Tina Stump is a mother on a mission. A mission to help children without families find permanent homes.

Stump has one biological child, has adopted four and is the foster mom for another.

“One family can only do so much,” she said. “We need other families to stand up.”

Stump said there are about 114,000 children waiting to be adopted in the U.S. and 143 million orphans around the world. With a love for children, she started Open Arms, an orphan and adoption ministry through the Hannaford Street Bible Church.

A few months ago, the church hosted an event highlighting the need for families to open their homes to those children.

Loni Charlton attended that event and left inspired. Charlton had three biological children before becoming a foster parent. Through her experiences she became acutely aware of the need for families willing to become foster parents and adopt children in Helena and elsewhere.

After attending the Open Arms event, she spent the summer planning the same type of awareness fair at her home church, Canyon Ferry Road Baptist Church.

The “Cry of the Forgotten” event was held on Sunday at the Baptist church east of Helena, showcasing more than 10 organizations that work with these children and families.

Charlton hopes each organization gains a few volunteers because of the event.

“Through helping any service, we in the community can fill the gaps,” she said.

Kendra Rose with Family Outreach, who attended, said sometimes there’s a misconception about the tremendous amount of need for foster and adoptive families.

“These children need families and love,” she said.

Greg King with Big Brothers Big Sisters recognized that not everyone can adopt or foster children, but it only takes an hour a week to get involved in a child’s life and make a huge difference, he said.

Other agencies at the event included Court Appointed Special Advocates, Intermountain, Catholic Social Services, Pregnancy Resource Center and Wendy’s Wonderful Kids.

Liz Flynn, marketing director for Florence Crittenton, a home for pregnant and parenting young women, said there are many areas at the organization where volunteers are needed.

Anything from rocking a baby to becoming a mentor for one of the residents is welcome, Flynn said.

“We know that children from 0 to 3 years old are the most vulnerable, and the other (group) is adolescents,” she said. “We at Florence Crittenton have the opportunity to help them both.”

Stump said being visible is the key to increasing awareness: “If people know there’s a need that’s put in front of them, maybe they’ll get involved.”

There’s a long list of ways to get involved that reach beyond financial donations, and Cry of the Forgotten host Charlton hopes events like hers motivate families to get involved.

“Get involved in a child’s life somehow,” Charlton said. “Everyone can do something.”

Reporter Alana Listoe: 447-4081 or alana.listoe@helenair.com