BEFORE & AFTER

Each Lily Pad space is unique to the Social Services office it is installed in. We begin by meeting with the director of the office to learn the needs specific to their county. After that, a design plan is created, donations are procured, and an installation is scheduled. 

When meeting with the director, we gather information on the ages of children they typically serve, how many are currently in foster care and spend their time in the office, and if any children are sleeping in that office. We also talk to the case managers. We love to ask them, “If you had a magic wand, or could request anything at all to enable you to better serve these children, what would that be?” We listen, and we try our best to include as many of those wishes in each space. 

Typically, the county director walks us through the office. They show us the space they have in mind. Many let us choose a space with them. Each office is different about how much we're allowed to change. For example, some building allow new paint and flooring of any style and color, while others are limited to only specific colors. However, our highest priority remains ensuring each Lily Pad is a comfortable place to sleep, so no child has to sleep on an air mattress under their case manager's desk.

We are thankful for the hard work put in each day by the case managers and professionals of these offices. We pray that each Lily Pad helps these professionals better care for youth experiencing foster care, and that the children walking through the door of a Lily Pad will feel loved, valued and some comfort during a very difficult, uncertain time in their lives.