SEEN.
HEARD.
ACKNOWLEDGED.
We see you. We hear you. We acknowledge you.
It’s a calling. One that demands every ounce of their strength, patience, and love.
Alberta’s foster and kinship caregivers are the invisible backbone of our community - offering love, stability, and hope to children in their most vulnerable moments.
They navigate a world of uncertainty, where their roles are often overlooked, and their sacrifices go unacknowledged.
Foster and kinship caregiving is not just about providing a home. It’s about holding together the fragile pieces of a child's life. Often at the cost of their own well-being.
But too often, their sacrifices go unnoticed.
It’s time to change that. Join us in recognizing these unsung heroes.
We SEE you. We THANK you.
Over the next few months, we’ll be highlighting some of the nominees from our 2024 Unseen Campaign. With over 800 nominations,
we will tell the stories of as many of these wonderful caregivers as we can.
We do this to honour YOU, caregivers.
Barb Bailey
"This woman goes above and beyond for children. She is constantly researching and doing training on-line. She looks for the reason for the child's behavior and never blames the child for the behavior."
"She works amazingly with community supports, caseworkers, doctors, counsellors, play therapists etc...Barb also can take the most difficult parent and have them like her instantly. She is the parent's advocate and the child's voice when it is not being heard."
"She will look for the light even in the most dire times.
If one thing doesn't work she is onto the next."
Avey Christiansen
Avey and her husband are incredible foster care givers. Watching her go above and beyond for those in her care has been both humbling and inspiring. Their home has been a safe place for so many kids over the years and often works with social workers to take in as many kids as she is able (all the while raising her own three).
Avey is also a photographer and is super intentional with each of her foster kids-when each child leaves their home she sends them with a hand made memory and photo book. This not only helps them remember their time but also gives them tangible memories to have with them for the rest of their lives (where the years may be lost later to them due to lack of photos).
Carmen Martin
"Carmen is a gentle and committed caregiver that provides children with a warm and loving space to grow and develop their strengths. Additionally, Carmen stands out to me for the way that she delights in the children that are in her care that lets them know that they are worthy, accepted, and loved.
Finally, Carmen has a skillful way of working with complex family dynamics that is sensitive and supportive."
Paul and Cindy Corcoran
“Our lives changed forever, full of love, first experiences together, inner peace just knowing they were safe and stable, also how much both these children needed and what we could provide everyday. A forever home filled overflowing love and desire to make everyday count together as a family.”
Michael and Michelle Hutchings
"They are fostering an autistic indigenous 8 yr old boy. They have put in so much work with him teaching him sign language and he is now also speaking some words.
He has been taken to powwows and to several indigenous activities to support his culture. They have also potty trained him when they were told it would be next to impossible! At the same time, they received a baby that did not sleep at night so they slept in shifts. Their goal is to provide a most loving and inclusive home for the children placed in their home."
Candace Willier
“In March of 2018 we received a call from CFS asking us if we could take in our nephews. Without hesitation we agreed. The children came to us with many complex issues including emotion, behavioral, speech delays, learning disabilities, and one with a weakened immune system that resulted in us spending many nights at the Stollery Children’s Hospital in their emergency department.”
“We worked casinos, sold chocolate bars. We did everything to ensure our nephew had access to the specialized care he needed. On top of working 4 jobs between us to keep our nephews in our home, a part of our family, and in our care.”
“The complexities and some of the challenges we have faced have been exhausting but we do it together, we do it with love, and we do it with the support of our families and bio children.”
Chloe Cartwright
"Chloe used to to be a social service worker and dedicated most of her life to the few hundred foster children she has taken in at her farm north of Calgary. Many children often came to her on emergency when social services couldn't find any homes open, especially during the Christmas season. Many of the children she had helped still keep in touch with her and many of them often remark how her home on the farm was the best thing to happen to them."
"Chloe has been a foster mom long before I was born, and she works very hard to give children in need a good home. I was only supposed to be in her care for ten days, but instead, she took care of me for over twelve years. Sometimes she still takes care of me when I need her to, even to this very day. I was six when I moved in with her. I'm twenty-eight now, and she's like the mother I always needed."
It’s Not Just a Membership. It’s a Movement.
