The people behind the work, committed to doing right by children and community.
Meet our team
We’re here because every child deserves dignity, comfort, and a sense of belonging, no matter their circumstances. Giving our time is simply one way we help make that belief real.
We’re here because every child deserves dignity, comfort, and a sense of belonging, no matter their circumstances. Giving our time is simply one way we help make that belief real.
Amy Schulz
Founder/Executive Director
Amy Schulz is the Founder and Executive Director of Foster Kids Matter, leading the organization with vision and compassion to support children entering foster care and expand services across Baldwin County.
Amanda Jeppson, MBA
Director of Marketing & Communications
Amanda serves as Director of Marketing & Communications for Foster Kids Matter, leading strategic growth, donor engagement, and brand development to strengthen the organization’s impact and long-term sustainability.
Savanna Grissom
Board Member - Chairman
Savanna Grissom is Chairman of the Board for Foster Kids Matter, providing strategic leadership, financial oversight, and advocacy to support the organization’s growth and mission.
Alaina Arnold
Board Member - Vice Chair
Alaina Arnold serves as Vice Chair of the Board for Foster Kids Matter, bringing firsthand experience protecting vulnerable children and a deep commitment to advocacy, fundraising, and community engagement.
Norma Lynch
Board Member - Secretary
Norma Lynch serves as Secretary and Board Member for Foster Kids Matter, providing administrative leadership, accurate recordkeeping, and steadfast support to advance the organization’s mission.
Brooklyn Webber
Board Member - Member at Large
Brooklyn Weber is a Board Member at Large for Foster Kids Matter, bringing a strong background in social work and child advocacy to support trauma-informed, whole-child care for children connected to foster care.
Bridget Felder
Board Member - Treasurer
Bridget Felder is a Board Member and Treasurer of Foster Kids Matter, bringing over 20 years of financial industry experience to ensure strong fiscal oversight and responsible stewardship of the organization’s resources.
to strengthen support for foster kids
partner with us
Champion for kids
Program stability, growth & future initiatives.
-
Core programs at scale
-
Staffing & Operations
-
Reporting & Accountability
-
Capacity for new initiatives
partner in purpose
Strengthening core support & youth readiness
-
Hope Bags & Kinship Care Bags
-
Youth Readiness Program Development
-
Community engagement
-
Program expansion support
community builder
Meeting immediate needs & sustaining programs
-
Hope Bags
-
Seasonal Supplies
-
Youth Milestones
-
Volunteer Support
friend of the mission
Supporting continuity of care
-
Emergency needs
-
Essential supplies
-
Hope Bag outreach
-
Outreach & awareness
Sponsorship funds support current programs and organizational capacity, allowing
Foster Kids Matter to responsibly grow services based on community need, resources, and partnerships.
Sponsorship levels and investment details are outlined in our partnership packet.
Includes current programs, recognition opportunities, and how sponsorship funds are to be used.
Every partnership helps ensure foster children in Baldwin County are met with
dignity, stability, and care-today and as our work continues to grow.
age 10
“When I was removed, my parents put a few stuffed animals into a trash bag for me and handed them to me in the back of the lady’s car. I knew I wasn't important; the stuffed animals were from court, but now I felt like trash, too. When I got to her office, she handed me two bags. They both were real nice. Inside were so many clothes, new shoes, socks, deodorant, body wash, a blanket, and a new stuffed, very fuzzy bear; it all felt so warm. I changed myself into the clothes, put on the new socks and shoes, then wrapped the blanket around me while squeezing the softest stuffed bear so tight, it was the first time in forever, I didn’t feel like trash!"
age 12
“I came into care after a really bad night. I was dirty, scared, and shaking. I didn’t want anyone to look at me. The Hope Bag had clean clothes, shower products, deodorant, socks, underwear, and the softest blanket. Once I was able to take a shower and use all my new products, I was able to let myself breathe, let go, cry, and process everything. I then put on all my new clothes and looked in the mirror to see someone who was going to be okay."
Foster Parent
“Our foster daughter told us later that the Hope Bag made her feel like someone cared about her before she even walked through our door. That kind of reassurance is priceless.”
AGE 14
“I didn’t cry when they removed me. I didn’t cry in the car. I didn’t cry when they told me I couldn’t go back home. I just shut down. When I got to the foster home, they handed me the Hope Bags. I unzipped it, and the smell of clean clothes and shampoo hit me. I don’t know why, but that smell so simple and clean made me cry for the first time in a long time. Those hope bags didn’t fix everything. But it was the feel of the hope bags like I was going to be alright.”
Age 8
“I was always cold living outside. I didn’t want to say anything because I didn’t want to be a problem. When I was taken and opened the two bags for me, I saw the fuzzy warm blanket, coat, shoes, and socks first. I put them all on and started to cry because I didn’t have to pretend I wasn’t cold anymore.”
Age 6
“I didn’t know where I was going and was very scared. I cried as the worker took me. Then she gave me bags, and I saw the crayons, coloring book, big bear, and unicorn blanket. It made me feel a little less scared and helped me stop crying."
Social Worker
“As a social worker, I’ve seen countless children enter care with nothing but fear and the clothes on their backs. When I hand them a Hope Bag, their shoulders drop. Their breathing slows. It changes the tone of the entire transition. It gives them dignity in a moment that feels out of control.”
Age 9
“When I saw the Hope Bag, I knew someone had made it for kids like me. That made me know I wasn’t the only one this happens to. It made me feel less alone."
Age 15
“I left home with nothing. Not even shoes. I felt so embarrassed and angry. But the Hope Bag had everything I needed, even new shoes. It helped me feel like I could start over without feeling so ashamed.”
Age 14
“I didn’t want anyone to know how nervous I was. But when I opened the Hope Bag and saw everything for me. It made me feel like I could handle what was happening. Like someone believed I could be brave.”
There are many ways to support foster children in our community-and we'd love to explore what involvement looks like for you.
Ways to Get Involved
-
Volunteer with packing events or community initiatives
-
Explore corporate or community partnerships
-
Help spread the word through your network
-
Connect us with speaking opportunities, events, or organizations
-
Share professional skills, resources, or in-kind support
We're especially grateful for community members who can help open doors-whether that's inviting us to speak, introducing us to potential partners, or helping amplify our mission.
