Rescue 100 Back Story
What began in 2016 as a local, faith-based effort to recruit 100 foster families in Gulfport, Mississippi, has grown into a lasting community movement. Today, Rescue 100 operates as a dedicated 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on advocating for vulnerable children, providing trauma-informed training, and uniting communities to support foster, adoptive, and kinship families.
Origins and Initial Goals
Rescue 100 began in Mississippi in 2016 as a faith-based effort to address a growing need for safe, loving foster homes. The initiative was started by Pastor Tony Karnes of Michael Memorial Baptist Church in Gulfport, with an initial goal of recruiting 100 families in Harrison County to become licensed foster parents.
A Streamlined Licensing Approach
Recognizing that the traditional foster-parent licensing process could be lengthy and discouraging, Rescue 100 developed a streamlined approach to training and licensing. Families could complete the required training in an intensive weekend format, while still completing background checks, home studies, paperwork, and other state requirements.
Statewide Expansion and Collaboration
The effort quickly grew beyond one church and one community. Rescue 100 became a statewide collaboration involving the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services (MDCPS), the Mississippi Commission on Children’s Justice, and churches across Mississippi. Its purpose was not only to recruit foster parents, but also to connect families with training, support, and communities willing to walk alongside children and foster families.
A Lasting Legacy in Foster Care
Although MDCPS later began transitioning away from the Rescue 100 name and developed its own Foster Parent Recruitment Unit, the program left an important legacy: bringing the community to the table for children in foster care—recruiting families, equipping them, supporting them, and encouraging churches and ordinary community members to recognize that foster care is a community responsibility.
Rescue 100 Today: A Dedicated Nonprofit
The effort quickly grew beyond one church and one community. Rescue 100 became a statewide collaboration involving the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services (MDCPS), the Mississippi Commission on Children’s Justice, and churches across Mississippi. Its purpose was not only to recruit foster parents, but also to connect families with training, support, and communities willing to walk alongside children and foster families.
Current Community Involvement and Training
The organization’s community involvement can be described in several areas: Foster-care advocacy and awareness: Helping communities understand the needs of children in foster care and encouraging people to become involved. Training parents and volunteers in trauma-informed caregiving.