Raising Arrows is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the foster and kinship community across Logan, Champaign, Clark, Union, Hardin, and Shelby counties.
Their mission is to improve the lives of children by coming alongside foster and kinship families as they nurture the children in their care.
The organization provides essential items at no cost, including clothing for infants through young adults, shoes, coats, toys, books, diapers and wipes, baby accessories, and other necessities.
Raising Arrows also hosts quarterly events designed to foster connections among the families they serve.
The ministry began with a seed planted in the hearts of Shane and Crystal Burgel.
In June 2019, the Burgel family shared their experiences as a foster family at a Celebration of Life service.
Also speaking that day were representatives from Seeds of Hope, a nonprofit providing necessities to foster families.
Inspired by their message, Shane and Crystal felt called to start a similar ministry.
By April 2021, Crystal felt God nudging her to act on this idea.
After sharing on Facebook about collecting items for foster families, support quickly poured in.
Nicki Kimball reached out to partner in the ministry after having a dream about helping in a store with children’s clothes, and foster mom Katie Krabill offered her assistance as she was also seeking to create a similar outreach.
Donations began coming in immediately, and it became clear that the Burgels’ garage was too small.
With the help of Liz Carter, who offered a space for the store and assisted with the nonprofit setup, Raising Arrows opened its own store by June 2021.
Sunday morning, Megan Kandel, Secretary of the Board at Raising Arrows, sat down with News Director April King:
Raising Arrows continues to be blessed with resources, volunteers, and community support, allowing the ministry to expand its impact on foster and kinship families.
Local businesses, individuals, and families contribute through donations, volunteer work, spreading awareness, and prayers for the ministry.
Katie Krabill serves as the foster parents liaison.
The board of directors includes Kim Cline, Nicki Kimball, Nikki Blair, Jodi Montgomery, Angie Thomas, Crystal Burgel, and Megan Kandel.
Learn more about Raising Arrows HERE.
