Faith in Action: The Birth of Alongside Families with Emily Kemmann

In Episode 74 of "Realign Your Life Podcast," host Vivian Smith Richardson talks to Emily Kemmann, founder of Alongside Families, a nonprofit dedicated to preventing children from entering foster care by offering crisis child hostings. Emily's childhood on the Mexico border and her social work experience highlighted the need for earlier interventions to aid families in crisis, inspiring her leap of faith to start this organization through the support of local churches.

During the episode titled "Faith in Action: The Birth of Alongside Families with Emily Kemmann," listeners get an intimate view of how Emily's upbringing and career led her to establish a collaborative, values-driven nonprofit that engages churches in supporting family preservation. Emily details how churches of all sizes can get involved in this vital ministry. She shares her coping strategies for managing the emotional toll of her work, including specific prayers and self-care practices.

Listeners are encouraged to engage with the mission of Alonglike Families via their website, www.alongsidefamilies.org, or by calling 704-900-0150 if in the Charlotte or Asheville areas of North Carolina. Through Emily’s story, Vivian urges the audience to consider how they, too can realign their lives to serve others, further supporting the episode’s theme of putting one's faith into action. The discussion rounds out with an invitation for feedback and suggestions on future podcast content through social media or email.

 

Key Moments: 

00:10 Missionary upbringing in Mexico shapes deep compassion.

06:56 Extensive social work experience advocating for intervention.

10:24 Supporting families in crises, preventing unnecessary foster care.

12:30 Balancing work and personal life in family preservation.

16:45 Hezekiah spreads letter before Lord, prays for guidance.

20:46 Becoming a locally headquartered nonprofit was best.

22:24 Unplanned nonprofit journey led to serving families.

28:01 Prayerful hiring process for a supportive team.

31:39 Supportive spouse, family, friends, and professional network.

33:27 Church partnership is essential for loving neighbors, impactful ministry.

38:40 Trusting God's calling despite feeling unprepared.

39:40 Trust in God's equipping for your journey.

 

About the Guest : 

Emily Kemmann is a Christ-follower, nonprofit leader, and social work professional dedicated to fostering healthy families and strong communities. She is passionate about holistic family preservation, aiming to heal families today and for future generations. As the Founder & Executive Director of Alongside Families, Emily mobilizes and equips local churches to prevent unnecessary foster care placements and support isolated families. Emily and her husband, Lars, have a 1-year-old son who brings wonder and adventure to their everyday lives.

Links to connect Emily: 

Website: https://www.alongsidefamilies.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alongsidefamilies

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alongsidefamilies/

About Vivian:

Vivian’s lifetime desire has been to impact the lives of both women and men. As a critical thought leader and strategic thinker, her passion is to help women and men develop their best quality and place in life. Knowing that regardless of what season of life they are in – they are valued. As a community builder and masterful networker, she values and welcomes every person she encounters. Through her interactions with various cultures and backgrounds, the realization that there needed to be a platform for them to express and share their concerns, shame, disappointments, desires, and experiences in a safe, non-threatening environment without judgment led her to establish Vivian Richardson Resources and the non-profit God’s Kind of Woman, where women are empowered to know they are Powerful – Prepared – and –Purposeful! You can visit https://realignwithvivian.com/ for more.