About Us
Welcome to Annie’s House Foundation! We are a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and empowering young people aging out of foster care. Our mission is to provide essential resources, guidance, and opportunities to help these young individuals develop life skills, pursue education, and secure stable housing. We believe that every young person deserves a chance at a successful future, and we are committed to making that a reality.
Story of Annie’s House
Annie’s House Foundation, a Non-Profit organization, bears the name of my remarkable mother, Annie Lois Foster. Growing up, Annie’s House was more than just a residence – it was a vibrant hub for the neighborhood. Every day, the sounds of laughter and the echoes of games filled the air as the local kids gathered to play softball, kickball, basketball, and football in our yard.
Not only did my mother provide a space for these activities, but she also became a second mother to many of the children in our community. While their parents worked, she lovingly cared for them, preparing meals that nourished both their bodies and their spirits. In addition to her culinary skills, my mom possessed the art of braiding hair, and she generously shared this talent with the girls in the neighborhood, adorning their heads with beautiful braided styles.
Teaching was one of my mother’s passions, and she imparted her knowledge to us as well. We all had our own vegetable gardens, learning the joy of planting and nurturing life from a young age. The sight of my mom’s meticulously tended gardens was a source of pride for our entire neighborhood. She had the skills was creative by sewing and making our school clothes, crafting unique outfits that made us feel confident and stylish.
But my mother’s talents extended beyond the domestic sphere. She possessed an innate ability to fix anything that needed repairing. Sinks, cabinets, radios – nothing was beyond her skill. And when she wasn’t busy with household tasks, her favorite pastime was fishing. Our family spent countless hours by the pond or the river, learning the art of angling and creating cherished memories together.
Tragedy struck our family when my two sisters, Cynethia Foster and Synethia Foster, met with untimely deaths. Left to raise her grandson, Sherod Foster, my mother faced immense challenges. She provided a loving home for Sherod until his health issues necessitated a different kind of care. Foster Care became our lifeline, offering support during those difficult times. While Sherod faced hardships during his time in Foster Care, his final years with a dedicated foster mother transformed his life, instilling in him a strong work ethic.
As Sherod aged out of the system, the harsh reality of his circumstances became apparent. He needed guidance and structure to navigate the path towards independence. Thankfully, I was able to step in and provide him with a safe and nurturing environment until he was ready to stand on his own. Witnessing the struggles faced by countless young adults aging out of the system, without a place to call home or family support, inspired the creation of Annie’s House Foundation.
The mission of Annie’s House Foundation is to be a beacon of hope for those who have aged out of the foster care system. We aim to provide a place they can call home, offering support, guidance, and the tools necessary to thrive independently. Through Annie’s House Foundation, we strive to honor my mother’s legacy of love, compassion, and unwavering dedication to helping others.