Jedd Medefind

CAFO President

Desiring to help inspire and grow this deep transformation, Jedd serves as President of the Christian Alliance for Orphans.

Through CAFO, more than 300 respected organizations unite in shared initiatives to inspire and equip families, churches and organizations for effective service to vulnerable children and families — from adoption and US foster care, to aid and empowerment programs worldwide.

Prior to his this role, Jedd served in the White House as a Special Assistant to President George W. Bush, leading the Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives. In this post, he oversaw reform efforts across the government to make community- and faith-based groups central partners in all Federal efforts to aid the needy, from prisoner reentry to global AIDS. As described by the Harvard Political Review, these reforms “fundamentally changed the government’s strategy for improving the lives of the downtrodden…”

Previously, Jedd held a range of posts in the California State Legislature. He has worked, studied and served in more than thirty countries, with organizations ranging from Price-Waterhouse in Moscow to Christian Life Bangladesh.

Jedd writes and speaks frequently about faith, human flourishing, and wise use of emerging technology. His books include Upended and Four Souls, and his appear in publications ranging from the Wall Street Journal and Washington Post to Comment Magazine and The Gospel Coalition. He also appears regularly on radio and podcast interviews with both faith-based and mainstream outlets, from NPR and Al Jazeera to Moody Radio. Jedd’s most recent book, Becoming Home, spotlights how families and churches can embrace vulnerable children with wisdom and love through adoption, foster care, mentoring and more.

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Latest Articles by Jedd Medefind

The End of Roe is the Beginning

Today's Dobbs decision from the Supreme Court takes its place among the most momentous in US history.  It is a milestone, attesting to the preciousness of life itself -- not only...
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Introducing … the Theme of CAFO2022!

To enjoy an audio version of this post read by Jedd Medefind, click below. The Chinese government agent spoke without emotion, but his words carried electricity, “You are...
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Windows into the Invasion of Ukraine … and Specifics on How to Pray

The world watches tragedy unfold in Ukraine.  The war will damage everything it touches, from local electric grids to the global economy.  Whatever else will occur, we can know this: ...
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A New Era of Community-Based Social Work – Lessons Learned from Impossible Odds

Guest Blog Post Ian Forber-Pratt, grantee coach for CAFO's Rapid Return Grant Project. A little-known consequence of the pandemic has been government-mandated "rapid return” of children. Children in many residential...
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New Podcast Episode: How Seeing Your Smallness Can be Marvelously Freeing

After a bit of a hiatus, we’re starting back up on interviews for the Justice & the Inner Life podcast. As always, we’ll explore what it takes to live well and serve...
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The Sobering Data on COVID-19’s Impact on Vulnerable Children Worldwide

This month's edition of LIGHT magazine carries an array of articles on human dignity, including an article I wrote, "Children of COVID-19."  It highlights the measurable impacts of the pandemic upon vulnerable children in...
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