Champions for Children Our programs and services-helping families help children. History Our founder, Dr. Karl Menninger, believed that children who have been abused, abandoned or neglected have the best opportunity to grow and flourish within a family. From past to present, Dr. Menninger's belief remains a part of every program and service of The Villages. The Villages is dedicated to enhancing services for the critical early childhood years through the development of child-care services and the expansion of the Healthy Families program. We are equally committed to the continued growth and diversification of our foster care program, as well as our transitional living, family services and adoption programs. The Villages, established in 1978 in Indiana through an initiative of Lilly Endowment, currently has more than 20 offices located strategically throughout Indiana providing community-based operations close to those needing our support and assistance. "Love cures people, both the ones who give it and the ones who receive it." –Dr. Karl Menninger Mission Statement The Villages champions every child's right to a safe, permanent and nurturing home. We are committed to strengthening families for all children and to embracing the diversity and dignity of every child, youth and family served. Vision Statement Every child will flourish in a healthy, nurturing, self-sufficient family. Foster Care By placing children in specially prepared nurturing foster homes, we re-establish bonds of trust between a vulnerable child and the adult world. Foster families receive specialized training and 24-hour access to services and support. Adoption The Villages offers private, international and special needs adoptions. We provide preparation, education, placement and support throughout the adoption journey. Healthy Families By strengthening parent-child relationships in the early years, we prevent problems later. Our services to new parents include education in child development and assistance in using community resources. Transitional Living By supporting young adults who are leaving the child welfare system with life skills training in a community-based living environment, we give them the opportunities they need to become independent, productive members of society. Children's Village The Villages provides quality child care and early childhood development services through our Children's Village locations in Indianapolis and Bloomington. These state-of-the-art centers provide child care to children six weeks old to kindergarten age. Family Services By working with families who have dedicated themselves to making necessary life changes, we strive to preserve or reunify families according to their unique needs. Services include family, group and individual counseling, assessment, skill-building and parent education and mentoring. Kinship Care The Family Connection Network's vision is that every kinship family and child maintains a strong sense of identity and pride in culture, heritage and family connection. This program strives to empower kinship families and help them achieve a stable, positive family experience that will best allow children to reach their full potential.