Businesses are Supporting Foster Families: New App Launches!

Supporting foster families is essential to providing stability and consistency for children who face difficult circumstances. By rooting for these families, we create a community that actively supports children, helping them feel encouraged and connected.

On Monday night, foster families gathered at The Monkey House in Fort Smith for the official launch of the Foster Friendly Business App for Crawford and Sebastian Counties.

The Foster Friendly Business App is the latest action from Every Child Arkansas to support foster families. As of the launch, 17 businesses have joined the app, including The Monkey House, Ark Coffee Company, Flame Gymnastics Academy Fort Smith, and Grace Jiu-Jitsu Fort Smith. These businesses are providing tangible support to foster families by offering discounts on services and products. More than easing financial pressures, these businesses are helping ensure that children feel supported by their community.

"Every little bit helps," says Andrew Ramsey, Northwest Arkansas Regional Coordinator for Every Child Arkansas. "These business leaders are helping to create a community that truly wraps around foster families."

Guests at the event enjoyed pizza from Hunt Brothers Pizza, sweet treats from Nothing Bundt Cakes, and snow cones from Kona Ice. While children played for free in The Monkey House’s expansive play area, parents learned about the app and how it can connect them to businesses that are “foster friendly.”

Andrew Ramsey hosted the event and expressed gratitude for the families and businesses who attended.

"I hope that the foster-friendly business app is a valuable resource for these families," said Ramsey. "The goal of the launch wasn't just to inform foster families about the app, but to celebrate them and show our support for the incredible work they're doing."

Ramsey also acknowledged the support of The Monkey House for hosting the event and supporting the app.

"The Monkey House team did a fantastic job making our event a smooth, fun, and exciting experience for everyone," he said.

Every Child Arkansas is actively seeking more businesses to join the initiative. For business leaders who want to show their support, joining the Foster Friendly Business App is free and easy.

Reach out to Andrew Ramsey at aramsey@restorehopear.org to sign up.

As Every Child Arkansas continues its mission to support foster families, it also hopes to inspire others to consider becoming foster parents. With a growing need for foster families in Arkansas, the journey for many children starts with the support of their community.

"We hope to inspire others to open their hearts and homes to become foster families," said Ramsey. "Our state is in great need of more foster families, and the way home for many of our children in need of care starts at your door."

Foster families can download the Foster Friendly Business App and create an account to take advantage of the offers from participating businesses. After verification as a foster parent, families will receive a digital discount card that should be presented when redeeming offers.

Participating Businesses:

• The Monkey House

• Ark Coffee Company

• Flame Gymnastics Academy Fort Smith

• Grace Jiu-Jitsu Fort Smith

• Vertical Horizons Climbing Gym

• True Strength Martial Arts

• Party Goats

• Play It Again Sports

• Bullfrog Bouncers LLC

• The Mitchells’ Makings

• Robin Music Company

• S&J Express Lube

• Club House Kitchen

• Fro-Yo & More

• The Hive

• Fianna Hills Consignment Boutique

• Nothing Bundt Cakes

About Every Child Arkansas
Every Child Arkansas is a network of advocates, agencies, faith-based organizations, and other organizations working together in trust-building collaboration to fill the biggest gaps in caring for children and families before, during, and beyond foster care in our state. Through initiatives like the Foster Friendly Business App, Every Child Arkansas is creating a stronger, more connected community to help foster families thrive.