The Power of Belonging
Supportive Communities for foster, kinship, foster-adoptive
and guardianship families
"Joining Second Nurture is the single best thing we've done as foster parents."
Linda M., 2N Cohort Member
Whether you're new to fostering or a veteran, raising grandchildren, welcoming a child through foster-adoption, or caring for a relative, you don't have to do it alone.
Second Nurture creates circles of belonging through shared meals, practical support, and relationships that continue long after the gathering ends.
When a family says yes to a child,
2N communities say yes to the family
We Gather
Caregiving families gather each month to share a meal, build relationships, and discover they don't have to do this alone.
We Show Up
Community volunteers provide meals, childcare, transportation, and other practical support between gatherings.
We Become Family
Over time, neighbors become trusted friends, and a community becomes an extended family.
"2N is more than a support group—it's an extended family."
Tamara T., 2N Cohort Member
This is What Belonging Feels Like
"The kids get to engage with other foster kids just like them and I know the community members who take care of the kids really care and understand the kids' circumstances."
Stacie S., 2N Cohort Parent
"They embrace every child... with this attention and love that makes them feel like the only person in the room. Seen, cared for and safe."
Linda M, 2N Cohort Parent
"They were consistently proactive in learning the kind of support I need, which saved me from figuring out the different agencies and services myself."
Mia L, 2N Cohort Parent
"The children literally count the days until our next meeting."
Richard M, 2N Cohort Parent
When Caregivers Thrive, Children Thrive
Supporting caregivers isn't separate from supporting children—
it's one of the most powerful ways to help children flourish.
"I've connected with other caregivers who 'get it' without judgment."
"Hearing other people's journeys makes me feel like I am not alone."
"These are people who get what I'm going through."
Communities Make Belonging Possible
Second Nurture partners with synagogues because they are uniquely equipped to build lasting relationships, share responsibility, and show up for one another. Those same strengths make them powerful places for foster, kinship, adoptive, and guardianship families to find the community every caregiver deserves.
The families we serve come from many faiths, cultures, and backgrounds, and most are not members of the host synagogue. That isn't the point. What matters is that they are welcomed, known, and supported by a community committed to walking alongside them.
Together, volunteers, clergy, staff, and families create communities where no caregiver has to do this alone—and where children can grow up surrounded by the stability, relationships, and belonging every family needs.
The Impact of Belonging
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Caregiver retention approximately twice the national average
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200+ parents connected through Second Nurture communities
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450+ children connected through Second Nurture communities
The Village Keeps Showing Up
Long after the meal is over, relationships continue.
Support has included everything from emergency cribs and meals to tutoring, transportation, navigating bureaucracy, and even finding a pro bono veterinarian for a foster child's puppy.
Every Foster Family Deserves This
Whether you're seeking support, considering becoming a Host Community, or looking for ways to help more families thrive, we'd love to welcome you
Growing Through Partnership
As Second Nurture grows, we're partnering with communities and organizations that share our commitment to surrounding caregiving families with lasting relationships and belonging.
2N Calendar
Do you have a Donor-Advised Fund?
Use this form to make a donation today!
What is a donor-advised fund?
A donor-advised fund (DAF) provides donors with a centralized charitable giving vehicle. It allows philanthropically inclined individuals, families, and corporations to make an irrevocable charitable gift to a public charity that sponsors a DAF program and take an immediate tax deduction. Most sponsoring organizations of DAFs accept cash equivalents, securities, and certain other assets.
How does it work?
Establish your DAF by making an irrevocable, tax-deductible donation to a public charity that sponsors a DAF program. Advise the investment allocation of the donated assets (any investment growth is tax-free). Recommend grants to qualified public charities of your choice.
Advantages of a donor-advised fund?
Simplicity—The DAF sponsor handles all recordkeeping, disbursements, and tax receipts.
Flexibility—Timing of your tax deduction can be separate from your charitable decision making.
Tax efficiency—Contributions are tax-deductible, and any investment growth in the DAF is tax-free. It is also easy to donate long-term appreciated securities, eliminating capital gains taxes and allowing you to support several charities from one block of stock.
Family legacy—A DAF is a powerful way to build or continue a tradition of family philanthropy.
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Why Our Work Matters
Kids from foster care, in their own words, on the importance of family. (Three-minute video from our partners at the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption)