OUR VISION

Changing the future of foster care

We envision a world where every child in foster care experiences a stable, loving, and nurturing home so they can realize their full potential.

A boy smiling and jumping in the air
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For 12+ years, RaiseAChild has inspired
an on-growing community to take action
to help children in foster care
We are making change through innovative solutions
Two polaroids laid flat next to each-other showing foster parents with their children
Two gay foster dads in a park standing behind their foster-adopted sons
A latino couple sitting on a park bench holding their adopted baby
Join the 214,421 foster parents making a difference in a child’s life
RaiseAChild has recruited over 15,023 Foster Parents
Our Founder
Rich Valenza

As the father of two children adopted through Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services, Rich understands firsthand the trials and tribulations of LGBT community members and of single parents who seek to build families.

Over the years, Rich has formed strategic partnerships with community service agencies, national and regional LGBT organizations, and businesses to build RaiseAChild’s strength and influence.

RaiseAChild Team

Jason Cook
Chief Program Officer
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Deyanira Contreras
Parent Advocate (Bilingual) Deputy Director
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Yuliana Gutierrez
Bilingual Parent Advocate
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Lluvia Tovar
Bilingual Parent Advocate
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Paris Cook-Troynel
Parent Advocate
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Richard Avila-Winburn
Brand & Marketing Coordinator
Sonja Lee
Community Event Planner
Esmeralda Ortiz
Program and Event Associate

Board of Directors

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Maggie Bohlman
Governance Committee
Piece-by-Piece, Executive Director Foster-to-Adopt Parent
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Becky Walton
Board Co-Chair
VP of Sales & Business Development Parent
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Ross Smith-Knight
Board Member
Guaranteed Rate Mortgage
Foster-to-Adopt Parent
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Camille Thornton
Secretary
Cedars Sinai Medical Center
Foster-to-Adopt Parent
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Mirza Patail
Board Treasurer
Management Consultant
Parent
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Linda Konner
Development Co-Chair
Parent
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Jonathan Fitzgerald
Governance Committee
ChairEquinox Strategy Partners
Managing Partner
Foster-to-Adopt Parent
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Brittany Carter, CPA
Finance Committee
OBP Services, CEO/President
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Daniel Roemer
Program Outreach Committee
Rumack Family Foundation, VP
Foster-to-Adopt parent
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Beth McCluney
Development, Co-chair
Krieger Speciality Products, Owner
Foster-to-Adopt Parent
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Amy Bernardino
Board Co-Chair and Governance Committee Pennymac, SVP, Administration
Parent and Birthmother
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Lyndea Dew
Board Member
Vice President, Content & Talent Partnerships
NBCUniversal Advertising Platforms & Operations
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Guillaume
de Chalendar
Development Committee
SVP, Head of Media & Entertainment
Banc of California