Who We Are
About Foster First
For over 20 years, we've been rooted in the Yakima community — walking alongside children and families every step of the way.
Our Story
Born from a Belief That Every Child Deserves a Family
Established in 2003 as Community Resource Group, Foster First has proudly served children and families in Eastern Washington for more than two decades. In 2019, we changed our name to Foster First, continuing our mission of empowering youth and families for lifelong success through compassionate, community-based care. As a nonprofit 501(c)(3) Child Placing Agency, we serve families across multiple counties and remain committed to providing meaningful support, stability, and connection.
Foster First provides CPA-level care, Behavioral Rehabilitation Services (BRS), and preventative family support through Families First. We evaluate, train, and support foster parents, while also offering case management, after-hours support, transportation assistance, and other services designed to help children and families build stability, strengthen connections, and move toward lasting success.
Through every season, our mission has remained the same: empowering youth and families for life long success.
Our Mission
"Empowering youth and families for life long success."
This mission drives every program we offer, every family we support, and every child we serve. It's not just a statement — it's a daily commitment.
Our Vision
"Building a lasting legacy of support to empower youth, families, and communities for generations to come."
We envision a community where no child or families falls through the cracks — where the systems, families, and resources exist to catch every one of them.
What We Do
Three Programs, One Purpose
Foster First operates three interconnected programs, each designed to meet families and children where they are — and walk with them toward something better.
We also operate Foster Thrift, a nonprofit thrift store in Kennewick whose proceeds directly supports our programs.
What We Stand For
Our Core Values
Excellence
Striving for excellence in all that we do.
Professionalism
Demonstrating professionalism in our service delivery, attitude, relationships, and commitment to Foster First's mission.
Innovation
Encouraging creative solutions and continuous improvement in our practices.
Employee Enrichment
Empowering employees to positively impact their communities while fostering their personal and professional development.
Connection
Effectively collaborating and building connections with individuals and businesses in our community.
Safety
Providing a secure and welcoming environment for all.
Our Foundation
Pillars of Fundamental Success
These three pillars guide how we show up for each other, for the families we serve, and for our community.
Inspiration
Inspiring ourselves and others to greatness by pursuing purposeful and meaningful work. Inspiration is actionable and engages our mind, body, and spirit.
Accountability
Accepting responsibility for meeting established, desired, and agreed upon outcomes.
Support
Supporting others to have the tools and competencies to do their work in a healthy and productive manner.
Our People
Dedicated Professionals, Passionate Hearts
Our team is made up of case managers, behavioral specialists, family practitioners, and administrative staff who share one common thread: a deep commitment to the children and families we serve.
Many of our staff have personal connections to the foster care system — as former foster youth, foster parents, or adoptive families themselves. This lived experience shapes everything we do.
Support Our Mission
Your generosity makes our work possible. Every gift goes directly toward empowering youth and families for life long success.
Donate Now