WICHITA, Kansas – Foster ICT, a local nonprofit that helped recruit, train and support foster families, announced it will dissolve after six years of service. Co‑founder Jill Ayres, a foster parent of more than 25 years who has cared for over 300 children, said the organization’s original mission has been largely fulfilled by other groups.
Founders say the need is now being met by larger initiatives
Ayres explained that when Foster ICT began, community support for foster parents was limited. “When we started Foster ICT, there was not a lot of community support for foster parents. There just wasn’t very many people in this space,” she said.
Today, she believes the landscape has changed. “The reason that we started Foster ICT was because there was such a need. Those needs are being met. Only just not by us, so that’s a good thing,” Ayres added.
Care for Every Family carries the torch
Ayres highlighted the work of Care for Every Family, a local initiative that grew out of Foster ICT’s early efforts. Sadie Williams, the leader of Care for Every Family, described the organization’s goal: “Care for Every Family is a local initiative focused on reducing foster care by bringing people together to care for families before, during and beyond foster care.”
Williams praised Foster ICT’s legacy, noting that the newer group now has a broader reach. “I’m so proud of the work that they did, and I’m so thankful for the foundation that they laid so that other groups could come in and help carry the flame,” she said.
Founder plans to continue helping children in a different way
While the dissolution marks the end of Foster ICT as an organization, Ayres said she will remain active in the foster‑care community. “We just decided that it’s better to step back and do something else,” she explained. “Focus on helping foster kids and foster homes in a different way.”
Ayres’ decision reflects a broader trend in Wichita’s nonprofit sector, where smaller, mission‑focused groups often evolve into larger collaborations that can leverage more resources and volunteers.
What this means for Wichita’s foster‑care network
Local social‑service agencies and churches have expressed optimism that the transition will be smooth. They anticipate that Care for Every Family and other community partners will continue to provide training, mentorship and recruitment assistance to prospective foster parents.
For families currently involved with Foster ICT, the organization is working to ensure a seamless handoff of resources and contacts. Ayres emphasized that the dissolution is not a loss but a handover to a more expansive network.
Community response
Residents who have volunteered with Foster ICT praised its impact on the city’s foster‑care system. Many noted that the organization helped demystify the process of becoming a foster parent and offered practical support that made a difference for children in need.
As Wichita continues to address the needs of its most vulnerable children, the collaborative model demonstrated by Foster ICT and Care for Every Family may serve as a blueprint for other nonprofit initiatives seeking lasting impact.
Original reporting: KWCH 12 (Gray) – local — read the source article.
