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).

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Josh Deuber

Case Manager

Hello, my name is Josh Deubner. I have been a foster parent for 3 years now with one adoptive child and another still in foster care. I love to be involved in my community and have been a volunteer fireman for over 15 years. I also serve our community by working in the emergency room as an ED technician. I’m looking forward to partnering with and supporting our community in new ways through MFC!

Josh will be serving as our Case Manager for Cass, Berrien, & St. Joseph (MI) counties.

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Ashley Avila Caldera

Intern

Hello! My name is Ashley Avila Caldera. I am 24 years old. I graduated with my Bachelor’s in Social Work and took a year off to pursue my dream job as an entrepreneur in event planning! I even planned and executed my own wedding on July 16, 2023 to my high school sweetheart. We recently moved from California to Michigan to get my Masters in Social Work at Andrews University. We also just got a Springer Spaniel puppy!! She’s the best and brings so much joy to our lives. I am grateful to God for opening the door to be an intern here at Michiana Family Center. I am excited to learn, grow with and love everyone I encounter during this process. Please do not hesitate to say hello if we see each other in the field! 

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Jan Tamayo

Intern

MFC is excited to introduce you to our second intern from Andrews University, Jan Tamayo! She is working on her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work. Jan is from Texas and enjoys arts and crafts, cats, and all things musical. :) She has already jumped in and is getting to know our families. I’m sure you will see her soon! 

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Mithsouka Mathieu

Intern

Hello, my name is Mithsouka. I am known as Mia. I am excited to be joining the MFC family! I am happily married to my best friend and have a black/white jack russell mix. Our family is centered on serving those who are less fortunate and considered outcasts. My previous work experience is in administration, education, healthcare and urban non-profit work. I am currently a student at Andrews University to become a pastor in urban ministries and graduating in 2024 with a MSW to begin counseling people who have experienced trauma.
My favorite pastime is to mentor, encourage, and guide youth and young adults into their dreams and purpose. I look forward to being a great support to children and families in the Michiana area. 

Our Board of Directors

Financial Advisor - Edward Jones

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

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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