Rutledge Youth Foundation

This Saturday, October 10th, our agency with be attending Brave Hazel Boutique’s- BRAVE DAYS - Merchants, Music & Makers Festival in Carlinville Plaza. Stop on by if you would like to get more information about our agency and how to become a foster parent. We will be giving out coloring sheets, Rutledge swag, and brochures!

We are honored to have Rutledge Youth Foundation guided by a Board of Directors who are committed to our mission and have long service history in human service organizations/administrations, finance, nonprofit organizations, and social work practices.

Our Board of Directors is made up of 7 to 9 Members. In the upcoming months, we will be spotlighting our Board Members to recognize their dedication to our mission.

Cheryl Swenny has been a Board Member for the past two years. Cheryl has 42 years of experience as a Licensed Clinical Profession Counselor and Nationally Certified School Psychologist. Cheryl has been passionate about helping in child welfare for the past 35 years.

One of Cheryl’s favorite things about Rutledge Youth Foundation is hearing the success stories. She loves seeing our Forever Home Friday videos and how dedicated our staff is to Rutledge Youth Foundation’s mission.

When it comes to fundraising, Cheryl’s top pick is our Annual Angel Tree Fundraiser. Our Angel Tree helps provide Christmas gifts for youth in care by having community members “adopt” a youth for Christmas and providing the gifts to the youth.

Rutledge Youth Foundation is seeking a nurturing and structured foster home for a sweet and loving five‑year‑old boy. He thrives with consistent routines and meaningful one‑on‑one attention from his caregivers. This child is kindhearted and enjoys being helpful around the house. He loves cars, music, and staying active. He enjoys running, playing, and exploring are some of his favorite things.
He would benefit from a home with a yard, or one located near a playground where he can safely play and burn energy.

He is deeply bonded with his siblings and especially enjoys spending time with his older siblings. Because of this, he may do well in a foster home with one or two older children. He is also enjoys attending church and participating in faith‑based activities. Being part of a family who can support and encourage his spiritual interests would be a wonderful fit for him.

This young boy has so much love to give and would flourish in a supportive, stable foster family who can provide comfort, patience, structure, and a nurturing environment.

If you are interested, please contact Pete Norell at (217)525-7757 EXT 1227

Rutledge Youth Foundation is attending the Old Capitol Farmers Market presented by HSHS St. John's (Downtown Springfield, Inc.) today, September 26th, 2026, until 12:30pm! Stop by to get information about becoming a Foster Parent!

Foster Parents are not expected to have all the answers. They do not have to navigate this journey alone. What truly matters is patience, compassion, a willingness to learn, & a commitment to keep growing.

To support that growth, Rutledge Youth Foundation offers ARC Reflections, a specialized support & training group designed to equip & empower Foster Parents. Our goal is to make every session meaningful, practical, & worth your time.

ARC Reflections focuses on helping Foster Parents understand & respond to the needs of youth in their care. Topics include:

•Understanding different types of trauma & how trauma influences behavior
•Exploring the reasons behind challenging behaviors
•Practical strategies to support children in healing & growth
•Guidance on caregiver self‑care & maintaining resilience
•Preparing & supporting youth as they transition through various stages of life

This round of the Arc Reflections group will be held Tuesday evenings from 6pm-7pm via Zoom starting 9/22/26 & ending 10/27/26. If you are a Foster Parent & are interested in signing up for the Arc Reflections group, please fill out the following google form below:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeahZTh-ANkX7x8cbk8cSBHpWKwO2GxydYxyHRLgpuU9wEAvw/viewform?usp=header

We look forward to hearing from you. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

The office will be closed September 7th, 2026 for Labor Day.

Have you ever thought about becoming a Foster Parent? Do you have questions about the process? Do you want to learn more?

There are several ways you can reach out to get your questions answered by a Rutledge Youth Foundation licensing representative:

•Scan the QR code to provide your information
•Click the link in the comments to provide your information
•Contact Us at (217)525-7757

We look forward to hearing from you!

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. It is a time to recognize the brave children & families facing childhood cancer and to honor those whose lives have been forever changed by it. This month, we stand with children battling cancer, their families, caregivers, and the professional who walk alongside them.

Together, we honor their strength, celebrate their victories, and remember those whose journeys ended too soon.