Kids at Heart is a program of Heart of the Rockies Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) that supports and recruits foster, adoptive and respite families and their children in Larimer County. We mobilize volunteers to provide direct support to all foster and adoptive families who take these children into their homes and work hard to provide the love, safety and stability these children need and deserve. We also ‘plant seeds’ of hope and understanding to inspire people to become foster, adoptive or respite parents. We empower other faith and community groups to take action in supporting these kids and families either through volunteering or through initiating their own similar program. Kids at Heart program began in 2002 when the congregation of Heart of the Rockies Christian Church shared in the experiences of one of the families going through the foster-to-adopt process and discovered the unmet needs of the adoption and foster community. Often these families have little social support while they work to heal the damage the children have experienced. This is due to both the restrictions of the foster care system and the difficulty in finding qualified care providers for their children who often have troubled backgrounds.

Fundango:

The most visible work of Kids at Heart is Fundango. Fundango is a respite program for all children of Foster and Adoptive parents in Larimer County. Screened and trained volunteers lead groups through stations like crafts, snack and games. While we are playing, parents have an opportunity to take a break from parenting. Parents pick up their children after the program refreshed and energized. 

During the months of September and May we have two events a month, one in Fort Collins and one in Loveland.  During the summer we have one event a month, better known as the SUPER FUNDANGO. Unless noted, our events are from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. The cost is $5.00 a child, not to exceed $15.00 a family.

Camp Fundango:

Camp Fundango is our new respite weekend for the entire family.  This past year we served 21 families .  We are currently working on camp for next year.

Kids Night Out:

Kids Night Out is another opportunity for families to receive respite.  Our first event will be partnering with Jumpin' in Loveland.  Jumpin' will close its doors and allow us to bring 110 jumpers with us.  We hope to have 3-4 of these events throughout the year.

Kids at Heart believes that we are living our faith by supporting vulnerable children and the families that are sustaining them. We encourage all people regardless of religious beliefs to volunteer with Kids at Heart and support a community and individual children in need.

If you would like more information or would like to register your child, please contact our Director, Erica Wharton at (970) 223-1230 or via email at director@kidsatheartfundango.org