ABOUT FOSTER HOPE: Foster Hope is a startup nonprofit organization based in Vacaville, CA, dedicated to partnering with local churches to support foster care initiatives. Our mission is to equip churches with the resources and tools needed to engage effectively in foster care ministry, while providing essential support to foster parents and families. Founded in 2024, we focus on faith-based community outreach to make a meaningful impact in California communities. Learn more at www.fosterhopefamily.com.
INTERNSHIP OVERVIEW. We are seeking motivated college or university students for an unpaid, volunteer-based internship as a Foster Hope Intern. This role offers hands-on experience in a growing ministry, with a strong emphasis on educational and professional development. The internship is flexible, and designed to comply with U.S. Department of Labor guidelines for unpaid internships at nonprofits (FLSA Fact Sheet #71, January 2018). It provides training similar to an academic environment, under close supervision, without displacing employees or guaranteeing future employment.
- Duration: Approximately 12 weeks, totaling ~90 hours (7-8 hours per week, flexible to accommodate academic schedules).
- Location: Flexible based on the needs of the student and student's schedule
- Supervision: Weekly 30-60 minute check-ins with Scott Tuttle or ministry staff for guidance and feedback.
- Start Date: Flexible, aligned with your academic calendar or availability.
- Eligibility for Academic Credit: May qualify for credit (e.g., through programs like William Jessup University), subject to your school's approval.
The internship focuses on three key areas:
- Social Media Development: Creating content plans, posts, and video podcasts to raise foster care awareness, provide resources, and equip churches.
- Resource Gathering: Researching and compiling foster care information for California counties, such as support services and training programs.
- Personal Project: Developing church-resourcing materials, integrating skills from other areas for a customized, impactful outcome.
This structure ensures you build practical skills while contributing to our mission of fostering hope in communities.
WHAT THE INTERNSHIP OFFERS: This internship is tailored for your growth, providing mentorship from staff with over 30 years of combined ministry experience. You'll gain valuable, transferable skills in a supportive environment focused on humanitarian service.
KEY BENEFITS.
- Skill Development: Hands-on training in social media strategy, content creation (including video production), research, data compilation, and project management.
- Tools and Resources: Access to user-friendly tools like Google Workspace and Canva—no advanced software required.
- Mentorship and Feedback: Regular supervision meetings, mid-term (Week 6) and final (Week 12) evaluations to track progress and refine skills.
- Flexible Scheduling: Adjust hours and tasks based on your academic needs, strengths, and interests.
- Meaningful Impact: Contribute to faith-based foster care advocacy by creating resources for churches and families, such as content calendars, resource databases, and workshop materials.
- Academic and Professional Growth: Fulfill internship credit requirements; develop a portfolio of work (e.g., social media plans, podcasts, reports) for your resume.
- Reflection and Insights: End with a wrap-up session to discuss career insights and complete a reflection journal.
No prior advanced experience is needed—just a willingness to learn and a passion for foster care or nonprofit work.
SYNOPSIS OF INTERNSHIP PLAN. To give you a clear picture of the experience, here's an outline of the 12-week program:
- Weeks 1-2: Orientation & Skill-Building (~14 hours) Review our mission via fosterhopefamily.com and our Facebook page. Discuss goals with your supervisor, research California foster care basics (using resources like CDSS.ca.gov), and create sample social media posts. Objectives: Build foundational knowledge and skills.
- Weeks 3-5: Social Media Development (~22 hours) Develop a 3-month content calendar, script and record a short video podcast (5-10 minutes) on foster care topics, and produce 5-7 posts or clips. Objectives: Enhance strategy, content creation, and video skills.
- Weeks 6-8: Resource Gathering (~22 hours) Research foster care info for California counties (e.g., Solano, Sacramento, Napa via CDSS.ca.gov and county sites), compile into a spreadsheet or report focusing on resources for families and churches. Objectives: Strengthen research and data organization skills.
- Weeks 9-11: Personal Project Execution (~25 hours) Create a church resource kit (e.g., workshop materials, guides, or media content) integrating prior work. Support ongoing tasks as needed and reflect in meetings.Objectives: Apply skills to a personalized, ministry-focused project.
- Week 12: Wrap-Up & Reflection (~7 hours) Finalize deliverables, complete a reflection journal, and review your experience with your supervisor. Objectives: Consolidate learning and prepare for academic submission.
Hours are tracked weekly, with flexibility to adjust based on needs.
QUALIFICATIONS.
- Current enrollment in a college or university program (any major).
- Interest in foster care, faith-based engagement, or nonprofit outreach.
- Basic content creation skills (e.g., writing, social media) or eagerness to learn.
- Strong communication and organizational abilities.
- Commitment to ~90 hours total, with flexibility for your schedule.
HOW TO APPLY. To join our team and make a difference in foster care ministry:
- Prepare your resume and a cover letter explaining your interest in foster care, media, and church engagement, and how this aligns with your goals. Indicate if you're seeking academic credit.
- Email your application to fosterhopefamily@gmail.com.
- Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis—apply today!
For questions, contact Scott Tuttle at fosterhopefamily@gmail.com or 916.212.0487.
We're excited to help you grow while supporting families and churches in need!