About Our Village Closet
Mission Statement
Our Village Closet (OVC) is committed to improving outcomes for youth and families of foster care by providing no-cost essentials, comfort items, support, and community connections. At OVC, we believe that no youth in foster care should feel alone, and no foster caregiver should face the challenges of last-minute placements or navigate complex trauma alone. Through collaboration, education, and advocacy, we empower youth and families to thrive by offering essential supplies, emotional support, and connections to others who understand the journey of fostering. Join us in creating a compassionate village that strengthens the foster care community of Sonoma County, one youth at a time. One family at a time. Together, we stand for hope, healing, stronger families, and more positive outcomes for all.
Our Story
Our Village Closet (OVC) was founded by two foster moms. Advocacy and connection came from their own life stories. They had personally experienced last minute placement calls without the right kind of essentials to support children entering their homes. Dragging a fragile newborn, disassociated toddler, or overstimulated and afraid grade schooler around town in search of what they need just doesn’t work, and certainly doesn’t mitigate further trauma.
They also learned how much support and encouragement they needed along the way: connections to other caregivers who understood what it was to invite brokenness and trauma into their lives and homes, people who could help them lean into the uncertainty, resources to help them parent complex trauma, extra needs, medical fragility, attachment disorders and so much more. They dreamed of such a place, part supply closet/part support and resources.
They began small, from their garages and storage units at the end of 2018. During this time, these resourceful moms collected donated items, accepted need requests, and delivered essentials to foster homes throughout Sonoma County.
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Our Village Closet received their official 501(c)3 status as of August 2020, and were able to secure a physical location, the OVC Resource Center, in June 2021.
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In July 2021, Our Village Closet was awarded the North Bay Spirit Award for their work in the community. They have been featured in the Press Democrat multiple times, nominated four times for the Heart of Sonoma County Award, and their Executive Director and CoFounder (a Resource and Adoptive Parent herself) won the 4 C's Champion for Children Award for Safe & Stable Families in November 2022. ​
What We Do
What Kids Say About Us
Amy, 10, Foster Child
“Foster Care... is being a family with lots of different kids forever, even when they leave our house. We are still family. I have 16 brothers and sisters, even though they don’t all live with me.”
Justin, In Care
"When I come to OVC, it is like coming to a friend's house."
Are you a caregiver
in need of items?
Check your eligibility to request items from OVC here.
How To Find Us
Open 3 Days/Week
Our OVC Resource Center is open: Mondays (1-5 pm)
Wednesdays (1-7 pm)
Thursdays (9 am-1 pm)


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Address:
905 Mendocino Ave,
Santa Rosa, CA 95401