Nonpro t
BY DACIA GARCIA
Foster Village creates ‘community beyond the system’ for families Since 2016, Foster Village has created a support- ive community for Austin families interacting with the child welfare system. The inspiration CEO and founder Chrystal Smith said the organization was born out of her own family’s experience as a licensed foster home. “There were a lot of gaps in the system for the kids and a lack of support for the caregivers,” Smith said. “We got together with other foster parents in the community and tried to mobilize the community to come alongside these kids and families and help bridge the gaps.” What’s special about it? Foster Village o ers a variety of physical and mental resources to families, including its resource centers. Additionally, caregivers are connected with ongoing therapeutic support services o ered through the organization’s monthly support gatherings and weekly programs. “Our slogan that we use is ‘community beyond the system,’” Smith said. “Foster Village serves as a community hub of support to ensure these kids and families have the lasting support that they need to move out of the system.” The impact Foster Village has served over 13,000 children in the greater Austin area since its founding and has provided over $8 million in direct support to children and families, Smith said.
The resource center o ers children and caregivers a variety of supplies including clothing, car seats and beds.
PHOTOS COURTESY FOSTER VILLAGE
Austin
A
N
Dripping Springs
FITZHUGH CORNERS
B
N
A 12410 Limerick Ave., Austin; B 15400 Fitzhugh Road, Dripping Springs www.fostervillageaustin.org
CEO Chrystal Smith founded Foster Village in 2016 after witnessing the gaps in support for foster families.
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