Find Your Purpose in Thornwell’s Foster Care Village

Every day, teens in foster care are waiting—not just for placement, but for belonging. They are waiting for someone to show up, stay consistent, and remind them they matter. At Thornwell, the belief that every child, regardless of their age, desires and deserves a loving, safe, stable family drives everything we do.

While families may feel called to foster, few feel prepared to welcome teenagers. Families may worry about safety, the impact on young children, or the challenge of bonding with a youth. Others fear they are unequipped, don’t have the right resources, or that they cannot navigate the complexities of the foster care system to advocate well.

But here’s the truth: teens need family.

They want someone in the stands at their games, someone to help them navigate school, someone to laugh with at the dinner table. Belonging can change everything.

The difference between hesitation and “yes” for new foster parents is often one thing: support. That’s where Thornwell’s Foster Care Village comes in.

The Foster Care Village is designed to make fostering teens and sibling groups not only possible—but sustainable. Families don’t foster alone; they foster in community. Practical support surrounds them: access to staff, tangible resources, but most importantly a network of other foster parents who understand both the challenges and the joys of fostering.

This reduces burnout, allowing foster parents to focus on what matters most — building trust, offering stability, and showing up day after day.

You were never meant to do this alone. That’s why the Village exists.

Thornwell is currently seeking dedicated two-parent families to join the Village who:

• Have no more than three minor children already in the home

• Are willing to foster at least four children or youth, focused on sibling groups
• Can meet South Carolina foster care licensing requirements
• Have a heart for serving teens and sibling groups

If you’ve ever considered fostering, or feel called to make a lasting impact, this is your opportunity. Foster care takes a village—and we would love for you to be part of ours.

Learn more about becoming a Thornwell foster parent in the Foster Care Village and apply today.