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Recently, an incredible group of leaders from across the country, members of Atlas Project ATX10, took on a powerful three-week challenge to support Foster Village. Their mission was to combine hands-on work and fundraising efforts that would transform our new North Austin Resource Center into a place of comfort, connection, and care for families experiencing foster care, pushing themselves to do the extraordinary!

Throughout those three weeks, the Atlas ATX10 leaders poured heart, creativity, and countless hours of work into the project. They envisioned and brought to life a cozy connection room, refreshed outdoor areas to invite rest and play, and added thoughtful, personal touches throughout our new North Austin home, creating an environment where families feel seen and supported. One especially moving contribution was a beautiful poem by a member of their group. It's now displayed in our resource center to encourage and inspire each child who walks through our doors.

When Atlas ATX10 chose Foster Village as their beneficiary, they invested in more than a space. They championed a movement to change how families experience foster care. Their time, dedication, and belief in the mission have left a lasting impact, helping expand the village of support for children and caregivers in deeply meaningful ways.

One of the leaders who joined this project was Heather, a former child protective investigator and single foster mom. Years ago, she stepped in to care for her son’s best friend, a child who had experienced severe abuse, neglect, and developmental delays.

"I single handedly did that on my own, with my own funding, and just made it happen—because his life was worth it and it mattered," Heather shared. "Had I had these resources, my life would have been—his life would have been very different."

Now, through ATX10, Heather is helping build the kind of village she once needed. Her story is a powerful reminder of the real-life impact behind every shelf built, every dollar raised, and every wall painted.

One of the final touches on their project was a beautiful, hand-painted mural that now stretches across the wall of our support gathering room, boldly declaring: “Community Beyond the System.” It took two full days of collaboration and care from the artist, and by the end, many hands contributed to make sure it was complete. Today, it stands as a lasting visual reminder of how community support lightens the load and sustains us all.

It really does take a village.

But, of course, this hasn’t just been about paint and projects. It’s been about continuing to create an atmosphere where families know they belong, and every corner reflects the love of a village ready to walk alongside them.

Even after the final shelf was built and the last coat of paint was applied, the ripple effect from this cohort of leaders continued. Donations kept rolling in, eventually totaling over $100,000 and drawing nearly 400 new donors into the mission. These gifts are already providing vital resources and ensuring that no family has to walk this journey alone. 

To every person on the ATX10 team who built shelves, sorted toys, decorated rocks, painted walls, and poured your energy into fundraising, thank you. Your impact will echo through every family who finds connection and hope here. We are so grateful you’re part of this village.