TANL House
Love Overshadows Circumstance
Building a safe, welcoming environment for children and youth awaiting foster placement.
About TANL House
Though many events may lead up to an emergency removal of a child from their caregiver, the moment itself usually happens fast. For this reason, when a child or teen is removed, they can sit and wait for hours or even overnight in the DCS office while a suitable foster or kinship family is found. Imagine how it would feel to be picked up unexpectedly from your home, school, or a hospital and have to wait in an office to find out where you're going to live.
We can make this hard day a little easier by showing kids they are loved and creating a place where their needs are met. At the TANL House, they can eat a home-cooked meal, play with toys, talk to a compassionate volunteer, or just zone out on a comfy couch. The TANL House is not yet operational, but construction is progressing quickly and we hope to open the doors in 2024.
Here are just a few of the things TANL House will provide:
- Home-like living space with comfortable seating
- Fully-stocked kitchen with healthy and kid-friendly food
- Play space with toys and activities for all ages
- Full bathrooms with clean towels and any toiletry item they need
- A private office for caseworkers to make calls regarding placements
- Trauma-informed, trained volunteers to care for children during their stay
Safety, security, and accessibility are our top priorities. Here are some of the measures we've planned:
- Strict protocols for access to the house
- Background checks and training for all volunteers
- Supervision by staff or lead volunteer at all times
- Adherence to applicable building and safety codes
- Wheelchair-accessible first floor, including living spaces and bathroom
