On mission to end the child welfare crisis in America
2024: A YEAR OF GROWTH + IMPACT
2024 was a transformational year for For Others, marked by clarity, first- time events, and unprecedented growth. We adopted a revised mission statement and launched a bold Theory of Change aimed at ending the child welfare crisis through a Well-Being Support Ecosystem (WBSE) in every state. These ecosystems focus on keeping families together, finding ideal placements for children when needed, and empowering communities to help families thrive. We’re thrilled to report that a piece of the WBSE is now active in five states!
A highlight of the year was our first Founder's Retreat in the breathtaking setting of Big Sky, Montana. Over 40 couples came together to build relationships and explore the challenges within the child welfare space. Throughout the retreat, some of our incredible partner organizations shared their transformative work and datadriven results, reinforcing the life-changing impact they are making every day.
The reach of For Others continues to grow. We have been invited to the table for conversations with state leaders across the nation. Each state presents unique challenges, and with your steadfast support and partnership, we are delivering innovative solutions tailored to their specific needs. We're constantly in awe of the doors God is opening and the opportunities we've been given to serve.
As you read through our 2024 Annual Report, my hope is that you are inspired by the stories of transformation and filled with hope for the future. Together, we are making a lasting impact on families and communities, one state at a time.
With gratitude,
Deb Wyatt EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
FOR OTHERS RAISES awareness AND empowers
FOR OTHERS Blueprint
We refined our mission and strategy over the course of the last year. As a result, we created the For Others Blueprint, our strategy to end the child welfare crisis in America.
At the root of the crisis, we find a disconnect in community solutions for community problems to take families from crisis to thriving. As a result, struggling families don’t get the help they need, and their children pay the highest price.
We believe ecosystems are God's design for creation to flourish. When the interconnected species and environment work as designed, ecosystems sustain and heal themselves.
Each state, county, zip code, and family are ecosystems of their own, but the child welfare crisis indicates many of these ecosystems aren’t thriving. In response, we developed the Well-Being Support Ecosystem, which connects key stakeholders to holistically address the crisis.
A stakeholder can be anyone involved in child welfare but always includes state governments, organizations, churches, and individuals.
No stakeholder can end the child welfare crisis alone. However, with the Well-Being Support Ecosystem, we create collective impact that covers all gaps and helps families thrive.
Well-Being SUPPORT ECOSYSTEM
Community Empowerment
Preservation and Reunification
Family is at the center of everything we do, and each of the three priorities work with the others to move
Ideal Family Placements
Partnering with BEST-IN-CLASS Organizations
For Others partners with best-in-class organizations moving the needle in the child welfare space. So what makes an organization best-in-class? We look for organizations with solutions that are:
Best-in-class organizations understand that no stakeholder can solve the child welfare crisis alone. They seek to collaborate with others who share a common agenda and are committed to data-driven outcomes. Their data reflects their effectiveness, guides their decisions, and is shared freely with their collaborators. They have adaptable, repeatable, and scalable solutions that can be used across communities to provide local solutions for local needs. Each of our partner organizations provides services in one or more of the Well-Being Support Ecosystem’s three priorities.
Leaders from several organizations came together for a panel at our Founder's Retreat. Pictured left to right: Jared Brown, For Others EVP of Strategic Partnerships; Paul Chapman, Director of Restore Hope; Alex Blake, Executive Director of Harvest Life Ministries; Adrien Lewis, Founder & President of CarePortal; Ben Sand, CEO of The Contingent.
2024 impact
One of the wonderful things about working with best-in-class organizations is creating collective impact. Together, we made a huge difference this year.
2,229 Counties Served
60,289 Children Prevented From Entering Foster Care
2,114 Youth Aged Out of Foster Care Served
42,634 Active Volunteers
74,281 Total Children Served
20,793 Active Churches
6,275 Foster Family Leads
2,921 Families Served Toward Reunification
40,948
Total Families Served
CHANGE STARTS WITH AWARENESS
For Others raises awareness of the child welfare crisis through events, music tours, and business partnerships. Celebrities, athletes, musicians, and business professionals have partnered with us and used their platforms to shed light on this crisis, both in their own circles of influence and at various events.
The power of awareness lies in its reach—anyone can learn about the crisis and share their knowledge to inspire change.
Musicians FOR OTHERS
We have the privilege of partnering with amazing artists who advocate for the children and families we support. Both on and off the stage, their voices amplify the voices of the vulnerable and help us reach more states, counties, and zip codes. Thank you to each of our 2024 artist partners: Chris Tomlin, NEEDTOBREATHE, Luke Bryan, Trisha Yearwood, Tyler Hubbard, Thomas Rhett, Shay Mooney, Foy Vance, and Ashley Gorley.
