MBCH Children and Family Ministries Announces Expansion of Chafee Support Services to Combat Outcomes for Missouri’s Older Foster Youth
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
BRIDGETON, Mo. – January 15, 2026 – MBCH Children and Family Ministries (MBCH-CFM) is pleased to announce a significant expansion of its services aimed at improving outcomes for Missouri’s foster youth. Starting March 1, 2026, MBCH will begin providing Chafee Support Services across the Northwest and Southwest regions of Missouri, specifically designed to empower youth ages 14 and older as they transition toward adulthood.
The expansion comes at a critical time for Missouri’s foster youth. According to the Missouri Department of Social Services and recent outcome reports, youth aging out of the state’s care face a “cliff” of instability:
- Homelessness: 18% of Missouri youth who age out of foster care experience homelessness by age 19; by age 21, that number climbs to 29%.
- Education: Only 58% of Missouri youth transitioning out of care at age 19 report having attained a high school diploma or GED.
- Stability: Each year, approximately 600 youth in Missouri age out of the system, often without a permanent legal family connection.
The Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood is a vital resource designed to prevent these outcomes by providing youth with tools for self-sufficiency, including educational support, career preparation, and financial management.
“MBCH Children and Family Ministries is excited to announce a new ministry serving Older Foster Youth launching on March 1st,” said Jason Myers, Vice President of MBCH Children and Family Ministries. “This is an awesome opportunity to expand our reach and engage with approximately 500+ new youth! These statistics show the urgency of our mission, and we ask for your prayers as we build this ministry and hire staff to stand in the gap for these young people.”
As MBCH prepares for the March 1st launch, the organization is looking to the faith community for partnership. Research indicates that a stable connection with a caring adult is the single most important factor in a youth’s success. MBCH will be calling on the greater church community to be the “hands and feet of Christ” by providing community connections, local mentorship, and tangible support.
“Our mission is to respond to the needs of children and families to make a lasting difference,” added Myers. “As we grow this program, the church will be vital in helping these youth find the jobs, housing, and belonging they need to thrive.”
For more information about MBCH Children and Family Ministries or to inquire about employment opportunities or ways to engage with this program in the Northwest or Southwest regions, please visit www.mbch.org or call 1-800-264-6224.
About MBCH Children and Family Ministries
MBCH Children and Family Ministries is an entity of Missouri Baptist Children’s Home. Serving Missouri for over 135 years, MBCH is committed to providing trauma-informed, Christ-centered services including foster care, adoption, and transitional living. For more information about MBCH services visit mbch.org/our-care.
Media Contact
Jason Myers, Vice President MBCH – Children and Family Ministries
314.739.6811 • [email protected] • mbch.org
