Answers about our mission, model, and momentum.

Research and experience demonstrate that adolescent girls in foster care often face unique challenges related to stability, mental health, education, relationships, and preparation for adulthood. Beginning with a focused population allows us to build a strong, high-quality residential model while providing individualized, trauma-informed support during critical developmental years.

Our initial vision is to serve adolescent girls ages 12–17. Depending on placement needs, regulatory requirements, and licensing approvals, services may be extended to youth age 18 when appropriate.

While program development is ongoing, our vision includes a safe residential environment combined with individualized support, life-skills development, educational advocacy, emotional wellness supports, and opportunities for positive community engagement.

Youth placements will occur through appropriate referral and placement sources in accordance with Pennsylvania child welfare regulations. The Foundation will not independently place youth and will operate within all applicable legal and licensing requirements.

Whenever appropriate and consistent with placement plans, court orders, and applicable regulations, we intend to support healthy family and permanency connections as part of a youth-centered approach to care.

Potentially. Our current focus is developing a strong, sustainable residential model for adolescent girls. Once the program is established and operating successfully, future expansion opportunities—including residential services for adolescent boys—may be considered based on funding, community needs, staffing capacity, and regulatory approvals.

Residential group homes in Pennsylvania must meet specific requirements established by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS). This process includes policy development, facility requirements, staffing plans, safety protocols, inspections, and ongoing compliance monitoring. The Foundation will not provide services until all required approvals and licenses have been obtained.

The Foundation will only begin accepting placements after all licensing, staffing, safety, and regulatory requirements have been fully satisfied. Our Phased Approach page outlines the major milestones required before operations can begin.

The Foundation is committed to meeting all Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) requirements before serving any youth. This includes developing compliant policies and procedures, securing appropriate facilities, completing required inspections, and obtaining all necessary approvals and licenses.

Youth safety is our highest priority. Policies will address supervision, emergency preparedness, staff training, incident reporting, behavioral support, and trauma-informed care practices consistent with licensing requirements and industry standards.

Future staff members will be selected based on qualifications, experience, and alignment with our mission. Training will include trauma-informed care, youth development, safety procedures, mandated reporting requirements, and other areas required by licensing standards.

The Foundation will be governed by a Founding Fiduciary Board and will operate under all applicable federal, state, and local regulations. We are committed to ongoing accountability, quality assurance, financial stewardship, and regulatory compliance.

Early donations support organizational development activities such as legal formation, governance development, licensing preparation, policy creation, fundraising infrastructure, and program planning.

The Foundation has obtained an EIN and is pursuing federal 501(c)(3) tax-exempt recognition. Until IRS approval is received, donations are not currently tax-deductible. Our website will be updated when our status changes.

We are committed to responsible stewardship of every dollar entrusted to us. Financial updates, organizational milestones, and required nonprofit filings will be shared as they become available.

Our long-term sustainability strategy will include individual giving, grants, corporate partnerships, community fundraising efforts, and other mission-aligned funding opportunities to support ongoing operations and future growth.

A Founding Fiduciary Board is a legally responsible governing body that oversees organizational compliance and risk, financial accountability and sustainability, mission integrity and strategic direction, and readiness for licensing (DHS/OCYF) and public funding. This is NOT an advisory group. Board members serve a 1–2 year founding term, attend quarterly meetings, participate in a committee assignment, and are expected to serve as ambassadors of the organization's mission within their professional and community networks.

The Foundation is led by its founders and governed by a Founding Fiduciary Board. The Board provides strategic oversight, financial accountability, and governance to ensure the organization remains aligned with its mission and legal obligations.

Yes. We are actively recruiting members for our Founding Fiduciary Board — individuals who can contribute expertise in child welfare, nonprofit governance, healthcare, education, behavioral health, legal compliance, finance, fundraising, and community engagement.

The Founding Fiduciary Board provides governance, strategic direction, fiduciary oversight, and accountability. Members help guide the organization's growth, ensure compliance with legal obligations, and support long-term sustainability.

There are many ways to help, including serving on a committee, volunteering professional expertise, sharing our mission, connecting us with community resources, participating in fundraising efforts, or exploring future partnership opportunities.

Yes. We welcome conversations with businesses, nonprofits, faith communities, educational institutions, healthcare providers, and other organizations interested in supporting youth and strengthening our future program.

We encourage supporters to subscribe to our newsletter, follow us on social media, and visit our Transparency & Status page for updates on organizational milestones, fundraising efforts, licensing progress, and future opportunities to get involved.