Initial Fundraising Campaign for Seeking Not For Profit status

Who? Koelle Jech, Founder of The One Wildflower Project under the strategic guidance of William J. Brennan (UND, MBA) and in partnership with Senator Linda Rogers, the Indiana Department of Child Services, and experts at top universities in the state of Indiana and beyond, collaborating with social workers, academics, artists, foster families, foster children, families of origin, child psychologists/therapists, and many others.

What? The One Wildflower Project is a non-profit project that was founded after my family and I spent several years fostering medically fragile children. It became evident that, even with the best people giving everything they had, the foster care system was strained to its limits, both with understanding the needs of medically fragile children and in general. We at The One Wildflower Project believe that we are on the cusp of an enormous possibility—to strategically form public-private partnerships, which can dramatically improve the quality of experience that challenged foster children receive while in care. We are currently in Step 2 of a 5-step plan. Our next step will be to launch an intensive research initiative and to start forming pilot programs in support of social workers within DCS, and we have many other objectives we are hoping to achieve with funds raised, all in support of our most important people: the amazing children in our care.

When? From 11/5/2025 until our initial funding goal is achieved.

Where? Givebutter.com/OneWildflowerProject

Why? The One Wildflower Project believes that every child within DCS matters, and that better social workers mean more optimal results for the children who have come into foster care. Children whose process is guided by experienced social workers are more likely to have long-term or permanent reunification with their families of origin as opposed to a revolving door of going home and coming back into care, etc. Social workers who feel valued, supported and cared for will be better able to provide families with holistic care and achieve lasting change that allows caregivers and children to reunify and build heathy relationships with each other.

How? Through fundraising from private entities and the general public, grant applications, and board leadership. Through relentless curiosity, research and exploring new avenues in both the public and private spheres/sectors.

What this is NOT: The One Wildflower Project does not seek to form “perfect” parents, caregivers, social workers, foster families, or children. Our goal is always to reunify a family whenever it is safe and possible to do so. We realize that “good parenting” looks different to many people, and seek to maintain a child’s safety within that framework. Continuing education and support (physical, mental, and emotional) are our primary goals for everyone involved within the foster care system, including ourselves!

NFP Initial Launch Fundraiser