Deb Christian, a Seattle mother of four, never expected that an email would transform her life. But when she received the message asking her to take in two boys, Christian and her family responded to the call. The family opened their hearts and their home to the children — two years that were both “beautiful and heartbreaking,” Christian said.
The experience gave her insight into the complexities and gaps within the state’s child welfare system. She also recognized an immense need for consistent support for everyone involved.
Turnover rates among U.S foster parents range from 30% to 50% each year, often within the first year. As a result, many children and youth are left in limbo and feeling unwanted — a dismal reality that Christian couldn’t shake.
“When our fostering journey came to an end, I began searching for a better way to walk alongside those who step into this space, and to support families who say yes to fostering,” Christian said.
Angels arrive in Seattle
During Christian’s research, she discovered National Angels, a nationwide parent organization that builds communities of support for foster families and children in the hope of improving the experience for everyone. In 2018, Christian launched Seattle Angels, one of 19 chapters under National Angels. The local group began matching volunteers with foster families in February 2019.
The organization has two arms: the Love Box program, which matches volunteers with foster families to ensure family needs are met, and Dare to Dream, a one-to-one mentorship program for foster youth ages 11 to 22. So far in 2025, the organization has supported 150 children and 56 families.
Love Box volunteers range from community individuals to church groups who commit to showing up each month, whether by meeting tangible needs or simply spending time with the family. Showing up can be as simple as delivering board games, clothing, or household supplies, and as involved as planning an outing with the family, babysitting, tutoring, or mowing their lawn.
Dare to Dream mentors commit to one year of meeting with their mentee every other week to set goals and make plans to achieve them. Youth work on earning their driver’s license, practicing their interviewing skills, or learning life skills like budgeting.
Wrapping around families
“Our ultimate goal is to wrap families in the foster care community with as much love, support, and community as we can,” said Ellsworth. “Each act of care adds up to a powerful network of belonging that reminds families they are not alone.”
Learn how to help: seattleangels.org
