An Enduring Commitment to Families
For nearly two decades, CAFO has been committed to strengthening and encouraging the people of God as they welcome vulnerable children into their lives.
As our newest initiative, the Institute for Family-Centered Healing & Health exists to help foster and adoptive parents nurture the healing and health of their children, rooted in Scripture and the best available research.
We’re excited about the future of the Family Institute and new resources now in development to help foster and adoptive parents. Join our email list to stay updated!
Our Focus Areas
Devoted to the long-term success of Christian foster and adoptive families, we’re here to help organizations, agencies and churches better support the families they serve. The Institute operates as a dynamic hub for practitioners, experts and other leaders.
Curating Best-in-Class Resources
Highlighting trustworthy research and resources, tailored for Christian foster and adoptive parents.
Filling the Gaps
Creating new, practical trainings and other resources for online, print and video.
Cultivating Improvement
Nurturing fresh insight and practices across the field as a dynamic hub for experts and practitioners.
We are grounded on four foundational truths:
Connect with us at CAFO2024 Summit
Join us at our annual conference to learn from some of the best Christian leaders and practitioners in this space— finding deep wisdom and practical guidance for the road ahead!
Hi! I'm Rachel Medefind.
Rachel Medefind serves as Director of the CAFO Institute for Family-Centered Healing and Health.
She and her husband, Jedd, have welcomed children via birth, adoption, and foster care. Rachel has served as the primary educator for their five children through the majority of their school-aged years.
Rachel’s professional career began with a focus on physical therapy. After graduating from Loma Linda University’s School of Allied Health Professions, she provided care and recovery therapies in hospitals and clinics for patients following serious injuries, surgeries, and strokes. This work convinced Rachel that whole-person healing is necessary for true health and thriving. She also saw that small actions can be transformative when consistently repeated over time.
