About Us
Foster Village Peoria was established by three foster mamas on a mission, a mission to bridge the gaps in support and resources throughout the foster care system in the Peoria (Tri-County) area. Foster Village Peoria is an affiliated chapter for Foster Village Inc.
Foster Village Inc. was founded in Austin, TX in 2016, Foster Village is led by experienced foster parents, child development experts, child welfare advocates and a board made up of passionate and diverse community professionals. This first-hand experience and understanding allows us to connect directly with foster families in ways that help them feel empowered and part of a larger mission.
Because we are foster parents ourselves, we have a deep understanding of how the system works, why children end up in the child welfare system and the challenges foster families face. Though we offer practical support and resources, we also address the root causes at work in the child welfare system and work towards a future where no family or child lacks the support they need to thrive.
The Need
There are over 400,000 children in the foster care system in the United States today, with over 1,500 in our Tri-County Area (Peoria, Tazwell, Woodford Counties).
- Former foster youth account for roughly 50% of our homeless population and 80% of human trafficking victims.
- 80% of foster youth suffer from PTSD and depression.
- 90% of youth with five or more placements enter the criminal justice system.
- Half of all licensed foster homes quit after their first placement, leading to increased instability for foster youth.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. Foster youth are bright, capable, resilient kids, and when they are given nurturing environments to grow up in, the tools they need to succeed and a community of support, they are empowered to overcome adversity and become who they are created to be.
Our Mission
To come alongside children and families in the child welfare system and show them that they are not alone. We bridge the gap in resources and support in the foster care community. Since our launch in 2022, we have launched five main programs: Resource Closet, Educational Trainings, Support Groups, Youth Connect Events, and our Visit Room.
Read our newest Impact Reports to see how are we are impacting the community:
Our Values
Bringing Dignity to the System: The child welfare system is often cold and utilitarian, addressing a problem but not meeting emotional needs or fixing the root causes that create the problem in the first place. We strive to bring dignity to the children and families we serve, understanding the root causes of why a child ends up in the foster care system and facilitating relationships between foster families and biological families when it is healthy and possible.
Holistic Approach: Everything we do is trauma-informed and developmentally appropriate, creating safe, loving spaces for children in foster care and their families. We understand the context around the child welfare system, including the causes and effects of foster care and the social framework that has created the system.
Sustained Care: High burnout and turnover rates among foster families are common, and this creates even more instability for foster children as they are moved from home to home.
Inclusive Community: Everyone is welcome in our village. We serve foster families, kinship caregivers, and biological parents and welcome volunteers from all backgrounds.