Spend time connecting with other TFI Advocates, enjoying time away, and developing your leadership skills!
TFI ADVOCATE RETREAT
Connect with purpose.
October 2-4, 2024
Des Moines, Iowa
Find connection. Be encouraged. Rest.
Join us at the TFI Advocate Retreat for three days of connection, encouragement, and rest. Immerse yourself in a supportive community of other TFI Advocates who share your passion and dedication. Discover fresh perspectives, gain valuable insights, and leave inspired to make an even greater impact in your community.
THIS YEAR'S THEME:
Word & Deed
What if creating a ministry of impact hinged not on more activity but something else? Rediscover the path to true impact by embracing a ministry of both Word and Deed. When we lead ministries out of a heart grounded in the Gospel, we will create the very thing we’re striving after: a ministry of impact.
“Loved my first time! I can’t wait to come back! (I am) motivated to keep loving the Lord and doing HIS work!” TFI Advocate; Hanna Thrower-(Butler County, AL)
“You knocked it out of the park! Thank you for giving us this time to get away and be refreshed. I did not realize how badly my soul needed fresh wind and fresh fire. God bless you all! Keep being awesome.” TFI Advocate; Brittany Clark- (Knox County, OH)
“It was such a blessing and gift not to worry about meals and already have that planned out. Thank you! This was such a great time to reset, reconnect, and find renewed purpose/excitement for ministry.” TFI Advocate; Jamie Fifarek- (Bloomington, IL)
“Loved the balance of training and free time to rest! Amazing - so refreshing and helpful! I feel refueled and ready to go into another year of ministry. Thank you!” TFI Advocate; Tiffani Saltsman- (Boone County, KY)
A MIDWESTERN RENAISSANCE
Surety Hotel
At Surety Hotel in downtown Des Moines, they combine modern elegance with nods to their roots as the Savings & Loan building in every room. Each detail and amenity has been thoughtfully considered for your comfort and delight.
Schedule
Wednesday, October 2
5:00-6:00p Welcome Reception
6:00-7:30p Dinner
7:30-9:00p Dessert & Gathering
Thursday, October 3
7:30-8:30a Breakfast
8:45-9:25a Session 1: Remembering Our Love
9:25-10:40a Session 2: Reorienting Our Lives
10:40-10:55a Break
10:55a-12:00p Session 3: Refining Our Approach
12:00-1:00p Lunch
1:15-2:30p Session 4: Reaching Our Churches
2:30-6:00p Free Time
6:00-8:00p Dinner
8:00-9:00p Worship
Friday, October 4
7:30-8:30a Breakfast
8:45-9:45a Breakouts
Option 1: All Things Agency Appreciation – Liz
Option 2: Developing a Healthy Team – Sarah
10:00-11:10a Session 5: Reviewing Our Calendars
11:10a-12:00p Closing
12:00p Check-out
Session 1: Remembering Our Love
Ministries of impact start with and are sustained by the One who has and is making all things new again, the One who has gone before us to create a path toward true hope and freedom. In our desire to support the foster care community, let us first sit in and remember God’s redemption story. The gospel changed us. It’s what the world needs. It’s what we need to continually be refreshed in as we move in and toward loving others well. We must remember our love: the gospel.
Session 2: Reorienting Our Lives
The gospel wasn’t meant for our salvation only but for the continual renewing of our minds. What we believe about God, the gospel, and ourselves each day impacts everything: the way we live, love, worship, and yes, lead a ministry. Though valuable, your role as a TFI advocate is not who you are. It is just one expression of what God has called you to do. Before we move to the specifics of leading a ministry, we’re taking one more look at you as we lean into your heart. As we follow Jesus, He reorients our lives toward the things that matter most to Him, and in that, we get to experience deep contentment and joy.
Session 3: Refining Our Approach
As the Word settles into our hearts and minds, it leads us to see people around us differently, including agency workers and the families they support. Our faith shows itself in our deeds by the way we talk to and walk with those who may not share our convictions. As a ministry that is dedicated to following Jesus, we can face unique challenges and opportunities as we approach our foster care agency. It’ll take gentleness, conviction, and curiosity as we seek to reach the agency with the hope of Jesus. Together, we’ll explore how to refine our approach to love well while remaining committed to our faith.
Session 4: Reaching Our Churches
Walking alongside a foster care agency is just one side of the equation in TFI. Just as important is walking alongside the church well. As we build relationships within the agency, we get closer to more and more immediate needs of the foster care community. So much so, that it can be hard to know how to invite the church in. It’s quicker for us to jump in alone. Yet, as a ministry set out to engage the larger church, we must find pathways for continued engagement with more than just a few in our churches. Reaching our churches will take an invitation saturated with prayer, patience, and partnership.
Session 5: Reviewing Our Calendars
Finally, we’ll pull it all together with a practical look at the calendar. To have enduring ministries grounded on the truth and displaying themselves in deed, we must plan with intentionality so as to run at a sustainable pace for ourselves and our churches. In so doing, we often set ourselves up to be more adaptable to the agency. With urgent needs continually coming both personally and in ministry, there is always more that could be done. Together, we’ll consider what we want for the year ahead and how to establish rhythms that align with our priorities.
