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OUR STORY
On July 11, 2007, a handsome 14-month-old little boy was placed in our arms. All he came with was a single black trash bag holding a few worn-out clothes and a couple of plastic Easter eggs as toys.
Reality hit us fast. Was this normal? Were other foster parents okay with this? I didn’t want to believe it. My heart ached wondering if our little guy’s first, second, and third transitions in his 14 short months were met with this same heartbreaking image.
Trash bags? Worn, stained, ill-fitting clothes? Leftovers? I knew our community could do better.
Children entering care have been uprooted from everything they know in the blink of an eye. The least we can do is show them the love and dignity they deserve. I have always believed that foster youth deserve to be clothed in confidence—to feel loved, empowered, and valued. When you look good, you feel good.
As our journey as foster parents continued, we realized we were not alone. There was a massive gap in resources to support the basic needs of foster children, their caregivers, and the dedicated caseworkers standing beside them.
What began as a quiet thought during a 2019 placement grew into an undeniable calling: to create a boutique where children in foster care could shop for brand-new and high-quality clothing in a warm, welcoming setting—completely free of charge. With the incredible support of our community, that dream became a reality.
Established in June 2020 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we opened our first storefront in downtown Ralston before expanding to a much larger space in early 2025 and rebranding as Foster Heart + Hope. Today, we host monthly Shopping Days at Trey’s Boutique, alongside year-round programming and special events designed to empower children, young adults, and families impacted by foster care, kinship care, and guardianship.
Thank you to everyone who has believed in, encouraged, and supported this dream. Your generosity is directly changing lives.
With love,
Amber
"She was never quite ready. But she was brave. And the universe listens to brave."
Come be brave with us!
MEET OUR FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Founder, Executive Director, and Board President
Amber Richardson is the Founder and Executive Director of Foster Heart + Hope, a nonprofit established in June 2020 out of her family’s basement alongside her husband, Matt. Driven by a lifelong commitment to children in crisis, Amber brings 19 years of dedicated experience as a foster and adoptive parent within the Omaha community.
Her journey in child advocacy began in 2005 during an internship at Youth Emergency Services, exposing her to the critical realities of the child welfare system. This experience ignited a passion that has shaped her life's work: creating a supportive space where children in foster care and foster families feel valued, cared for, and treated with dignity through a unique, boutique-like experience.
Amber holds a bachelor’s degree in Education and Human Sciences from the University of Nebraska-Omaha (UNO), where she also played on the women's soccer team and won a National Championship in 2005. Notably, she still works alongside several of her former teammates who are now proudly part of the Foster Heart + Hope team. In 2010, she earned a master’s degree in Leadership and Coaching and went on to serve as an assistant coach for the Bellevue University women’s soccer program for 11 years.
Amber and her husband, Matt, have been married for 23 years. They are proud parents to four incredible children—Trevon, Jayda, Demetrius, and Berkley—who make up their "core four," two of whom were adopted through foster care. They have also welcomed a handful of additional children into their home who remain an integral part of their lives today. Amber often shares that life wouldn’t be nearly as sweet or meaningful without the foster care community that has profoundly impacted her family. Outside of her advocacy work, she enjoys traveling, sports, outdoor adventures, working out, and home improvement projects.
"It is so special for me to be part of a unique organization that was inspired by all the children I love. Children who have been impacted by foster care deserve love, dignity, and opportunity. With your help, we can make that happen in our community."
— Amber Richardson
MEET THE TEAM
Director - Tony Hernandez
Tony is an attorney at Johnson & Pekny, LLC. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Nebraska College of Law in 2012, with a concentration in alternative dispute resolution.
Tony served for nine years as a county attorney with the Douglas County Attorney's Office, where he prosecuted juvenile crimes and child welfare cases, with a primary focus on sexual assault and child sexual abuse. His experience includes both trial and appellate litigation before the Nebraska Court of Appeals and the Nebraska Supreme Court.
He joined Johnson & Pekny in 2023 and focuses his practice on criminal defense and family law. Prior to his legal career, Tony served in the United States Marine Corps.
Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his three children, traveling, and giving back to his community through volunteer service.
Director - Kaitlyn O'Neill
Kaitlyn earned dual degrees in Political Science and Management from Simpson College before obtaining her Juris Doctor with a specialization in Compliance from Drake University Law School.
She previously worked for a large nonprofit in Johnston, Iowa, supporting children with disabilities through legal and compliance services. Kaitlyn currently serves as a Staff Attorney at Mosaic, where she advocates for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Passionate about nonprofit leadership and standing up for those who cannot advocate for themselves, Kaitlyn is also a dedicated mentor and strong supporter of women’s empowerment. Outside of her professional work, she is active in her community, enjoys time with her family, and is preparing to welcome her third child.
Director - Ashley Kuhn
Ashley is the Co-CEO of Blair Freeman, a 100% woman- and 100% Black-owned construction and owner’s representation firm. Her passion for real estate began in childhood as she observed the stark differences in property conditions throughout her North Omaha neighborhood. After becoming the only Class A Black woman contractor in the state of Nebraska, Ashley has led initiatives—alongside local philanthropic partners—to advance supplier diversity and increase engagement of women- and minority-owned contractors and suppliers on construction projects across Omaha.
Having experienced disparities in access firsthand, she is committed to leveling the playing field for those who follow. Ashley believes deeply in giving back through service and supports multiple organizations through board leadership, volunteerism, mentorship, and internships. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading, cheering on her favorite sports teams, and advocating for women’s empowerment. She is married to Kristopher Kuhn and is a proud mother of three: Jayla, Alivia, and Kristopher II.
Director - Dana Coonce
Dana brings more than 30 years of HR executive experience to the team, including over two decades leading human resources across fast-growing, high-complexity organizations. She most recently served as Chief Human Resources Officer at Medical Solutions and previously as Executive Vice President at Hayneedle, continuing in her leadership role following its acquisition by Walmart. Her foundational executive work at First Data and SITEL built a deep expertise in organizational development, employee relations, and strategic growth.
A graduate of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Dana has been nationally recognized by SIA, Women in Leadership, and Forbes for her leadership—particularly her visionary work advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. Now enjoying retirement, Dana stays actively engaged in community volunteer work. In her free time, she loves traveling and spending quality time with her husband and twin daughters.