A Vision Born From Experience
From our founder, Leigh Esau, "I am a product of the foster care system and my husband and I fostered over 20 children in our 13 years as foster parents. Through my experience I became painfully aware how very little has been done to focus on those first hours of a child entering into foster care. Because of my life experience, I am uniquely qualified to share my expertise in helping children transition into foster care. This includes providing a safe Haven, a meal and new clothes - simple things that speak dignity into the lives of children in the midst of trauma."
Services
Foster Care Closet
Foster care is a journey, not a destination. We are here to help support our youth the entire foster care journey.
- We continue to provide up to 5 NEW outfits during each Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter season for as long as the child remains in foster care.
- We provide a quiet environment that is not open to the public to help accommodate any special needs for our youth or for their caregiver.
- We are open four days a week for walk-in shopping, no appointments required.
- We provide additional support resources to families navigating the road of foster care.
The Foster Haven
We don't believe foster care should start in a cubicle!- We are available 24/7 for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services to bring a youth who must enter into the foster care system.
- We have trained staff to support youth in those first hours of their foster care journey.
- Our environment allows case managers to visually see the youth the entire time but protect the youth from overhearing difficult conversations.
- A youth will transition into foster care with a full tummy and 5 NEW outfits (and more clothing!).
The Foster Haven/Foster Care Closet
We are guided by 3 core values that focus on meeting the immediate needs of children in crisis as they enter into the foster care system and continued support through their foster care journey.
- We treat people with dignity
- We use words that build
- Every person has value and we serve with excellence
- We don't pity our clients
- We believe value is NOT earned or based on situation, appearance, behavior, ability or talent
- We know our stuff
- We never send someone away with the answer, "I'm sorry we can't help"
- We work to build connections and resources within our communities for our families
- We find a way to solve the problem in front of us
- We stay focused on what we CAN do and don't get distracted by what we CAN'T do
- We are a team
-
- We have open and honest communication
- Everyone's role matters, so play it!
- We celebrate wins and we celebrate each other
- We do what it takes to move the team forward, even if it means we step outside of our roles
- We are proactive in seeking solutions and presenting ideas