OUR STORY

Smiling toddler sitting on carpet near laundry basket and toys.

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!

OUR FOUNDER

Amber Richardson - Executive Director

Amber is the Founder and Executive Director of Foster Love. She brings 16 years of experience as a foster and adoptive parent in the Omaha community. She is passionate about helping those who are placed in unfortunate circumstances and needing a little extra love and support. It has been her dream to create a space where children in foster care and foster families can feel supported and basic needs could be met through a unique boutique-like experience. She has been married to her husband, Matthew Richardson, for 20 years. They have four amazing children; Trevon, Jayda, Demetrius, and Berkley and a handful of little loves they've been able to love on and continue to love on. She says life wouldn’t be nearly as sweet or meaningful without the foster care community that has had the most incredible impact on her life. When she's not loving on her family she enjoys traveling, playing soccer, working out, exploring the outdoors, and home projects.

MEET OUR BOARD

President - Amber Richardson

Amber is the Founder and Executive Director of Foster Love which was established in June of 2020. She brings 16 years of experience as a foster and adoptive parent. Amber got involved with group homes in 2005 when she completed an internship at Youth Emergency Services. Since then she has been passionate about advocating for children in foster care and those who have been placed in difficult circumstances. She received a bachelor's degree in Education and Human Sciences from the University of Nebraska-Omaha where she also played on the women's soccer team. In 2010 she received a master's degree in Leadership and Coaching. She was a former assistant coach for the women's soccer program at Bellevue University for 11 years. Amber is married to Matt, and a proud mother of four children; two of which have been adopted through foster care. "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."

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.