When most people think of foster care, they imagine intervention happening after a crisis has already occurred. What if a simple act of support could open the door to the kind of community that helps prevent crisis in the first place? That's the idea behind CarePortal, a technology platform that connects local churches, businesses, organizations, and individuals with real-time needs in their communities.
Founded in 2015 by Adrien Lewis, CarePortal was born from years of involvement in foster care, adoption, and child welfare.
"Today, I help lead a movement we call Care-Sharing, connecting churches, businesses, caseworkers, and caring neighbors to support vulnerable children and families,” says Lewis. “Too often, what turns hardship into crisis is isolation. CarePortal exists to help neighbors see and serve their neighbors with resources and relationships before challenges escalate, because we believe connection changes everything.”
Many children enter foster care because families are carrying the weight of poverty, isolation, and unmet basic needs without a supportive community around them. CarePortal works to address those needs before they escalate.
"A bed, a car seat, a utility payment, or transportation to work may seem small, but those requested items create opportunities for people to step into a family’s life with both practical help and genuine care. We've seen over and over that when communities show up early and families are surrounded by support, they’re more likely to stay together.”
The process begins when a caseworker, school counselor, or other frontline professional identifies a vetted need and submits it through the CarePortal platform. The request is then shared with nearby churches and community responders through email, text message, or the CarePortal app.
One story that continues to inspire Lewis is that of MeKaisha, a 17-year-old preparing to age out of foster care while expecting a child of her own. With little support and limited resources, a caseworker submitted a request for a crib through CarePortal. The Denbow family responded by donating one their son had outgrown.
“What started as a simple need quickly became something much more. The family didn't just provide a crib. They welcomed MeKaisha into their lives, throwing her a baby shower, helping her learn to drive, inviting her into their church community, and over time, becoming like family.”
Today, MeKaisha is a thriving mother and advocate for other young people aging out of foster care.
"A crib met an immediate need, but the relationship that followed made the lasting difference. And that's exactly what CarePortal is designed to help happen.”
That emphasis on connection extends beyond individual families. CarePortal brings together churches, nonprofits, businesses, social service agencies, and community members to work toward a common goal.
Over the past decade, that model has helped the Kansas City community serve more than 34,000 children. Lewis says the greatest need remains participation.
"People often assume they need a lot of money or a lot of free time to make a difference. That's simply not true.”
Support can take many forms, including donating an item, delivering a need, offering encouragement, or simply showing up for a family during a difficult season.
"Every request is an opportunity to say yes. Every yes strengthens a family, supports a child, and reminds someone they are not alone. We've learned that while practical resources matter, what often makes the lasting difference is connection, encouragement, and people who are willing to walk alongside them.”
Churches and businesses can also get involved by starting a response team.
“No single organization can solve challenges like foster care and family instability alone. Caseworkers understand the needs. Churches bring relationships. Businesses contribute resources. Community members bring compassion and action. When those groups work together, they help ensure families are surrounded by community before isolation has the chance to deepen into crisis.”
For more information, visit careportal.org.