About us
Fostering Wishes is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to improving the lives of foster children by providing essential resources, emotional support, and opportunities for personal growth. Fostering Wishes offers a variety of programs designed to address the unique needs of foster children. These programs range from their “signature” Holiday program offering gifts to providing duffle bags filled with necessities to children moving from foster home to foster home, to paying High School activity fees, offering trade school scholarships and aging-out resources for those transitioning into adulthood.
At its core, Fostering Wishes is powered by a passionate community of volunteers and donors who believe in the mission of uplifting foster children and giving them the tools they need to thrive. With 98% of all contributions going directly to support the children, the organization ensures that every dollar makes a meaningful impact. Through collaboration with local partners and the dedication of its supporters, Fostering Wishes continues to fulfill its goal of fostering hope and providing opportunities for foster children to lead fulfilling lives, despite the challenges they face.
History & Founding
From Past to Present
Fostering Wishes was founded in 2017 by Sabine Lemmo, a former foster mom to 25 children, who saw firsthand the emotional challenges faced by children in foster care. Inspired by her experiences, she launched the organization with a simple holiday gift drive, setting up a single tree at a local Starbucks. Named "Fostering Wishes," the initiative sought to provide foster children with meaningful gifts during the holidays, giving them a sense of belonging and care.
In 2020, Fostering Wishes added volunteers and expanded its programming to meet the growing needs of the foster community. Today, the organization operates year-round with dedicated volunteers, partnerships, and strong community support. It provides hundreds of foster children with essential resources, from duffle bags and scholarships to support as they transition out of care, helping them thrive despite the challenges they face.