About Us
Empowering Foster Parents with immediate support and advocacy in Los Angeles county and surrounding areas.
At Fostering UNITY, we enhance outcomes for children in foster care through family-strengthening programs, comprehensive support, enriching education, and community partnerships. By prioritizing preventative steps towards placement stability, we ensure every child finds a loving, stable home with skilled and educated caregivers ready to support their healing and success.
care•giv•er /'ker,giver/
One who provides for the physical, emotional, and social needs of a child or youth while they are in foster care. AKA Resource Parent or Caregiver.
Who We Are
Revolutionizing The Support Service Model For Resource Parents
Recognizing the challenges faced by caregivers, we developed an innovative "Service Delivery Model" that offers real-time assistance, enriching educational programs, and seamless resource navigation.
Since our inception, we have evolved into a vital community partner, providing unwavering advocacy and support to ensure every child in foster care can thrive in a loving and stable environment. Our journey began with a vision to strengthen families and empower communities, and today, we continue to be a beacon of hope and support for foster families in Los Angeles and beyond.
AT FOSTERING UNITY WE VALUE
Collaborative Excellence
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Informed and Ethical Practice
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Dedicated Advocacy
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Pathways to Healing
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Collaborative Excellence • Informed and Ethical Practice • Dedicated Advocacy • Pathways to Healing •
Empowerment Through Support
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Respectful and Inclusive Community
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Collective Responsibility
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Empowerment Through Support • Respectful and Inclusive Community • Collective Responsibility •
Our Support for the LGBTQIA+ Community:
Fostering UNITY is proud to support and advocate for LGBTQIA+ youth and resource parents. We strive to create a safe and affirming environment where everyone can thrive, free from discrimination and bias.
Our Theory of Change:
Our organization is built on the diversity of our community, reflecting the caregivers and youth we serve. We prioritize hiring individuals with lived experience and a passion for service, making us relatable, trustworthy, and attuned to community needs. By actively listening to resource parents and youth, we provide real-time support, effective advocacy, and intentional programming to meet their needs throughout their journey.
Transparency and Accountability:
We are committed to transparency in all our operations. Our programs, financials, and impact reports are openly shared with our community to ensure accountability and foster trust.
A look back Where we started and what we’ve accomplished
December 2019
Start- Foundation and Vision
Founded by Dorothy Daniels, Fostering UNITY simply began with the Winter Wonderland event. Dorothy, a resource parent herself, envisioned a supportive commUNITY for resource parents and children, to celebrate the good times together and support each other during challenging moments.
2020-2022
Building the Team
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dorothy focused on transforming Fostering UNITY from an idea to a tangible organization. She recruited dedicated individuals like Dayna F., Joyce M., and Arryn B., who shared her vision and commitment to foster care.
2021-2022
Brand Refresh and Expansion
As the organization grew, Dorothy recognized the need for a brand refresh to reflect its evolving identity. Alexa was brought in to help create a modern, inviting, and trustworthy brand. New events like "Bonfire on the Beach" “Foster the Moment” and "When Stars Align" were introduced, expanding the organization's reach and bringing more resource parents together.
2022-2023
CommUNITY Engagement and Partnerships
Fostering UNITY launched the "Fostering Parenthood" podcast in partnership with the National Center for Youth Law and Reproductive Health Equity Project, providing a valuable resource for foster parents. The podcast and organization gained recognition through conferences and media features, including ShoutOutLA, The Signal, and Dorothy's book, "Once Upon a Child."
2023
Sustainable Growth and New Services
After years of doing an innovative drive-thru version of our flagship event, Winter Wonderland made its return in person in December 2023 which marked a significant milestone for new supporters, partnerships, and clients. Our organization expanded via new contracts which allowed the addition of our Complex Care program, enhancing the services offered to foster families.
2024 –2023
Dedicated Team, Focused Mission and Hoops for Hope
Our team, chosen for their dedication and strengths, continues to provide family-centered support, ensuring the mission thrives within the commUNITY. With events like our Foster Family Night with Dig It and fundraisers with local businesses like Sushi Gone Wild and Starbucks, we continue to empower our foster commUNITY through the support of our network. Our Hoops for Hope partnership began with a generous donor who gave 2 tickets to each LA Clipper home game so that a child experiencing foster care and their foster parent could create positive memories that would last a lifetime.
(Present)
Present- Ongoing Commitment
Today, Fostering UNITY remains committed to building a trusted network for foster parents and children. The organization focuses on providing real-time support and long-term success for youth in foster care, fostering a sense of peace and stability. As our team grows, our programs expand, and our work reaches new bounds, our mission will always remain the same.