A LETTER FROM OUR FOUNDER

Dear Foster Village Family,

What a year it’s been! We started this year with high hopes for mission growth, and I’m grateful to report that, thanks to your generosity, we were able to achieve just that.

As our state continues to navigate multiple child welfare crises and system-wide changes, our programs at Foster Village continue to set the highest standard for the care of our children and the community’s role in improving the child welfare system. Our holistic approach is changing the way children and caregivers experience crises related to child abuse, neglect, family separation, and the root causes behind those issues. And our programs are growing in depth and impact with our most impressive outcomes to date.

When we set out on this mission back in 2016, we knew that there were countless individuals, businesses, churches, and other organizations with a common desire to wrap around children and families in the foster care system and change the troubling outcomes they are often faced with – but there was a major gap between those in need of help and those with a desire to do something about it. Over these past several years, we have built the bridge for the community to come alongside children and families to equip, connect, and advocate for their wellbeing.

I’d love to tell you that ensuring kids have clothing and a bed is enough in the work we do, but the truth is that trauma goes much deeper than that. And as this mission has grown, we have had the opportunity to go deeper with the tools and expertise needed to pave the way toward long-term healing and restoration of families.

In reviewing how our shared mission has grown and deepened this year, I hope you can get glimpses of just how incredibly impactful your generosity has been in the lives of those we serve. I am so proud of what this village has built, and I have never been more hopeful for where we are headed.

This Spirit-led endeavor began with my hope in the power of community, and as I reflect back over the past six years, I continue to be humbled beyond belief by this village that has come together for our most vulnerable.

One of my favorite things we get to do on a daily basis is tell those we serve that “all of these services and resources are provided by neighbors who care about you.” If you’ve spent any length of time with me, chances are you know that I’m an unapologetic fan of Mr. Rogers, and he summed it up perfectly: “Your neighbor is anyone you happen to be with.”

Thank you for continuing to be with us and the children and families we are able to extend your generosity to each and every day. Thank you for continuing to love our neighbors well (Mark 12:31). I am filled with hope and anticipation for the work ahead.

GRATEFULLY,

Chrystal Smith Founder & CEO