Children in the foster care system often experience a life filled with uncertainty and instability, with foster kids in Missouri experiencing an average of three different family placements. At Generations Village, we are dedicated to providing foster children with the opportunity for stability and a nurturing environment to cultivate their roots. Our Model Communities demonstrate that intergenerational living fosters intentional connections, allowing foster children to be surrounded by caring individuals who are genuinely invested in their success. Additionally, these communities enhance the quality of life for the adults in the neighborhood, as seniors find purpose in forming loving relationships with foster families and youth while sharing their invaluable life skills. Parents also benefit from the support of fellow families, access to support groups, and assistance from seniors throughout their foster journey.

At Generations Village, we envision a nurturing ecosystem where every foster child finds not just a temporary refuge but a lasting sense of belonging, woven into the very fabric of a loving community.

Here, children can emerge from the shadows of their pasts, surrounded by caring adults who are dedicated to their growth and well-being. The essence of our mission lies in fostering resilience and hope, where each child is encouraged to dream beyond their circumstances and explore their full potential. With the support of interconnected families and engaged seniors, they learn that their stories are not defined by hardship but by the love and encouragement that lifts them into brighter tomorrows.

This holistic approach ensures that every moment at Generations Village is not just about safety; it’s about cultivating the strength and spirit that empower children to flourish in life and embrace their future with confidence and joy.

The evidence is strong that foster children in existing intergenerational neighborhoods have been more likely to graduate high school and continue their education, and less likely to drop out of high school or repeat a grade. Most importantly, these children have also been more likely to experience permanence and stability in their placement with a foster family and less likely to deal with the often re-traumatizing disruption of moving to another foster home.

The team at Generations Village believes we can make these outcomes a reality right here in southwest Missouri. Working together, we can ensure that more local foster children find success and stability – an opportunity to flourish – while also giving seniors unique ways to find joy and fulfilment. We invite you to join us in strengthening Missouri’s first intergenerational community.