Join us in celebrating Hendersonville, Tennessee’s incredible commitment to becoming a Foster Friendly® Community. The city is setting a powerful example of what it looks like to step up and care for its most vulnerable children. Through a growing network of committed individuals, organizations, businesses, faith communities, schools, and area leaders, Hendersonville is building a culture where foster families feel seen, supported, and valued.

Leadership That Drives Change

At the heart of the Foster Friendly® Hendersonville movement is a shared commitment from local leaders who care deeply about the well-being of children and families.

Mayor Jamie Clary, whose personal connection to foster care and adoption has been instrumental in launching and championing this initiative. His firsthand understanding of the unique challenges foster families face inspired him to rally the community around this cause and ensure Hendersonville became a place where foster families belong.

Joining him in this effort is Senator Ferrell Haile, whose tireless advocacy for the welfare of children has strengthened the foundation of this work. His ongoing support at the state level has helped elevate the importance of foster care and build momentum for change not just in Hendersonville, but across Tennessee.

Together, these leaders have positioned Hendersonville as a model for others to follow.

Together We Rise

Foster Friendly® Hendersonville is a powerful example of collaboration in action—multiple sectors working together to create lasting change. This initiative is the result of years of intentional work led by Tennessee Kids Belong’s Child Welfare Director, Tiffany Kelley, a proud Hendersonville native and resident. In partnership with Hendersonville’s Foster Friendly® Coalition, local change-makers have been tirelessly working to identify and respond to the unique needs of foster families in the area.

• Sumner County Schools have shown their commitment by equipping educators with trauma-informed training, ensuring that children in foster care find safe, supportive classrooms where they can thrive.
• Hendersonville Parks and Recreation now provides free registration for youth sports leagues for children in foster care, removing financial barriers and giving kids the opportunity to stay active, connected, and included.
• Hendersonville Area Chamber of Commerce partners with Tennessee Kids Belong to engage and mobilize local businesses, expanding the network of support available to foster and kinship families.

Launching Foster Friendly®

Right now, in Sumner County, there are 92 open foster homes, but 135 children in care—a clear gap that often results in kids being placed far from their communities, schools, and support systems. Foster Friendly® Hendersonville aims to bridge that gap by creating a community where foster families feel encouraged, supported, and valued. When families are surrounded by the right resources, relationships, and recognition, they’re more likely to keep their homes open—and others in the community are more likely to feel empowered to say “yes” to fostering themselves.

This isn’t just about supporting the system—it’s about transforming it into one that makes fostering sustainable, fulfilling, and rooted in community care. Hendersonville’s Foster Friendly® goals include hosting:

• 1 city-supported community event raising awareness and honor local foster families
• 2 foster parent recruitment events inviting more families to step into fostering
• 3 Foster Friendly® coalition meetings uniting leaders from all sectors to meet local needs 
• 10 Foster Friendly® faith communities offering trauma-informed programs and support 
• 15 Wrap Teams meeting the tangible and intangible needs of local foster families
• 75 Foster Friendly® businesses providing practical support through the Foster Friendly® App

These targets invite every member of the community to make a difference. Together we can build Foster Friendly® communities with:

Thank You to Our Supporters

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the incredible local businesses who helped make the Foster Friendly® Hendersonville ribbon cutting such a special and welcoming event.

• ☕️ L’abri Coffee for generously providing free drinks and treats for all who attended
• 🧼 Camel Express Car Wash for providing free car washes to all foster families
• 🚩 Best Flag for helping create our gorgeous backdrop to launch the initiative

Find Your Yes!

• Businesses – consider offering a product, service, or discount on our Foster Friendly® App
• Faith Communities – provide safe, supportive environments for families navigating foster care through WRAP teams or events such as hosting a Parents Night Out
• Individuals – ask “What’s my yes?”  Whether it’s becoming a foster parent, providing a meal, mentoring a teen, or simply spreading awareness, there’s a role for everyone.

Because when a community says “yes” to foster care, children experience healing, families are strengthened, and futures are rewritten. Thanks to everyone who has played a role in launching this initiative! We can’t wait to see the impact in Hendersonville and throughout Tennessee.