Loving Kids by Supporting the People Who Care for Them

February 9, 2026 by Carolyn Sobczyk

Amira Rin first learned of Foster Village through relationships at church and a friend who volunteered at Caregiver Nights Out.

“These were people I loved who were involved in Foster Village,” she shares. “I had some free time and told them, ‘Let me know if there’s ever a need.’”

That connection eventually led Amira into her current role as Childcare Volunteer Coordinator, where she helps recruit, train, and support volunteers who care for kids while foster, kinship, and adoptive caregivers attend support groups or enjoy a much-needed evening off.

Amira’s heart for kids and the people who love them

Amira’s passion for this work started in college, when she babysat for the Lee family and watched their foster and adoption journey unfold up close. “I got to see people rally around them and support them,” she said. “It was so sweet and sincere.”

Later, as close friends stepped into foster care and kinship placements, Amira saw how hard the system can be on families. “While I might not be called to foster right now,” she says. “I can love those kids by loving the people who care for them. Kids should know there are other adults who see them, care about them, and want more for them.”

While I might not be called to foster right now, I can love those kids by loving the people who care for them. - Amira

For Amira, childcare volunteering is about offering connection and consistency. “Kids in foster care deserve to be known and seen by name, by what they like, by what they need,” she says. “Even these small moments of feeling cared for can have a long-term impact.”

Why childcare volunteering matters

Foster Village’s childcare volunteers make it possible for caregivers to step away for a few hours, something that can feel really hard and impossible without trusted support.

“For caregivers, it’s a huge relief,” says Amira. “They know their kids are with safe, background-checked volunteers who understand what they might be walking into. It’s free, it’s scheduled, and it’s something they can anticipate and plan for.”

For the kids, those few hours matter, too! “Kids are like sponges. Having an adult who tells them, ‘I want to do what you want to do,’ can be really powerful, especially when that hasn’t always been their experience,” says Amira. “It’s such a small thing, but volunteering just a few hours of your time on a regular basis can have such a long-term impact on a child.”

It’s such a small thing, but volunteering just a few hours of your time on a regular basis can have such a long-term impact on a child. - Amira

For Amira, the best part of her role is helping relationships form. “I love pairing the right volunteer with the right kid,” she said. “Seeing that connection come together, and making it a good experience for both of them, is really special.”

What to expect from volunteering

Childcare volunteers support several Foster Village programs each month, including: Moms Support Groups, Kinship Support Groups, and Caregiver Nights Out. Activities provided range from crafts and games to free play, gym time, and quiet sensory spaces.

“You’ll meet all kinds of kids,” says Amira. “Some are energetic and ready to play right away. Others are shy and take time to open up. Consistency helps them feel safe.”

Volunteers aren’t expected to discipline or fix behaviors. “Your role is just to be there. Kids need space to be themselves. Forming a small connection and making a new buddy can be really sweet,” says Amira.

All childcare volunteers receive training, complete a background check, and are supported by staff onsite. “If you’re worried you won’t know what to do, that’s okay,” Amira said. “There are always people around to help. There’s a place for everyone, no matter your strengths.”

Volunteers must be 16 or older to serve independently, though middle and high school students are welcome to volunteer alongside an adult.

Meeting the growing need in Topeka

Right now, Foster Village’s biggest childcare volunteer need is in Topeka, where programs are growing and more families are seeking support.

Childcare volunteer opportunities include:

Moms Support Group – Lawrence (2nd Monday of the month)
Moms Support Group – Topeka (3rd Monday of the month)
Kinship Support Group – Topeka (4th Monday of the month)
Caregiver Nights Out (typically the 2nd Friday of the month, alternating between Lawrence and Topeka)

If you’ve ever thought, ‘I’m not a foster parent, but I want to help,’ childcare volunteering is a great place to start.