Welcome to Guiding Harbor
Formerly Girlstown Foundation
At Guiding Harbor, we believe every child deserves a safe, loving, and supportive place to grow. As a nonprofit dedicated to foster care, adoption, residential care, and independent living services, we provide the guidance, stability, and resources children need to heal and thrive. Whether it’s finding a forever family or helping young adults transition to independence, we’re committed to changing lives—one child at a time. Join us in making a difference. Because every child deserves a bright future.
Mission
Improve the quality of life for children and families
Vision
Guiding Harbor will educate each person placed in our care, teaching the life skills necessary to make wise decisions and to become a productive member of society.
At Guiding Harbor we believe in respect and belonging. We are committed to diversity equity and inclusion and creating a safe space for children, families and employees to thrive.
Research shows that more than 30% of children in foster care identify as LGBTQ+, Guiding Harbor is committed to ensuring that this subset of foster youth feel safe and accepted by us. As a result, Guiding Harbor joined the Consortium of LGBTQ+ Inclusion in the Child Welfare System. So that we can hold ourselves accountable to maintaining inclusivity, can offer the most support to the youth and help educate their caregivers and staff.
Black children are overrepresented in the foster care system making up 14% of the total child population but 23% of children in foster care. Hiring staff that is reflective of those we serve is a commitment that Guiding Harbor has made to mitigate racial bias. Our current workforce is 45% African American, 48% Caucasian, 2% Hispanic, 2% multiracial.
Having insight into our client population makes us better at our jobs and more impactful at making substantive change with those we serve. Flexible holidays, staff training, having diverse representation in publications, in the types of donations we utilize, are examples of our efforts to weaken systemic obstacles and support our staff and empower foster youth.
Upcoming Events
Diamonds and Denim- Guiding Harbor’s 40th Annual Auction
Join us for an exciting evening in support of kids in foster care! Guiding Harbor proudly presents our 40th Annual…
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