Who Is Herbie Newell?

            I chose Herbie Newell as my VIP for this week for several reasons. He has an interesting story, and he provides a valuable service to children and families. I am not interested in fostering or adopting a child, but I found his services to be interesting. I am sending them along for anyone who may be looking for a child or children to take into their home.


            Newell is the president and executive director of Lifeline Children’s Services. He has held this position for 16 years. This organization is based in Alabama, and it “serves vulnerable children around the world.” Here are his own words.

First, and this is, I believe, what has been a big … part of the growth that we’ve seen in the ministry over the last 16 and a half years, and that is really identifying the children who are in need. 

I think a lot of times … a family has a desire, or they have a calling to take care of a child and then you kind of start with, unfortunately, at times, what kind of child are you looking for? What are the specifics of a child’s background that you’re looking for? 

And really what we’ve tried to focus on the last 16 and a half years is not necessarily what is a family looking for, but truly what are the children in need of, and then going and recruiting families that can meet the needs of that child. 

            I think that this is a different approach from what usually happens. The family looks for a specific type of child, whereas an agency should look for a couple or family that can bless the child. If you are looking for more information on fostering or adopting a child or children, check out this interview.