Today we’d like to introduce you to Joy Davenport.
Hi Joy, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey into the foster care and adoption field began more than two decades ago, sparked by a single moment that forever changed me. While working at a homeless shelter for domestic violence victims and children, I witnessed a mother lose custody of her child. Watching that heartbreak unfold was devastating, it opened my eyes to how fragile family structures can be, and how deeply systemic barriers affect both parents and children. That experience planted a seed of purpose in me: to become part of the solution, to protect children, and to advocate for families in crisis.
For nearly 20 years, I worked in child care regulation with the State of Texas, serving alongside Child Protective Services in both investigations and program management. I saw firsthand the complexities of the system the policies meant to protect, the challenges faced by caregivers, and the deep emotional toll carried by everyone involved. Over the years, I also saw something that weighed heavily on me: so many children with no placement, bouncing from one temporary situation to another, or waiting in offices because there were simply no homes available.
That reality became impossible to ignore. Each child’s face told a story, stories of resilience, fear, and hope. I met children who carried all their belongings in a trash bag, teenagers who had given up on finding a forever family, and siblings separated because no home could take them together. Those experiences stirred something within me. I knew there had to be a better way to create stability and healing for these children, a way to offer continuity, not just care.
About eight years ago, I took a leap of faith and left my position in state program management to lead one of the largest residential programs in Texas. That transition allowed me to work more directly with children and staff, building trauma-informed environments that prioritized healing over compliance.
In 2018, I opened a transitional living home for girls aging out of foster care, a population often forgotten once they reach adulthood. Watching those young women grow, dream, and thrive reaffirmed my belief that true transformation happens when we offer both structure and unconditional support.
After years of seeing the gaps and dreaming of a more complete system, I launched The Davenport Foundation to provide a true continuum of care; from prevention to placement to permanence. In 2023, that vision came full circle with the founding of The Davenport Foundation Foster Care and Adoption Agency, dedicated to reimagining foster care with compassion, accountability, and hope at its center.
Every step of this journey has been driven by one truth: no child should ever feel unwanted or unseen. My life’s work is to make sure they don’t.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Absolutely not! But every challenge has shaped both my purpose and my perspective. The journey has been filled with obstacles, both within the system and within the personal weight of trying to do right by children who deserve better.
One of the greatest struggles has been witnessing the breaks within the foster care system itself; the inconsistencies, the constant policy changes, and the lack of continuity in leadership. Each time the government shifted direction or leadership changed, so did priorities. The focus that was once on child-centered care began to drift toward compliance, contracts, and financial outcomes, leaving the true needs of children and families overshadowed. It became painful to watch as decisions were made based on numbers rather than nurturing.
Through my years in child care regulation and later in residential care, I saw firsthand how these shifts affected children’s lives. Homes closed because of funding limitations, not because of poor care. Agencies struggled to meet new requirements while losing sight of the mission. Foster parents grew frustrated and left, while more and more children sat in offices, sleeping on cots or in temporary placements because there were simply no beds available.
The foster care redesign; while well-intentioned, brought new challenges. It emphasized efficiency and outcomes but often left front-line workers and agencies overwhelmed and under-supported. The system’s complexity created barriers that made it harder to focus on what mattered most: the well-being of each child.
On a personal level, stepping away from a stable government position to lead and eventually build new programs required faith, perseverance, and sacrifice. There were times when resources were limited, support was uncertain, and the road ahead felt unclear. But the belief that we could build something different, something better kept me grounded.
Every struggle, every bureaucratic hurdle, and every heartbreaking story of a child without placement reinforced my conviction that change must start with compassion. It reminded me why I founded The Davenport Foundation: to return the focus to where it belongs, on the child.
The road has been anything but smooth. But through the turbulence, a stronger, clearer mission emerged: to create a foster care system that prioritizes healing, dignity, and lasting change over paperwork and profit.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about The Davenport Foundation?
The Davenport Foundation was created from a deep passion to change the lives of children and families impacted by the foster care system. After nearly two decades working in child care regulation and witnessing firsthand the struggles within the system, I knew there had to be a better, more compassionate, and child-centered way to serve.
The Davenport Foundation is a Foster Care and Adoption Agency dedicated to providing a continuum of care; from prevention and placement to permanency and independence. Our mission is to restore dignity, stability, and hope for children who have experienced trauma, displacement, and loss.
We specialize in therapeutic foster care, adoption services, and transitional living programs for youth aging out of care. Our focus is always on meeting children and families where they are emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. We also work to empower foster parents through trauma-informed training, personalized support, and a strong network of resources.
What sets The Davenport Foundation apart?
What sets us apart is our heart-centered approach. We don’t just fill placements, we build connections. We are truly a family. We collective surround each foster family with what they need. Every decision begins with one question: “Is this in the best interest of the child?”
Having worked across every level of the system, from investigations and regulation to residential care, I’ve seen both the challenges and the opportunities for real change. That experience guides everything we do. Our programs focus on healing over compliance, relationships over reports, and transformation over temporary fixes.
Our team operates with empathy and integrity, creating environments where children are seen, supported, and set up to thrive , not just survive.
What are you most proud of?
I’m most proud that The Davenport Foundation stands for authenticity, compassion, and excellence. Our brand reflects a promise: to show up, do the work, and fight for what’s right, even when it’s not easy.
We’ve built a reputation for being a voice for children who are often overlooked and a support system for families navigating a complex system. Every child who comes through our doors is treated like family, and every foster parent is embraced as a partner in care.
What do you want readers to know?
The Davenport Foundation is more than an agency, it’s a movement toward a more compassionate foster care system. We’re redefining what care looks like by addressing the whole child; mind, body, and soul.
Everyone has a role to play , whether through fostering, volunteering, or simply spreading awareness. With love, structure, and community, every child can heal, grow, and belong.
At the end of the day, our purpose is simple:
To make sure no child ever feels unwanted, unseen, or unloved.
Closing Thoughts
This journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth every moment. I’ve learned that purpose is often born from pain and with faith and perseverance, we can turn challenges into change. You don’t have to change the whole world , just change the world for one child, and that’s enough.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
There are so many ways to partner with us in this mission because changing the lives of children in foster care truly takes a community.
First and foremost, we’re always looking for loving, dedicated families who are ready to open their homes and hearts to children in need. Becoming a foster or adoptive parent is one of the most impactful ways to make a difference. We provide all the training, support, and resources needed , you just bring the willingness to love and nurture a child.
We also welcome community partners and collaborators who share our passion for child and family well-being. Whether you’re part of a business, faith-based organization, school, or nonprofit, there are countless opportunities to work together — from hosting awareness events and donation drives to mentoring youth and providing life-skill workshops.
For those who may not be ready to foster, there are still many ways to help. You can:
Volunteer your time to support our programs or youth events.
Donate to help us expand services, provide essentials, and create stable homes.
Advocate by sharing our mission and helping spread awareness about the urgent need for foster families in Texas.
Every act of kindness, big or small helps us continue our mission of creating safe, loving spaces for children to grow and thrive.
At The Davenport Foundation, we believe collaboration creates impact. Together, we can build a system that’s not driven by policy or profit, but by people who care deeply about changing the story for every child in need.
If you’d like to learn more, connect, or get involved, visit us at thedavenportfoundation.com or follow us on social media to stay updated on our programs, events, and ways to give back.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thedavenportfoundation.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedavenportfoundation/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheDavenportFoundation
Image Credits
Family photos taken by Carlos Aguilar with Houston Media Solutions with express permission
