About
Children need more than a system; they need a village.
Foster parents often feel tired and alone. Most families foster for less than a year, citing burnout and lack of support as the reason they stop. At the same time, 85 percent of people who are not foster parents say they care about vulnerable children and want to help.
Foster Village Houston bridges the gap between foster families, caregivers, and those who want to help, meeting practical needs and providing holistic support beyond the system.
We help do this through three main programs:
Equipping Caregivers With Support
When a child is placed with a family, they often arrive with just the clothes on their back. At our Resource Center, families and children can get clothing, new beds, infant gear, toiletries, and other necessities, all completely free, in a trauma-informed and developmentally appropriate home-like environment.
Connecting Families to Each Other
Foster families are often navigating a complex system and challenges that are unique to caring for children who have experienced abuse, neglect, and family separation. They need to know they are not alone and require encouragement from others who are on the same journey. By connecting foster families with other foster families, biological families, and trusted resources, families are strengthened and empowered to continue fostering.
Advocating for Change in the System
Foster Village Houston brings dignity to the children and families we serve, understanding the root causes of why a child ends up in the foster care system, facilitating relationships between foster families and biological families, and replicating communities of support nationwide.
As we care for the caregivers, foster families are sustained and generations of vulnerable children and families are empowered to overcome adversity.
“Foster Village Houston goes above and beyond in their support to foster families, kinship families, and reunifying families! After welcoming a placement of three kids into our home in the middle of the night, Foster Village Houston was on our doorstep the next day with clothes, car seats, backpacks, toys, and support! Time and time again, they helped meet the basic needs of kids in our home and provided support to us as caregivers. It takes a village to care for our communities most vulnerable children and Foster Village Houston is on the front lines doing so! My family and I are forever marked by the support that Foster Village Houston has given us as they continue to equip, connect, and advocate families and children!” - Tabatha
Our Story
Michael and Katie Ringer were both born and raised in the Houston area and are proud to call it home. They entered into their foster care journey after having two biological daughters in early 2017. They had the opportunity and privilege of riding all the emotional waves that come from the world of foster care and walking the path of the child welfare system. Being a part of a community of loving, caring encouragers was crucial for them on their journey. That is why they founded Foster Village Houston in 2019 and are passionate about surrounding some of the city’s most vulnerable children and the families that care for them.