Welcome, friends. Whether you're here to learn, give, volunteer, or simply understand the realities faced by children in foster care—you are part of something meaningful. Open Arms was created with one purpose: to ensure no child enters the foster system feeling alone, unseen, or without hope for their future.
Why Open Arms exists
Each year, thousands of children enter foster care—many with nothing more than a plastic bag of belongings and the clothes they’re wearing. Their first night can be frightening, disorienting, and lonely. Open Arms is here to meet that moment with compassion, practical resources, and long-term support.
“The first night shouldn’t be the hardest night. That’s where we come in.” — Founder, Open Arms
What we believe
Dignity on Day One
Care kits provide essentials and comfort items so children have clothing, hygiene items, and something that belongs to them.
Relationships Over Transactions
Mentors and coaches commit to showing up consistently—not just once, but week after week.
Opportunities for the Future
Scholarships, tutoring, and life-skills programs help youth build pathways to independence and success.
Our story
Open Arms began as a small grassroots effort in 2017 when our founder, a foster parent, noticed children arriving with nothing of their own. What started as a porch filled with donated pajamas and backpacks turned into a community-wide movement of neighbors, educators, and volunteers determined to do more.
Today, Open Arms supports children and youth with:
- First-night care kits delivered within 24 hours
- Mentorship from trained, trauma-informed volunteers
- Education scholarships with success coaching
- Emergency micro-grants for urgent needs
Who we serve
We serve children from infancy through young adulthood, including those aging out of the system who often transition into independence without family support. Our programs ensure that every youth knows: you belong, you are not alone, and your future matters.
Stories of impact
Samira* entered care at age 14 with only a small bag of belongings. A care kit from Open Arms was waiting on her bed. Inside, she found a hoodie in her favorite color and a journal. A year later, she began volunteering to pack kits for other youth.
Isaac* received a last-dollar scholarship after aging out of care. With success coaching and tuition support, he completed his first year of college and is now studying computer science.
These are not isolated stories—they are the reason we exist.
How you can join us
Everyone has a role to play in creating a safety net for youth in foster care. Whether you’re an individual, a family, a company, or a community group, there are many ways to get involved.
- Give a one-time or monthly donation
- Become a trained mentor
- Host a care kit drive or fundraising event
- Support a scholarship student
- Partner through your business or school
- Share our mission with your network
Looking forward
Our mission is growing because the need is growing. But so is the movement of people who believe that every child deserves a champion. With your help, we can ensure that when a child enters foster care, they are met not with scarcity—but with open arms.
Thank you for being here. Whether you’re reading, giving, mentoring, or simply learning, you are now part of this story. Together, we can change the trajectory of a child’s life.
*Names changed for privacy.