Compassion begins with one person.
One person becomes a few.
A few become thousands.
And when we connect, no family carries the weight alone.
For foster families everywhere
Compassion in action. Hope in every step.
We mobilize neighbors, churches, and businesses to give foster families practical, everyday support — a meal, a ride, a helping hand — before crisis, not after.
An Alaska nonprofit · 501(c)(3) tax-exempt public charity
Why it matters
Foster parents rarely quit because they stop caring. They quit because they carry it alone.
The fix is often beautifully small: a hot meal on placement night, a crib delivered on time, a ride to practice. Small help, delivered early, keeps families whole — and keeps children out of crisis.
Sources: U.S. Children's Bureau AFCARS report; Alaska Office of Children's Services. Figures approximate.
343,000+
children in foster care across the United States
~2,600
children in care across Alaska, where our work begins
up to 50%
of foster families step away within their first year — most often from exhaustion and lack of support
Our mission
“To mobilize communities to provide preventative, everyday support that strengthens foster families, improves retention and recruitment, and meets children's needs before crisis.”Read our story →
How it works
Real needs meet real neighbors — in the GoodSam app.
GoodSam is the technology platform behind our mission: a simple app where foster families post practical needs and the community answers them. Here's the whole loop:
Step 1 of 3
A need is posted
A foster family or caseworker posts a real, practical need in the GoodSam app — dinner on placement night, a car seat, a ride to practice, a few hours of respite.
The fix is often beautifully small.
Why we exist
What guides us
Seven values, one direction.
Compassion
Every child and every family deserves dignity, kindness, and practical support.
Integrity
We operate honestly, transparently, and with faithful stewardship of every resource entrusted to us.
Community
Lasting change happens when neighbors, churches, nonprofits, businesses, and agencies work together.
Prevention
Supporting families before crisis leads to stronger homes, healthier children, and better outcomes.
Innovation
We embrace technology and creative solutions to remove barriers and connect people with meaningful help.
Collaboration
We value partnerships across public agencies, private organizations, faith communities, and local volunteers.
Stewardship
Every donation, volunteer hour, and resource should create the greatest possible impact.
Get involved
There's a place for you in this.
Bring Mercy in Motion to your church, business, or community.
We'll walk you through how it works, what it costs (nothing), and how your people can start meeting real needs this month.
