ANNUAL EVENTS & PROGRAMS

At Family Onward, our programs are rooted in lived experience and designed to uplift the caregivers, families, and youth navigating foster care, reunification, and community healing. Whether you're a foster parent, kinship caregiver, biological family member, or ally, we offer meaningful support that meets you where you are.

From trauma-informed workshops and peer mentorship to youth development and practical caregiver resources, our services focus on building confidence, stability, and connection. We also host annual events like our Beyond the Placement Gala and Caregiver Picnic—celebrations that recognize the strength of our families and create space for joy, restoration, and community.

Because when caregivers are supported, children thrive—and together, we shape a stronger, more connected future.

OUR ANNUAL EVENTS

Beyond the Placement Awareness & Impact Gala

“Beyond the Placement” challenges the common misconception that foster care success ends with placement. In reality, that’s just the beginning. This gala honors the deep emotional labor, commitment, and day-to-day work caregivers do to create healing, stability, and hope long after paperwork is signed. More than a celebration, this annual event brings the community together for awareness, impact storytelling, and advocacy education. It recognizes caregivers not as temporary providers, but as stabilizers, nurturers, and changemakers—the people showing up in therapy sessions, IEP meetings, courtrooms, and kitchen tables across our communities. Join us to celebrate lives in progress—not just placements complete

The Hands that Heal: Caregiver Appreciation Luncheon

Hands That Heal is a heartfelt, formal luncheon designed to honor the caregivers who show up with compassion, patience, and unwavering love for children in need. Hosted annually each November, this elegant gathering is Family Onward’s way of saying thank you to the everyday heroes behind the scenes—those who carry the emotional labor of caregiving with grace and strength. This isn’t just a meal—it’s a space of visibility, restoration, and celebration. Through meaningful words, thoughtful gifts, and a seat at a beautifully prepared table, caregivers are reminded that their work doesn’t go unnoticed.

Pour Into Me : A self care experience for Caregivers

“Pour Into Me” is a restorative spa-style experience designed to refill the hearts of those who are always pouring into others. Hosted each February in honor of emotional wellness and caregiver appreciation, this event offers foster and kinship caregivers a chance to pause, breathe, and be cared for — mentally, physically, and emotionally.

Bridges and Blankets a Bonding Experience

Bridges & Blankets is a relaxed, heartwarming picnic designed to bring together foster caregivers, biological families, and children in care for a day of connection, healing, and fun. With cozy picnic blankets, games, and shared meals, this event creates space for families to bond, rebuild trust, and build bridges between care systems and real-life relationships.