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: NEEDTOBREATHE
Rock band NEEDTOBREATHE believes in music as a vehicle for change. With this mission in mind, the members decided early-on to use their platform to champion causes close to their hearts.
Since 2021, NEEDTOBREATHE has generously supported For Others on three tours and with multiple special appearances at fundraising events. To date, NEEDTOBREATHE alone has helped For Others raise over $1.5 and spread awareness to 351,918 fans
“I was a part of the first couple of meetings that Chris held about the dream of what [For Others] could be. Each year [they’re] more dialed in on what we’re doing and also how we’re going to do it. It’s really cool to see.”
— BEAR RINEHART, LEAD SINGER
We’re thankful for NEEDTOBREATHE and their efforts to help us raise awareness about the child welfare crisis!
Businesses FOR OTHERS
Ashley has become a leader in supporting vulnerable families and children, leveraging its nationwide presence to create a lasting social impact. CEO Chad Spencer’s personal journey with adoption sparked a deep passion for helping children in need. After adopting a child, Chad and his wife Kelley were inspired to partner with Chris and Lauren Tomlin to launch For Others, with Chad now serving as Chairman of the Board.
Chad’s commitment to giving back extends into his leadership at Ashley through the Purchase with Purpose program. A portion of proceeds from every purchase supports organizations working to address the child welfare crisis, including For Others. This initiative not only provides essential funding but also raises awareness about the challenges facing vulnerable children and families.
Additionally, Ashley created the Hope to Dream program, which provides beds to children in need. This program helps prevent children from entering foster care, as many states require a bed for each child to remain in their home.
By educating the public and inspiring action, Ashley demonstrates that businesses of all sizes can have a profound impact when they choose to be "For Others."
Through Ashley, nearly 2,000 beds were donated in 2024. The economic impact of these beds tells a powerful story.
Average cost of one bed:
Average cost to keep a child in foster care:
Average length a child remains in state custody:
Total economic value of a single bed:
Total 2024 Economic Impact of bed donations:
$700
$2,200 MONTHLY* 21.7 MONTHS* $47,740 $95,480,000
Source: The National Council for Adoption*
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Scan for a message from Chad on how your business can be For Others.
A Night OF WORSHIP
Each year, our Vision Gathering event opens with an unforgettable evening of worship, led by none other than our founder, Chris Tomlin. This special night not only brings people together for a time of fellowship, fun, and food, but also serves as a powerful reminder of our collective mission.
Ladies' GATHERING
While golfers hit the course, Lauren Tomlin and Kelley Spencer hosted a Ladies’ Gathering, where old and new friends connect. This year, guests packed “first-night” bags and wrote notes for kids in foster care. Special guest Jodi Green shared her inspiring journey to foster and adopt six siblings, offering insights into the challenges and blessings of fostering. The event creates lasting friendships and meaningful memories.
Celebrity GOLF TOURNAMENT
Golf teams of four played an 18-hole scramble at the beautiful Troubadour Golf and Field Club. Each team was joined by a celebrity guest who graciously lent their day to help make this a truly unique experience. Throughout the course, golfers also enjoyed delicious food, music, giveaways, and bonus activities.
Thank you to every celebrity who graciously gave of their time during our third annual golf tournament. Pictured left to right: Chase Rice, Mason Crosby, Ben Roethlisberger, Nick Foles, Marcus Allen, Tyler Toney, Luke Bryan, Willie Robertson, Drew Brees, Larry the Cable Guy, Kirk Herbstreit, Ben Crane, Dell Curry, Ben Rector, Mike Fisher, TobyMac, Bart Millard, Penny Hardaway, Jerry Stackhouse, Colt McCoy, Dave Ramsey, Brandt Snedeker, Chris Tomlin, and John Maxwell (not pictured).
ONE-OF-A-KIND DINNER, CONCERT, & AUCTION
Vision Gathering guests enjoyed a delicious dinner expertly prepared by award-winning chef Anthony Endy, setting the tone for an unforgettable evening. Larry the Cable Guy, Luke Bryan, Trisha Yearwood, Bear Rinehart, and Foy Vance took the stage to share their incredible performances.
After the concert, the live auction kicked off, featuring once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of our guests, we raised millions to help end the child welfare crisis in America. This is the essence of the Vision Gathering: transforming lives and empowering children and families to move from crisis to thriving.
