the success of youth aging out of foster care. I'm thrilled to partner with CFK as a Mentor March Coordinator - Youth Advocate and support their mission to empower the community to be champions for children, families, and social workers in the foster care system.”
Taylor Jones, MENTOR MATCH ADMIN
“I find inspiration and conviction in Micah 6:8, ‘And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.’ After years of working in different fields, but feeling most passionate about working with and serving families and youth in the foster community, I went back to school and earned my MSW in 2018.”
Kasey Loftin, SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
“I’ve worked with kids on and off since I was 17 years old and have always felt a strong pull in my heart to show them compassion and support from an adult outside their home. We always say “everyone can do something” and using the talents God gave me to help these kids through CFK is my ‘something’.”
Meet the CFK Board Members…
Nick Boardman, chair
Nick serves as the Chief Financial Officer at Rosegate Mortgage and is a proud husband and father to four girls.
Why CFK? Growing up as a foster sibling, Nick wants to continue to love and care for the kids who don’t feel seen or have someone in their corner. He also wants to model for his daughters the Biblical command we are given to take care of the poor and needy.
charlie workmon
Charlie is the CEO of Riverstone Logistics.
Why CFK? Charlie has always had a heart for orphans, along with his wife who is a social worker. They both feel that it is their calling and have both fostered and adopted.
Rekita McDuffie
Rekita is an advisory member of the CFK board and works as the Deputy Director of Social Services in Cabarrus County. As a wife and mother to two girls, she enjoys spending time with her family & friends, reading, and traveling.
Why CFK? Rekita has 22 years of experience in Child Welfare and is guided by Psalms 82:3 - “Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed.”
Peter Mutabazi
Peter currently works for World Vision and is a single foster and adoptive dad. He grew up in Uganda and is now a US Citizen. He uses his voice through @fosterdadflipper to advocate for children in the foster care system.
Why CFK? Peter's passion for foster care comes from Luke 12, “to whom much is given much will be required.” He has fostered 12 kids and recently adopted his son, Anthony. Peter fell in love with foster care and now talks about it wherever he goes.
Tammera nelson, founder
Tammera envisioned Charlotte’s community and churches coming together to support the foster care community and was essential in the creation of Congregations for Kids. Tammera retired from Meck. Co. Youth & Family Services after 34 years with the agency
Why CFK? As a Mecklenburg County Youth and Family Services Manager, Tammera is passionate about children in foster care.
rob kelly
Rob serves as the founding President & CEO of FORCLT. In this role, Rob is the lead author of the Charlotte State of the City Report and architect of the FORCLT network platform, currently with 15 networks and over 200 churches around Greater Charlotte.
Why CFK? Because the Church has a Biblical mandate to care for the fatherless. Rob believes that together, we as the Church, have an opportunity to care for every child in the foster system.
Nicole Taylor
Nicole Taylor served faithfully as CFK’s Executive Director from 2016 - 2024. Nicole continues to support CFK from a board seat as she leads advocacy efforts for the foster care system on a national level.
Why CFK? “Working in international orphan care for over a decade and traveling to many third-world countries, I thought I had seen it all...then I became a foster parent. The journey of our first placement led me to become a fierce advocate for children and families within the foster care system.”
Tax Information
Congregations for Kids (CFK) is an exempt organization as described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code as is in good standing with the IRS and the State of North Carolina. EIN 82-4514208.
Financial Reports
2018 990 Report
2020 990 REPORT
2021 990 REPORT
2022 990 REPORT