Fostering Dreams Foundation
Fostering Dreams Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in 2015 by Vallery Mitchell. Initially launched as Volley for the Children, the foundation hosted charity volleyball tournaments to raise funds and essential items for children residing in a foster care emergency shelter in Wichita Falls, Texas. As the organization expanded its scope, it became evident that a name change was necessary to reflect its broader mission. Consequently, in 2018, it transitioned to Fostering Dreams Foundation.
As of 2025, Fostering Dreams Foundation has positively impacted the lives of over 650 foster youth and supported 300 foster parents. All services provided by the foundation are made possible through the generous contributions of dedicated service providers from the community.
Our Story
On January 18, 1994, our founder, Vallery Mitchell, was born and immediately placed into the foster care system at birth due to her challenging birth conditions. After spending a total of five formative years in the foster care system, the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) moved forward with the process of terminating Vallery’s biological mother’s parental rights, thus making her eligible for unrelated adoption. On September 15, 2000, Vallery was joyfully adopted by her forever family in DeSoto, Texas, who provided her with unwavering support to help her overcome the numerous birth conditions and emotional trauma she had endured during her time in foster care. In 2015, Vallery made a pivotal decision to redefine her identity, transforming herself from a victim of child abuse into a resilient survivor. She centered her senior year of college around the inspiring goal of opening Volley for the Children, which has now grown into the well-respected Fostering Dreams Foundation Nonprofit Organization. Vallery’s remarkable transformation and determination propelled her to embark on a meaningful mission aimed at supporting foster children through the development of various programs and the organization of numerous events that affirm their inherent worth, ensuring that each child feels seen, heard, and loved in their journey.
What We Currently Do
Host free events for children in foster care to increase their feeling of acceptance, visibility and normalcy.
What We Aim To Do
with more funding & support
🎁 Birthday Gift Initiative
The Birthday Gift Initiative allows foster parents to request personalized birthday gifts for the youth in their care, ensuring every child feels seen, celebrated, and valued on their special day. By tailoring gifts to each child’s interests and age, this program transforms birthdays into meaningful moments of joy, dignity, and belonging—often during a season of life when celebrations are limited or overlooked.
🤝 The Belonging Hangout
The Belonging Hangout is a quarterly gathering we are launching in 2026 for foster youth and foster parents across the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex, designed to foster connection, joy, and community. Through engaging activities such as game nights, skating events, creative workshops, and seasonal celebrations, families are given space to relax, build relationships, and experience a sense of belonging beyond the foster care system. Each event is intentionally inclusive, low-pressure, and centered on shared experiences that strengthen bonds and reduce isolation.
📚 Empowering Case Managers Through Education
This initiative provides hands-on, interactive workshops for child welfare case managers focused on the impact of positive, strengths-based documentation. Participants are equipped with practical tools to write records that honor each child’s progress, resilience, and individuality—ensuring documentation reflects dignity, hope, and opportunity while supporting better outcomes for youth in care.
Events
Volley for the Children Annual Fundraiser Event
The Belonging Hangout - Quarterly Events for Foster Families
Annual Christmas Party for Foster Youth
Service
We are committed to serving not only through our own initiatives but also by supporting other nonprofit organizations in their missions. We offer our time, expertise, and resources whenever possible. If you are interested in enhancing your volunteer efforts, please reach out to us via email at community@fosteringdreamsdfw.org.