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Scan to watch the Founder's Retreat recap video
For Others held our first-ever Founder’s Retreat in beautiful Big Sky, Montana on Sept. 30 – Oct. 3, 2024. Hosted by Chris and Lauren Tomlin, the retreat was all about refreshing, inspiring, and casting a vision for the future of For Others. John Maxwell, Levi Lusko, and Darren Whitehead shared their wisdom, and Chris led powerful worship sessions and a songwriter’s night featuring Bear Rinehart and Ashley Gorley.
Guests heard from our expert partner panel about the child welfare crisis: Alex Blake of Harvest House, Adrien Lewis of CarePortal, Ben Sand of The Contingent, and Paul Chapman of Restore Hope.
We shared For Others’ bold approach to ending the crisis in America. Many guests gave financially, while others left fired up about making connections with their state leadership. One couple even decided to start the process of becoming foster parents.
Because of this incredible retreat, For Others is engaging in conversations with stakeholders in multiple states about implementing the Well-Being Support Ecosystem. The momentum is growing, and we anticipate even more expansion in 2025.
“You show me someone who is grateful, and I'll show you someone who is generous.”
JOHN MAXWELL
“Comfort zones don't make your life safe; they make your life small.”
LEVI LUSKO
ADDRESSING the CRISIS , STATE by STATE
Every state faces unique challenges, and that's why For Others takes a state-by-state approach. We prioritize local solutions for local problems, striving to understand the community’s needs first. This includes analyzing public-private dynamics, government policies, and the roles of existing community and state organizations and leaders.
The truth is there’s no nationwide, one-size-fits-all solution to the child welfare crisis. But when we all work together to fulfill our unique roles at the local level, we create collective impact that lasts.
WHEN GOVERNMENT and FOR OTHERS JOIN HANDS
Our founder, Chris Tomlin, hosted the 8th annual Good Friday Nashville concert, drawing 15,889 people for an unforgettable night of music and raising awareness.
The evening also became a milestone moment for Tennessee’s children in foster care. Governor Bill Lee announced the launch of Every Child Tennessee, a groundbreaking initiative created to serve the state’s children and families before, during, and after foster care.
Lance Villio, Executive Director of the Governor’s Faith-Based and Community Initiative, envisioned a collective impact model to tackle the foster care crisis. The For Others Team was honored to partner closely with Lance and other state leaders to lay the groundwork for this transformative program, proving the importance of collaboration.
OTHERS
“This
program
would not have gotten off the ground without For Others,”
Lance said.
Every Child TN officially launched in August 2024, uniting communities across the state. Since then, the initiative is already
making a difference, mobilizing Tennesseans to turn the tide in foster care. We’re excited to see what’s ahead for not only Tennessee but also the nation with solutions rooted in faith, community, and hope.
Scan to watch more on For Others and Every Child TN
TO DATE, EVERY CHILD TN HAS IDENTIFIED:
1,042 VOLUNTEER LEADS
2,182 FOSTER FAMILY LEADS
CAREPORTAL:
Empowering Communities
TO CARE FOR FAMILIES IN NEED
to date: 125,486 needs met 331,345 children served
Our founder, Chris Tomlin, often says: NOT EVERYONE IS CALLED TO FOSTER, BUT EVERYONE IS CALLED TO CARE.
Few exemplify this calling better than our partner, CarePortal, whose platform makes it easy for everyone to do their part. CarePortal enables care-sharing through technology that empowers communities to identify and care for local families in need. Using the caresharing platform, caseworkers and other approved entities submit vetted, real time requests from families and individuals. Anyone using the platform can meet the needs, and a local church will contact the recipient. The goal is to create a connection with the recipient and invite them further into loving, supportive community.
By equipping a care-sharing network to meet practical needs, they unleash the power of community to strengthen families, support safe reunification, stabilize temporary foster and kinship placements, and accelerate timely permanence for children.
RESTORE HOPE: Bridging the Gap to Keep Families Together
When we say a family is in crisis, we mean that they’re struggling in one or more of the 13 social determinants of health. These indicators include health, food, housing, transportation, and more. In each case, children are more likely to be removed from their families if they don’t receive the help they need. Unfortunately, there’s often a disconnect between local resources.
That’s where one of our newest partners, Restore Hope, comes in. Restore Hope bridges the gap between the private and public sectors by fostering collaboration among various stakeholders in a community needed to help families move from crisis to thriving.
