Need Help?

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/

Crisis Text Line (Anxiety, Depression, School): 741741

Need Help?

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/

Crisis Text Line (Anxiety, Depression, School): 741741

About Michiana Family Center

Our Mission

We collaborate with our community to provide wrap-around and uplifting support for children and families in Foster Care in Michiana.
Many children who have experienced Foster Care struggle to live as independent adults. We collaborate with our community to provide services, so all children have the tools they need to succeed and add value to their communities.
We envision a Michiana community of empowered Foster Families.

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Who is Michiana Family Center?

We're providing the type of support we could have used.

Our Team

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Aisling Solarek

Executive Director

Aisling (Ashling) Solarek was born and raised in Dublin Ireland. She traveled to America and received her bachelor's in education from Maranatha University in Wisconsin. This is where she met her husband James and decided to stay in America.She’s the mom to six children and a golden doodle named Curry. Aisling has been in the Foster/adoption community for the past ten years. She has adopted 4 of her children and has learned a lot about what is needed to love and support families, especially children from hard places. Aisling loves God and others and considers her life mission to make sure children know they are loved and safe.
She loves to travel to new places and wishes every day was summer. Aisling is a foster mom and understands that seven kids are probably her max! That is why she founded Michiana Family Center, to train and equip others to mentor and love the foster care community alongside her and her family.

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James Solarek

Director of Operations

James has served in church and non-profit ministry for over 20 years. He has his master’s degree in Bible and most recently served as Executive Pastor at Community Church in Edwardsburg, MI. James loves God and loves people. He enjoys order and helping everyone around him accomplish their tasks in a timely manner with clear communication. He brings his knowledge and experience to Michiana Family Center in a unique way with 10 years of experience as a foster/adoptive Dad. James is married to his beautiful Irish bride Aisling, and together they have six children. James is a Disney fan and loves vacationing with his family and all things Ohio State – Go Buckeyes!

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Krista DeBoer

Case Manager

Krista was born in Mexico and was adopted at 17 months old. Raised in Oak Park, IL she developed a love for working with children in church and baby-sitting. After graduating with a degree in Caregiving and Counseling, Krista began to train to become a long-term missionary to Burkina Faso. Krista spent two years learning French and helping in a small village in Burkina. Upon returning, she spent the next several years working towards a Master’s in Social Work, graduating in June 2017. Krista has had different experiences with non-profits, providing therapy and case management services to children and adults who have experienced trauma. Krista is passionate about helping foster/adoptive families and children have the needed support to be successful. She recognizes the value of support and connection as a licensed foster parent as well as adoptive mother.
Krista’s primary responsibilities will include the supervision of our Michiana Mentors and Internship Programs along with serving as our Case Manager for Elkhart County (IN).

Our Board of Directors

Shane Shidler
Financial Advisor - Edward Jones

Becky Anson
Secretary - Edwardsburg Public Schools Board; Former HR Director - Martin’s Supermarkets

Curtis Kniffin
Engineer - AAM

TJ Jorgensen
Founder & CEO - TJ21 Media Group

History of Michiana Family Center

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2015 - 2019

Functioned primarily through Community Church of Edwardsburg.Edwardsburg Community Clothes Closet • Cass County DHHS Christmas Party • Respite Care • Foster Parent Support & Training Groups

2019

We officially became Michiana Family Center and were established as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

2020

Deepened partnerships with local agencies to expand services to provide essential items to foster families and education to foster children.

2021

Launched Michiana Mentors, Michiana Care Teams, and Foster Parent Support Groups.

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Get updates on what's happening at Michiana Family Center and how the community is helping foster and adoptive teens and families all across Michiana!

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