The History behind Family Alternatives...
Family Alternatives was founded in 1978 by foster parents who believed that collaboration with one another as well as other social service agencies was key to successfully embracing the possibilities of children and families involved in the foster care system. The vision of our founders has guided us through the years as nearly 8,000 children have been served by our foster families.
Throughout the years, Family Alternatives has maintained its mission with integrity, which has emanated from the following, clearly stated values.
Collaboration...
We are a provider-directed organization and make concerted efforts to involve foster parents in the policy-making and direction of the organization. We include foster parents and leaders from the community to serve on our Board of Directors to help us establish the vision and direction of the organization. Along with this collaboration, we consistently seek input and feedback from our youth, foster parents and community leaders to assure that our work is relevant and effective.
Strength based philosophy...
From its inception, Family Alternatives has embraced a philosophy and practice of being in relationships with people, not “clients” or “foster kids”. This relationship centered philosophy has allowed us to embrace diversity in all its domains. In more recent years we have developed our philosophy into a strength-based, stewardship model which focuses on empowering people to maximize their skills, talents, and compassion.
Growth...
Family Alternatives has grown and developed within the realities of our changing times. Our founders believed in their vision, and over the years, our foster families, staff and Board have worked very hard, with creativity and energy, to realize this vision. Our work with children and families remains dynamic and vital.
