Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
OUR STORY
On July 11, 2007 a handsome 14-month old little boy was placed in our arms along with a single black trash bag with only a few worn out clothes and a few plastic easter eggs considered to be his toys. Reality hit us quick. Was this normal? Were other foster parents okay with this? I didn't want to believe so. My mind began to wonder whether our little guys first, second, and sadly third transition in 14 short months were met with the same sad image. This scenario always bothered me and the thought of other children experiencing this same reality was worrisome. Trash bags? Very few clothes? Worn? Stained? Too small? Leftovers? I knew as a community we could do better than this. I have always believed that children in care deserve to be clothed in confidence so they can feel loved, empowered, and valued, just like everyone else. As it is, they get uprooted from their homes and their lives completely flipped upside down in the blink of an eye, the least we can do is show them the love and dignity all children deserve. Like that saying goes, "when you look good you feel good."
As our journey continued as foster parents over the years I realized we were not alone in our experiences and there was a need for resources to better support the basic needs of children in foster care and their families. Because of this knowledge I wanted to do something about it and offer additional support for children in foster care, foster families, and those in group homes as well as support case professionals and the children they work with. What started as a thought during the placement of two of our boys in 2019 turned into a strong desire to make it happen. So came this idea of a boutique where children in foster care and their families could shop the latest trends in a welcoming, unique, boutique-like setting where merchandise would be new and quality like-new clothing, FREE of cost and available once a month for every child while in care. What started as a dream, developed into a reality with the help of a wonderful support system and community.
Foster Love was established in June 2020 and became an official 501c3 in January of 2021. On July 11, 2021 we celebrated the opening of our storefront boutique in Downtown Ralston. We currently offer Shopping Days, appointments for emergency needs, and an art program called Artsy Kids each month. In addition, we hold several extra events for foster families throughout the year including a Schools-Out Picnic, Back-to-School Party, Boo-tique Bash, Sweets with Santa, and Parents Night Out.
Thank you to everyone who has believed, encouraged, and supporting this dream.
Your help is making a difference!
xo Amber xo
SHE WAS NEVER QUITE READY. BUT SHE WAS BRAVE. AND THE UNIVERSE LISTENS TO BRAVE.
COME BE BRAVE WITH US!
Our Mission
Our Core Values
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide basic needs and opportunities for children and families impacted by foster care so they feel confident, empowered, and valued.
Our Vision
Our Core Values
Our Mission
Our purpose is to create a loving and inclusive community for children and foster families where needs are met, confidence shines within, and opportunities allow youth impacted by foster care to feel empowered.
Our Core Values
Our Core Values
Our Core Values
Love
Dignity
Inclusion
Support
Equity
Integrity
Diversity
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 - Kristina Ridner
Kristina brings the invaluable perspective of lived experience in foster care to our board. She is currently pursuing a degree in Child Protection and Juvenile Justice and aspires to work with young adults who share similar life experiences. Professionally, she serves as an Assistant at Egermier Group Wealth Management, supporting both the business operations and day-to-day needs of the family firm.
Kristina also volunteers as a CASA with Sarpy County CASA, where she advocates for children in the foster care system. She is passionate about using her story to help rewrite the narrative around foster care—demonstrating that while the statistics may feel daunting, success is possible. Outside of work and service, Kristina enjoys traveling and spending time with her two children, who bring tremendous joy to her life.
MEET THE TEAM
