Our Story

Foster Love Project shows Love In Action to children impacted by foster and kinship care through the provision of goods, services and support. Check out our video below to hear more about our work!

"When you first becomes a foster parent, before you get a placement, you really have no idea what you are doing. I mean, sure you are trained, and told what to expect. But, if you are like us and are actually getting a sibling group on your front door at midnight on a school night as your first placement, you have no idea what to do." A Foster Love Project supporter and Foster Mom.

Many times, children entering foster care are placed in a new foster home and do not have much time to prepare and are unable to take personal belongings with them. The same holds true for foster parents, in the beginning, they are often not provided many tangible items or resources to help get them through the transition. The need to reinforce dignity and compassion at such a crucial and traumatic time for children was the very foundation on which Foster Love Project was formed.

In 2014, Kelly Hughes created the first transition bag drive to overwhelming community support. Then in 2016, Foster Love Project (FLP) became an official charity and in 2017 we opened the first free donation center for children impacted by foster care and their families in Dormont, PA.

Today, Foster Love Project, now in our new home in the East End of Pittsburgh, continues to focus on providing connection, dignity, and hope through our various programs. Our programs include a monthly Teen Connections, our Back 2 School event, our annual Family Support Program and several others.

Since inception, our outreach and support efforts have impacted over 20,000 foster youth.

Our Programs

The Shopping Center

In November 2021, we reopened our Shopping Center in the East End of Pittsburgh. The larger space will ensure that we reach more children impacted by foster and kinship care and more children and families will be able to experience respect and to walk out of our new home with dignity and love. The Center is open by appointment for birth, foster, and kinship families.

FLP Bag Drive

Our first bag drive had a goal of 300 transition bags, and was overwhelmingly supported with over 1,300 bags!
FLP partners with 30 foster and adoption agencies to provide 2,500 youth in transition each year with a new backpack or duffel bag containing a new outfit, socks, a blanket, hygiene items, a book, and more to call their own.

Excellent Hair Care

It can be daunting when a Black or Brown child is placed into a home that may not understand their hair care needs. FLP provides resources and referrals for transracial families and hosts textured hair workshops facilitated by Black hair experts. At The Center, youth with textured hair can shop for oil, bonnets, shea butter, and other textured hair products.

Teen Connections

Teens ages 12-18 gather once per month with other foster and adoptive teens, as well as adult adoptees or adults who experienced foster care as a youth. Teens participate in fun activities and talk about topics designed to help them explore and communicate their experiences and emotions.

Back 2 School

Each August, youth impacted by foster care are invited to shop for new, brand name tennis shoes, a backpack, school supplies, and apparel to ease the stress of returning to school.

Family Retreat

Once per year, foster and adoptive families gather for a weekend of adventure, respite, and connection. Throughout the weekend, families participate in fun games, activities, and workshops that amplify adoptee voices.

Angel Tree

Angel Tree is our holiday gift program. Supporters are offered the opportunity to purchase a personally requested gift for a child who is impacted by foster care. Each year we fulfill up to 250 wishes.

Our Volunteers

Volunteers are the hard working back bone of FLP. We average over 1,000 volunteers each year - we cannot operate without the trusted, caring people who come to the donation center every week. Take a moment to hear some of the experiences and thoughts of foster/adoptive parents and former board members, Emily and Bruce Thornton.

2024 Giving Tuesday with FLP

By Foster Love Project

2024 Giving Tuesday with FLP

Showing Love In Action to kids impacted by foster and kinship care!