Restore Hope's 100 Families model combines custom software with a collective impact strategy, bringing together government agencies, nonprofits, and private organizations. They share a common goal and shared measurements to provide comprehensive support aimed at keeping
families together. By leveraging existing community resources and coordinating services, families receive the help they need to remain intact, such as access to mental health services, substance abuse treatment, and housing. This strategy helps prevent children from going into foster care.
The 100 Families model also empowers a community with a system and playbook to coordinate existing services. By creating local alliances of service providers, businesses, faith-based organizations, and volunteers, they mobilize community resources to wrap around families. This collective impact approach ensures families have a comprehensive and sustainable support network.
POPULATION CHANGE
With Restore Hope's 100 Families model, Sebastian County, Arkansas has seen a 50% reduction in foster care (from 800 to 400 children), 30% reduction in local incarceration, and 20% reduction in crime from 2018 to 2024.
There are an average of 11 providers that address the various needs of one family.
In 2024, Restore Hope served 3,301 families
The program has increased stability in all 13 social determinants of health, including financial stability (116%), housing (74%), employment (41%), and food security (40%).
CONTINGENT:
Transforming Foster Family Recruitment WITH DATA-DRIVEN SOLUTIONS
The Contingent, one of our new partners in 2024, is a venture nonprofit focused on using data-driven technology and initiatives to recruit and retain ideal family placements and empower communities for good.
The Contingent’s data and technology solution out-performs previous and current grassroots foster family recruitment efforts four to one, generating and distributing leads to both state governments and private licensing agencies. They also evaluate placements based on whether children are placed with a relative, with one or more siblings, in their home county, in a family-like setting, and in a culturally responsive home.
The Contingent also empowers communities through their Every Child initiative, which has assumed responsibility for foster family recruitment for the states of Oregon, Arkansas, and Tennessee. Every Child generates both foster family and volunteer leads, working with over 200 partners in the states where they serve—including the state government. It’s a truly collaborative effort and one we need in every state.
30,502 volunteers mobilized to serve vulnerable parents and kids in their local communities.
Instant IMPACT
For Others recognizes the importance of rapid relief for families in urgent situations. This year, we created our Instant Impact initiative, sharing real time needs from CarePortal with our donors on social media. Each of these needs prevents a child from entering foster care, assists a foster or kinship family, or aids a young adult aging out of care without a support system.
THANKS TO THE INCREDIBLE FOR OTHERS COLLECTIVE, TOGETHER WE:
• Funded major repairs to a grieving family’s only bathroom to keep their children home
• Sent gift cards to buy essentials for a family who lost everything in a fire
• Helped a young woman leave gang activity behind and provided funds for tattoo removal
• Purchased a computer for a young mom who had aged out of foster care, pursuing higher education
• Supplied two beds for a sibling pair moving into kinship placement
• Bought groceries for a kinship placement taking in a 6-year-old girl
• Replaced an HVAC for a foster family with multiple children with asthma
• Provided a bed and clothes for a grandson moving in with his grandmother
• Purchased a changing table, double stroller, and more for a foster family welcoming two siblings under two years old
COYOTE HILL
Our partner, Coyote Hill, provides a safe and nurturing environment for children impacted by foster care. They recruit and support foster parents through the licensing process and offer ongoing assistance to local foster families. For families working toward reunification, they provide a welcoming, home-like space for supervised parental visits. One of their most remarkable achievements is the creation of a foster neighborhood designed for families taking in sibling groups. This 300acre campus features custom-built homes for large families, each with a spacious dining area and large table that fosters connection and togetherness. The campus also includes a small lake, hiking trails, playgrounds for each house, and equine therapy. By cultivating a closeknit community, Coyote Hill enables foster families to rely on one another, while children build friendships with peers who understand their journey.
In addition, Coyote Hill and the University of Missouri host Night of Champions each summer, a day-long football camp for kids in foster care. The For Others Team has attended the last three camps to fellowship with both Coyote Hill and the children we serve together.
Daniel faced unimaginable tragedy when he lost his mother to suicide at 10 years old. His stepfather coped with drugs and alcohol, often taking his anger out on Daniel and his siblings.
We just did anything we could to not be home, Daniel recalls.
Today, Daniel's passing the same love down to his own children. Watch Daniel's Story
The children were removed from their home and entered foster care. That’s when Daniel arrived at Coyote Hill, where he immediately felt a close bond with his new house parents. He finally experienced what healthy, loving family relationships look like.
CHOSEN CARE: Parent Coaching Preserves Families
ways of engaging with commitment to each other witness.” “It has been family eagerly implement ways of engaging with commitment to each other witness.”
