Our mission is to improve the lives of children impacted by foster care through advocacy, resources, and support.
Support for the Foster Care Community
Our foster care support programs are designed to provide holistic and ongoing assistance to foster families, ensuring they have the resources, guidance, and community they need throughout their fostering journey. We begin by recruiting and supporting foster parents, helping them navigate the initial transition with first night supplies provided directly at DCFS offices. Our foster care closet offers a wide range of essentials, including clothing, school uniforms, beds, baby gear, and more, all at no cost to foster families. We also operate a welcoming center where children entering foster care can shower, enjoy a meal, and select the items they need before moving to their foster homes, making their transition as smooth and comforting as possible.
Beyond these immediate needs, we provide continuous support to caseworkers and foster families by hosting supervised family visitations in a warm and nurturing environment, complete with both indoor and outdoor spaces for families to connect and create lasting memories. Our programs also include special resources such as freezer meals to ease the burden of a new placement, weighted blankets to help children feel secure, and a well-stocked library with books for both children and foster parents. Through these comprehensive services, we aim to empower foster families, ensuring they are well-equipped to provide the stability and care that every child in foster care deserves.
YOU+CO Youth Development Program
YOU+CO is committed to supporting and empowering youth impacted by foster care as they transition into adulthood. We understand that young people impacted by foster care often face instability, trauma, and a lack of consistent support. YOU+CO exists to fill those gaps by providing resources, guidance, essential life skills, and community necessary for youth to thrive.
At the heart of YOU+CO is the belief that every young person deserves to feel safe, valued, and loved. We offer a welcoming environment where teens and young adults can form meaningful connections with peers who understand their journey. Through this sense of belonging, youth gain the confidence to share their stories, advocate for their needs, and work toward their goals Our Youth Community Events provide a space for young people to gather, enjoy meals, and engage in social and skill-building activities. These events foster friendships and reduce feelings of isolation.
A vital extension of YOU+CO is our Youth Advisory Board, composed of current and former foster youth who actively participate in program development and implementation. This board plays a dual role: advocating for systemic improvements and serving as a powerful reminder to all participants that their voices matter. By elevating youth voices, we ensure that our services remain relevant and effective while fostering leadership and self-advocacy skills.
In addition, YOU+CO offers in-depth case management to identify goals, connect them with resources, and essential services such as housing support, education assistance, mental health care, and more. This personalized support helps youth develop the resilience and skills needed to transition successfully into adulthood.
YOU+CO is deeply rooted in community partnerships and collaboration. We work alongside local organizations, churches, and community members to expand the opportunities available to our youth.
Through YOU+CO, we are not just providing services; we are building a community where youth impacted by foster care can find hope, develop resilience, and envision a brighter future. Together, we are ensuring that every young person knows they are not alone—their story matters, and their future is full of possibility.
Community Engagement
At our core, we believe in the power of community to uplift and support children and families in foster care. Our Community Outreach initiatives are designed to engage the wider community in meaningful ways, ensuring every child has the resources and support they need. We are committed to uniting community members who want to make an impact and creating a supportive environment where children can thrive.
By collaborating with churches, local organizations, and civic groups, we bridge the gap between community generosity and the needs of the foster care system. We invite you to join us in this mission—whether through volunteering, hosting a drive, helping with events, or supporting our programs. Your involvement can help build a more connected and compassionate community where every child has the opportunity to succeed.
Family Strengthening Programs
We believe that strong, resilient families are the cornerstone of a thriving community. Our Family Strengthening Programs focus on empowering biological families, equipping them with the resources and support they need to create stable, nurturing environments for their children.
Driving this initiative is My Community Cares, a program dedicated to building the capacity of our community and connecting families to essential services and supports. Through My Community Cares, we work closely with families to help them build resilience. By linking families to a network of community resources, we aim to address the root causes of instability and foster long-term well-being.