AFKA Membership isn’t just another Facebook group or coffee meet-up; it’s a lifeline tailored for Alberta’s dedicated foster and kinship caregivers. We’ve created a space where caregivers can find resources, training, and genuine peer support.
It’s for those in the trenches daily, ensuring children and youth get the love, care, and stability they deserve. With AFKA, you’re not just joining a program. You’re becoming part of a community that understands, guides, and stands with you.
Why Choose AFKA?
Unparalleled Assistance. Right When You Need It.
Programs like the Caregiver Support Team, Extended Property Insurance, Legal Assistance, and one-on-one support ensure you have both guidance and tangible resources. Whether you need expert advice, a listening ear, or tools to safeguard your efforts, AFKA is with you every step.
Become Part of a Thriving, Understanding Community
Caregiving isn’t just about the challenges; it’s also about the connections. With AFKA, you’re part of a vast network of fellow caregivers. Share your joys, your challenges, and your wisdom. Here, you’ll find kindred spirits who understand your journey, making the road less travelled more comforting.
Stay Ahead with Cutting-Edge Training Materials
The world of foster and kinship care and our training resources are evolving. With AFKA Membership, you can access up-to-date, authoritative content designed by experts. It’s permission to act confidently in every situation.
Deep-rooted Commitment to Indigenous Families
We are unyielding in our commitment to support Indigenous children, youth, and families. We believe in recognizing, respecting, and fostering Indigenous communities’ unique needs and traditions. We strive to bridge gaps, promote understanding, and ensure every child gets the love and care they deserve.
AFKA Membership Has Its Perks
Claim exclusive member discounts on West Edmonton Mall passes, top-tier hotels, car rentals, furniture, and more.
Finding Hope with AFKA
“SO MANY successes from working with my AFKA mentor! Confidence in dealing with caseworkers, additional supports shared, validation for emotions/awkward feelings, advice on working with bio families… too many successes to count.” – AFKA Member
Turning Challenges into Understanding
“I was at my wits end with my placement’s behaviours. It broke my heart to do this; however, I was going to ask the worker for him to be moved. Reaching out to the AFKA mentorship program as a last effort, my mentor has helped me understand his feelings, and we are working together with strategies we spoke on.” – AFKA Member
There’s a Membership Level For Everyone
Discover the perfect AFKA membership level tailored to your needs and journey, each designed to offer unique benefits and support. With AFKA, you’re always in good company.
Free Membership
Foster/Kinship Caregiver Membership*
For licensed and approved foster and kinship caregivers, this membership is our way to support and back those committed to foster and kinship caregiving. Anyone authorized by the appropriate Government Ministry and fitting our eligibility criteria can benefit from the wealth of resources we offer. Best part? It’s on us.
$50.00
Associate Membership
Ideal for individuals looking to tap into the AFKA community and resources without direct involvement in caregiving. Whether you’re supporting a caregiver or interested in our initiatives, this membership lets you immerse yourself. But remember, voting on association matters is omitted here.
Membership fees are due annually.
$25.00
Voting Membership
For committed foster and kinship caregivers, our Voting Membership is your pathway to deeper involvement. With just a year’s experience as a caregiver member, you gain voting rights to influence AFKA’s decisions and direction. This membership gives you a voice in our association and access to special surveys, forums, and exclusive activities. It’s your chance to actively shape the future of caregiving in Alberta.
Membership fees are due annually.
No Charge
Lifetime Membership
Our token of gratitude. Bestowed upon individuals who’ve shown unwavering dedication and have made significant contributions to AFKA. It’s our way of saying thank you and ensuring your legacy lives on.
*For the purposes of AFKA Complimentary Foster/Kinship Caregiver Membership eligibility, a Kinship Caregiver refers to a kinship caregiver who is an approved placement provider. Membership fees are paid annually.
Together, We’re Redefining Caregiving in Alberta
Take back control of your caregiving experience and connect with the community that truly understands. Join us today and access unparalleled support, resources, and benefits created just for you.
To become an AFKA member, click the button above to complete the online form and pay securely.
If you prefer to avoid paying online, you can submit your application in person, by fax, email, or mail.
For your convenience, download the AFKA Membership Application 2023 here.