Breakout Sessions:
All Things Agency Appreciation
This breakout session will focus on TFI’s core value of celebration. We’ll then delve into brainstorming specific ways to show our appreciation to agencies, followed by practical steps for planning, and engaging the church community.
Developing a Healthy Team
In this breakout session, we will explore how to cultivate a healthy volunteer team in your ministry area. Emphasizing unity in Christ, we will discuss the importance of prayer and aligning our volunteer service with God’s purpose. Participants will leave with practical tools and resources to nurture a Christ-centered team dynamic.
Have Questions?
Read through the answers to these F.A.Q.’s to find help.
How much will Retreat cost?
We’d love to see you at Retreat, so much so that we’ll cover the costs of one room for your 2-night stay and all of the shared meals we’ve arranged for our group! We’ll ask you to cover the rest of your expenses which might include: transportation, parking, free time activities, and any meals while traveling.
Can I bring someone with me to Retreat?
Retreat is tailored to you, the TFI Advocate. Our desire that this is a time for you to be filled up—to find connection, be encouraged, and rest. You are welcome to bring your spouse or an approved Coordinator along with you that you don’t mind sharing a hotel room with. If you decide you would prefer to bring someone along rather than coming by yourself, we recommend considering the person (spouse/approved Coordinator) who would encourage you in finding connection with other Advocates and making the most of this time together!
I have special dietary needs. Can you accommodate me?
Yes, when you RSVP, please note any special accommodations you or your guest may need.
Is training credit (continuing education) available to foster parents?
Yes! Training certificates will be made available that you can submit to your licensing worker. It will be the Advocate’s responsibility to complete the training certificate and submit that paperwork to your licensing worker for approval. Unfortunately, we are not able to guarantee that each state or licensing agency will grant training credit.
How do I register?
Please fill out the form below. Registration is open during the month of June.
Can I bring my child/children to Retreat?
We love your kids but thought you could use a couple of days off! Adults-only, please and thank you.
If Retreat is free, why are you asking for a credit card?
TFI National is honored to be able to offer Retreat as a free event to our Advocates and a guest! You may notice that this year we are requiring a credit card with your event registration. This year, if you register and let us know you are unable to attend after August 27th, you will be charged a cancellation fee of $100. Our intent is not to put any barriers between you and attending. Rather, it allows us to plan more accurately for the number of guests attending and optimize your experience. Historically, with any cancellations we have absorbed all hotel costs. This will help contribute to the costs we will pay upon your inability to attend at the last minute. Please contact [email protected] if you have any questions or concerns.
Where will the event take place?
The event will take place at Surety Hotel in Des Moines, IA. Find more information and details at https://suretyhotel.com/
When should I arrive?
We would recommend arriving between 3:00-4:30 pm CST to have some time to settle and prepare for our evening together.
If you are joining us for the pre-Retreat service opportunity (more info below), details are still getting sorted out but you can plan for an 8:00-8:15 am meetup time.
Can I come early or stay late?
Surety Hotel has been kind enough to extend a group rate for shoulder dates to our guests as long as there is availability. If you are interested in extending your stay, reach out to [email protected], and she will connect you with the right people! Arriving early or staying late would be something that you are responsible for covering costs for, including joining us for our pre-Retreat add-on.
I’m flying in. Can you help me get from the airport to the hotel?
We recommend flying into Des Moines International Airport, which is just 4.8 miles from the hotel. We recommend a ride sharing service like Uber or Lyft (est. $12-20), or a rental car, though you will not need a vehicle on-site for the duration of the event. Unfortunately, we are unable to coordinate your personal transportation from the airport. Should you desire to connect with other Advocates about ground transportation from the airport, indicate your interest on our RSVP form.
I'm driving. What is the parking situation?
There are a few parking options for Surety Hotel. There is a convenience parking lot across the street (south of the hotel) and a parking garage behind the hotel (to the west of the hotel). Daily meter parking is also available, but not overnight. If you are planning to park your vehicle and leave it for a while, we would recommend going to the garage behind the hotel. Please note that there is not a direct entrance from the garage to the hotel, so plan to re-enter through the front door. Sorry for any inconvenience!
What should I wear?
On our first evening, we are going to be having a welcome dinner. This will be an opportunity to dress up a little bit! Outside of this, the event is casual. Feel free to dress however you feel most comfortable.
What is this pre-Retreat optional service opportunity?
For the first time, we are inviting our Advocates and their guests to join the National team before Retreat programming officially begins! On Wednesday, October 2nd, we are going to meet in the Atrium of Surety Hotel and go together to serve with a local nonprofit organization. While all of the details are still getting sorted out, you can plan for an 8:00-8:15a meetup time, a time of service together, and lunch provided. We will return to the hotel around lunchtime and break until the check-in and welcome reception. We would love for you to join us in giving back to the city that is hosting us. Stay tuned for more information to come!
