by Manassas, Virginia, 13th February 2026, ZEX PR WIRE, Pastor Robert Griffith Virginia is teaming up with Backyard Orphans, a national foster care ministry, to bring attention to one of the country’s most pressing but under-addressed needs: the lack of safe homes for children in crisis. This spring, Griffith will participate in a two-day golf fundraiser at the Trump Doral Resort in Miami, joining other ministry leaders, business professionals, and donors to support the organization’s expanding reach.
Backyard Orphans has spent over a decade training churches to lead local foster care initiatives. Their model is simple but effective: equip church leaders to build orphan care ministries in their own communities. Since launching in 2011, the organization has worked with more than 3,127 churches across nearly every U.S. state and helped place over 3,261 children into supportive, Christ-centered homes.
“This isn’t just a charity cause. It’s a mission,” said Pastor Griffith. “The foster system is overwhelmed, and because the Church is designed for this, they are in a great position to help. As Christ followers, we’re called to it, and Backyard Orphans gives us the tools to act.”
Griffith has volunteered with Backyard Orphans for several years. As a pastor, professor, and founder of the nonprofit 1Hope Together, he is deeply committed to sustainable foster care ministry. He views the upcoming fundraiser not only as an opportunity for giving impact, but also as a way to build awareness among leaders who might otherwise never consider engaging with the issue.
The Miami event includes two rounds of golf on one of the nation’s most iconic courses. It also offers space for deeper conversation and connection. “Couples will enjoy the food and time at the pool…The golfer’s spouse may enjoy one of the many resort amenities while you sink that putt on 18,” Griffith joked. “But the real win is helping children find stability and discipleship in a safe home.”
$200 Per Child: A Model That Works
Backyard Orphans has a clear plan. Every $200 raised helps move one child toward a safe home. That includes everything from church training and volunteer mobilization to agency partnerships and long-term support for families.
“We don’t run group homes or adoption agencies,” said the organization’s founder and CEO, an ordained missionary and former staff member of a church that also did great work helping vulnerable children. “We activate churches. Our job is to make sure churches know how to lead foster care ministries in their backyard, with local buy-in and lasting care.”
The results speak for themselves. By investing in leadership development at the church level, Backyard Orphans has seen scalable impact across rural towns, urban centers, and suburban communities alike.
Pastor Bob Griffith, Virginia Brings Ministry and Strategy
Griffith’s role as a volunteer complements his broader work in faith-based leadership. He has served as the lead pastor of Christ Chapel Church in the Washington, DC suburbs and as executive pastor of a large multi-site church in the Midwest. He teaches theology and leadership at Southeastern University and consults with churches throughout Virginia.
His book, Fostering Jesus, challenges churches to partner with existing systems and reclaim their biblical responsibility. He sees Backyard Orphans as one of the most effective vehicles for that mission.
“In foster care ministry, good intentions aren’t enough. You need structure, training, and accountability,” he said. “That’s what Backyard Orphans provides.”
How to Get Involved
The annual golf fundraiser is open to individual donors, corporate sponsors, and ministry leaders seeking to make a tangible difference. Pledges can be made in advance or at the event. All proceeds go directly to program costs that help churches launch and grow foster care ministries.
“Every church has hurting children in their own backyard,” Griffith said. “They’re not far away. They’re already in our schools, our neighborhoods, our backyards. We have a mandate to act.”
For those unable to attend in person, donations are accepted online through give.backyardorphans.org.
To explore local foster care engagement in Virginia, national dialogue, or connect with Griffith’s book Fostering Jesus, visit FosteringJesus.org.
“This isn’t about charity. It’s about calling,” Griffith said. “And the Church is equipped for it. We only need to say yes.”
Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No House Loan Guide journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.