Trauma can strain relationships and threaten a family’s well-being, whether they're foster, kinship, adoptive, or biological. Our partner, Chosen Care, exists to help children and their families heal from trauma through connection. By providing clinical services and traumainformed training, they help build strong, stable relationships.
Chosen's approach is personalized. Each family is assigned a Care Manager and a custom case plan tailored to their unique needs. Parent coaching sessions address a child’s trauma and also equip parents to adjust their behavior to promote healing.
“It has been family eagerly implement ways of engaging with commitment to each other
KEEPING A KINSHIP FAMILY TOGETHER
Mark and Sarah Davis never imagined raising children in their golden years. But when their 12-year-old granddaughter, Emily, needed a safe place to land, they stepped up.
Emily came to them carrying scars from her past—wounds that showed in yelling, hitting, screaming, cursing, and, at her worst, barricading Sarah in her room during fits of despair. Her bond with Mark was fragile, and escalating behaviors led to two heartbreaking hospitalizations for mental health crises. The strain pushed Mark and Sarah’s marriage to its brink, leaving them questioning if they could endure.
In their darkest moments, they turned to Chosen. Through compassionate guidance, they began to see Emily’s actions for what they truly were: not defiance, but a desperate cry for connection and understanding. Armed with practical tools and newfound empathy, the Davises started making small, intentional changes that brought glimmers of hope.
They created a “Calming Corner,” a refuge for Emily in her stormiest moments. They introduced a whiteboard to bring order to her
Their
days, offering structure and stability she had always lacked. These simple adjustments began to soothe Emily’s chaotic world.
Mark, once distant, leaned in with resolve. He poured himself into the sessions, brainstorming ideas and showering Emily with the encouragement she craved. Each small act of love and consistency became a building block, slowly mending their fractured bond. For the first time, Emily began to see herself through the lens of someone who truly believed in her.
The transformation has been remarkable. Sunday dinners, once tense, have become cherished moments Emily eagerly anticipates. The laughter and warmth filling the Davis home now speak to a family rediscovering hope—one fragile, beautiful step at a time.
“It has been an honor to watch this family eagerly implement new practices and ways of engaging with each other. Their level of commitment to each other has been an inspiration to witness.”
CHOSEN CARE MANAGER, NIKKI
other has been an inspiration been an honor to watch implement new practices with each other. Their other has been an inspiration been an honor to watch implement new practices with each other. Their has been an inspirat
Big Oak
Where Children Learn to be Loved
Every child arrives at Big Oak Ranch with a unique story, but they all share a common thread: abuse, neglect, or abandonment. Big Oak Ranch exists to change that narrative, offering a safe, Christ-centered home and the chance to discover God’s purpose for their lives.
Jeremiah’s story is one of transformation. In the three years he’s lived at Big Oak Ranch with houseparents Julie and Bruce, Jeremiah has given his life to Christ and made remarkable progress in healing from his trauma. But the
journey wasn’t easy. The three of them recall together what those first months were like.
“It seemed like for so long, you wouldn't let us love you,” Julie says to Jeremiah. “We considered you our son from that moment [you arrived] on, but we were afraid that when you graduate, we'd never hear from you again.”
“To be honest, I wouldn't let you love me," Jeremiah admits quietly. "I couldn't really believe it. I thought, ‘They get paid to do this like everywhere else'.”
Jeremiah turns to Bruce. “It was easier with you, Pop. I never had a dad, so I let you in. But I had a mom, and I wasn’t going to let anyone take her place.”
Jeremiah’s voice breaks, and Julie pats his shoulder as tears start falling. “Coming here and being a part of your family is one of the best things that's ever happened to me, and I'm not going anywhere. Birthdays, holidays, my wedding, children...I want you there for all of it.”
Julie and Bruce wipe their own tears and pull him into a hug.
“We absolutely want to be there,” they say. “We are so thankful to God for picking us to be your parents.”
RAISING AWARENESS on the big screen
Part of our mission is to raise awareness about the child welfare crisis, and Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot was the perfect way to do so. In partnership with CarePortal, For Others helped bring this incredible true story to the big screen this summer.
The film depicts how one tiny church in rural Texas adopted 77 of the state's hardest-to-place children. Over 1.5 million tickets were sold, and the movie grossed more than $11 million. The film is also now available to stream, meaning even more people will get the opportunity to see it.
Awareness inspires action, and Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot is the inspiring truth we all need to hear.
