Foster Village aims to expand child services in North Austin
Friday, September 13, 2024 by
Amy Smith A nonprofit that serves as a resource for foster children and their caregivers secured the first step toward rezoning a North Austin property Thursday. The rezoning will enable Foster Village to expand its operations to meet the demand of a growing population of children in the child welfare system.
City Council unanimously approved a resolution, sponsored by Council Member Natasha Harper-Madison, to initiate rezoning “at or near 10505 and 10545 Dessau Road” from standard single-family residential zoning to a commercial base zoning district or other appropriate designation.
The resolution also directed the city manager to make recommendations for a program that would facilitate city-initiated rezoning for properties that can be repurposed to provide community services.
The nonprofit said it would use the existing single-family homes on the property for its operations, with some modifications to the structures. No new buildings will be added on the property. The center will operate daytime business hours and no overnight stays.
Founded in 2016 by Chrystal Smith, chief executive of Foster Village, the resource service has centers in Dripping Springs and on Parmer Lane near MoPac Expressway. As Smith explained in a letter to Council, she and her husband launched the nonprofit after seeing a lack of support resources available to foster families.
“Since launching our first resource center in Dripping Springs, we have had the opportunity to bridge those gaps and continue to serve thousands of local children intersecting with child welfare,” Smith wrote. “Our unique model that was built by the community, for the community, utilizes home-like resource centers where children and their caregivers can come and receive brand-new essential items such as clothing, beds, and car seats (free of charge).”
It’s rare to see a rezoning case on a Council agenda that wins widespread favor from the community, but in this instance, Foster Village won several letters of support.
Similarly, Audrey O’Neill, deputy commissioner of programs for the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, wrote: “Foster Village is a valued partner of DFPS as we work together to support and protect children and families.”
Austin Ridge Bible Church also expressed gratitude for Foster Village’s work in the community: “Their mission has ensured that foster families are not walking this journey alone and are known and seen by their church and community. Their work in providing essential items, connecting families with resources, and offering a supportive community has been invaluable.”
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