“Every child deserves a champion; an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists that they become the best they can possibly be.”
That powerful statement from Rita Pierson, an educator from Texas, encompasses The Villages of Indiana’s mission to champion every child’s right to a safe, permanent, and nurturing home. The Villages is Indiana’s largest child and family services agency serving 11,000 children and families across Indiana ever year.
The non-profit organization works closely with the Indiana Department of Child Services to license foster families and place children in loving homes while providing support every step of the way. “Our team knows becoming a foster parent and taking the next step to adopt a child is a big decision and responsibility,” says President and CEO Sharon Pierce. “It’s why we are dedicated to be a partner to each family every step of the way.”
The Villages also provides support and services to children and families through programs including Post Adoption, Kinship Care, Healthy Families and Older Youth Services. “Our team knows not every family can be a foster or adoptive family. Yet there are so many ways to give back to support The Villages children and youth during the upcoming holiday season,” says Pierce.
The Villages Spirit of Giving campaign continues through Dec. 31.
The community is invited to sponsor a child’s toy wish, host a virtual toy drive or make a donation. For details and information how to support The Villages visit villageskids.org/HolidayGiving.
Your donation makes the difference
Brynnley
Brynnley requires specific care for her special needs. Her biological parents were unable to provide or take care of her because of their addictions. Her new, adoptive parents (previously her foster parents) are giving Brynnley all the love and support that a child could ever wish.
Drew and Kaiden
Not biologically related, but now adopted brothers forever! These two sweet boys were both adopted in 2020 by their Villages’ foster parents.
Sharvonne and Joseph
Sharvonne assumed guardianship for her then 10-year-old brother Joseph when she was 23 years old. As guardian, Sharvonne juggled studies, work and caring for Joseph. She joined The Villages Kinship Care Program, which she calls a lifesaver. “I felt like I wasn’t alone in this journey. To meet once a month with people going through similar things made a big difference.”
