Born from the foundation's heart for orphans, the Agape Care Alliance is a collaborative learning community for organizations working to strengthen care for vulnerable children and families. As an alliance member, you'll gain access to practical tools, trusted partners, and a peer network of leaders facing similar challenges. You'll also receive insightful assessment, leadership development, training on expanded models of care, and more. Together, we can create a world where more children experience the love and stability of family. 

Thanks to the ACA, we learned about new models of care that have opened up many possibilities. 

—Ivan Sanchez, FORMER Executive Director, City of Children

One of the most valuable lessons was understanding that some children prefer to live with their families. Before, we thought that once they arrived at our children's home, our duty was to care for them here. But today we believe that, if possible and safe, the best thing to do is to help their families so they can welcome them back. We now understand that to help, we don't just have to follow one model of care. Helping a child also means letting them go, putting their well-being first."

Strategic Partners

Current Strategic Partners:

Member Ministries

Current Member Ministries:

Strategic Partners are established organizations that provide expertise, training, assessments, coaching, implementation models, or technical support to strengthen Member Ministries and the broader Alliance. 

Member Ministries are Church of Christ-affiliated organizations that operate residential children’s homes. They actively participate in alliance activities and events, use our tools (Thrive Assessment, Improvement Roadmap, etc.), and receive feedback for improvement. They are committed to strengthening the care they provide and exploring expansion toward a continuum of care.

The Agape Care Alliance includes two primary participation categories:

While this is not a one‑size‑fits‑all program, here are some of the many benefits every member can expect:

WHy join ACA?

Membership benefits

Proven Tools and Assessments

Training to Expand the Continuum of Care

Individual Coaching and Spiritual Support

Organizational Development and Capacity Building

Experiential Learning Opportunities

A Global Peer Learning Community

Influence and Leadership Opportunities

While we meet members where they are and work with them to strengthen care in their specific contexts, we do emphasize the continuum of care approach whenever possible. A continuum of care is a way of thinking about child welfare that recognizes children and families have different needs at different times, so no single solution fits every child. Instead of seeing care as only “orphanage” or “adoption,” a continuum of care includes a range of connected supports and family-based options like prevention, reunification, and kinship care. Our strategic partners are experts in this area, and will work closely with you to explore applicable family‑centered approaches for your organization.


An expansive approach to child welfare

Is ACA right for you?

if your organization is...

  • A residential children's care ministry affiliated with the Church of Christ denomination and rooted in Christian values.
  • Committed to continuous improvement, open to learning from peers, and interested in strengthening care while thoughtfully exploring broader approaches such as family-based care. 
  • Able to elect two representatives to participate in ACA activities like our semi-monthly online roundtables, an annual week-long summit, site visits, etc.
  • Willing and eager to contribute insights to the community.

...then we might be a fit!

Online RoundTable with participants from Ghana, Mexico, and Honduras.

Planning for our 2026 Honduras site visit to learn about best practices in orphan care.

The ACA Pilot cohort at the annual Christian Alliance for Orphans Summit in Houston, Texas in 2025.

NEXT STEP

Step 2: Complete Application

Interested in joining AGA?

After our interview, we'll send you an ACA membership application to complete. This helps the Leadership Council better understand your ministry’s care model, governance, and readiness to participate in the Alliance.

NEXT STEP

Step 3: Mutual Discernment

Interested in joining AGA?

We'll walk together through a discernment process to ensure alignment in mission, values, and readiness to grow. This is not a barrier; it is the foundation of a trusted, committed community.

First step

Step 4: onboarding

Interested in joining AGA?

Once accepted, you'll identify your two primary representatives who will participate in the alliance and complete your first Thrive Assessment to establish a baseline. Our team will welcome you to the community and help you get involved.

The Agape Care Alliance goes beyond offering resources and support—we offer a pathway for growth, connection, and transformation—so you can help more children thrive.

We believe we're Better together

This is about more than resources.

get in touch

Frequently asked questions

If you are interested in joining the alliance as a member or partner, please fill out our contact form and we will be in touch about next steps if we think you might be a good fit for us at this time. Read more about our process here.

Yes, members must be affiliated with the Church of Christ denomination.

No, all expenses are covered by the McCoy Family Foundation.

While your organization is considered a part of the alliance, member ministries will elect two representatives to actively participate in alliance activities. This should be one executive-level representative and one additional representative.