"But she can't sleep without me," he said as they carried his baby sister away. The state couldn't find a home where all three siblings could stay together, so they were separated - one by one - during what had become the longest day of their lives: the day they were brought into foster care. I sat there with him in the dimly lit room of the child welfare office, holding fruit snacks and the pieces of his heart, wishing I could do more - wishing we could do better by this family.

And now we can. Fosterful is in the process of launching a Group Receiving Home in Longview, Washington, where we can keep siblings together safely in a temporary home instead of the child welfare office. The type of license required to keep siblings of all ages (0-18) together during transitions is not easy to acquire, nor is it cheap. We're raising funds to "raise the roof" on a 1928 home desperately in need of renovation. Our hope is to lovingly incorporate trauma informed design into every nook and cranny so that when children arrive on the longest day of their life, they are met with light and peace.

The Green House, named in memory of Crystal Green, a beloved foster parent who departed this world far too soon, will emulate the very best things that our caregivers and community have to offer: patience, grace, generosity and healing.

Fosterful serves hundreds of children each month in Southwest Washington with wraparound, holistic support that is designed to break cycles of abuse and neglect, and set them up for success in the future. The Green House would be the first stop on their continuum of care. It will serve approximately 237 children each year.

The Green House will be a 6 bed home, serving youth ages 0-17 who need a stabilized, therapeutic landing place while a longer-term family is being identified, instead of waiting in an office or being placed in a temporary emergency foster home. Our 1:3 direct service staff will provide the best care possible, while setting a child up for success as they transition to their long-term placement.

Your gift will ensure that children are met with a clean and safe space conducive for healing and stability. This is more than a donation - it's an investment. Thoughtfully curated furnishings and trauma informed decor will set the scene for gentle, integrative therapies such as grief counseling, art and music therapy, and intentional sibling and family connection.

Thank you for considering how you can make a difference in the life of a child who has lost everything. Every light fixture, every coat of paint, every pillow and every book on the shelf will contribute to the health and healing of the children who will be our community's future. Again, thank you for your investment in this future.

A gift doesn't have to be dollars. If you have a paintbrush, a hammer, or a talent for making spaces feel like home, we want to hear from you. Please fill out the form here: Volunteer with The Green House

Warmly,

Sarah Desjarlais, Founder | Executive Director

The Green House

Where the first steps of healing and stability can begin for youth in foster care