Set in a small town in western Massachusetts, the significance of the Treehouse Community may not be evident from it’s physical presence alone, but it’s positive impact is felt in the region and beyond. Thanks to a collaborative partnership among three visionary organizations – the Treehouse Foundation, Beacon Communities LLC, and Berkshire Children & Families – and 100+ Treehouse community members ranging in age from 1 – 95, this exciting award winning multigenerational neighborhood has been a catalyst for widespread
social change.
Since opening the Treehouse Community with it’s partners in 2006, the Treehouse Foundation has been busy developing a vibrant Center of Foster Care & Adoption Excellence in the region of Massachusetts where the largest number of children experiencing foster care reside. Engaging a collaborative social change approach, this entrepreneurial 12 year old non-profit has inspired action, demonstrated the power of partnership, and leveraged deep investment in foster care innovation. Treehouse is helping dissolve the foster care pipeline to our next generation of poor and homeless Americans.
To accomplish it’s vision Treehouse invites people of all ages and backgrounds to become resources to children and youth whose lives have been impacted by foster care. It is diligently building a compelling new Menu of Engagement Options with regional partners who share the vision.
They understand that most people think there are only two ways to support a child placed in our child welfare system. They are eager to join Treehouse
in developing an array of choices so all kids can live connected, healthy
and fulfilling lives.
The Treehouse Foundation wholeheartedly believes in it’s mission and vision. That’s why it launched The Re-Envisioning Foster Care in America Movement (REFCA) in 2010 and is busy planning the Fifth Annual REFCA Conference with
it’s REFCA colleagues (May 30th @ Holyoke Community College in Holyoke, MA.).
Next week REFCA stakeholders will come together for their Winter Working Group Gathering. Throughout the morning folks will share the latest information
about REFCA Working Group inspired programs like A Home Within, HEROES Youth Leadership Project, Project Thrive! Zero To Five, and the Bridge Road Youth Housing/Job Skills Program. Mary LeBeau, a seasoned child welfare
professional who works on behalf of children and youth across the nation,
will facilitate the event. Her goal: Help the group weave permanency into
every aspect of their REFCA work and remember the permanency mantra:
Stay Home. Go Home. Find Home.
We look forward to our upcoming REFCA events: the Winter Working Group Gathering & the Fifth Annual REFCA Conference. It is always such a
pleasure to come together with people who are compassionate, thoughtful
and wise; folks who are eager to engage in collaborative social change
where children come first.
Out of the Foster Care Box 
Hope to be there.