Real people. Real Relationships.
At REAL PEOPLE Foster and Family Services, we believe that healing happens in relationships—authentic, steady and rooted in compassion. We're a foster care agency that believes building real relationships can evoke real change for children facing challenges and their families.
Real People will support your foster journey from beginning to end.
Foster care isn’t just about placement. It’s about matching and fit, connection, inclusion and wellness — for everyone involved.
REAL isn’t just our name. It means something much more.
REAL is an acronym we use to guide us in our philosophy as we strive to surround ourselves with like-minded people. The most important credential added to your name is RP: Real Person.
What REAL Means to Us
Real People Foster Parents believe in:
R – Committed to building healthy RELATIONSHIPS
E – Willing to EMPOWER others and themselves
A – ALL IN—especially when it’s hard
L – Open to LIFELONG LEARNING and growing together
These values also guide how we show up for our families, our children, and each other. Whether you're a caregiver, a child in care, a community partner, or part of our team—you’ll be met with respect, empathy, and support that feels real.
Our Approach
We take a relationship-based, trauma-informed approach to foster care, looking at the whole person—mind, body, and spirit.
We invest in:
Wellness support for foster parents and children
Culturally safe and inclusive care for all identities
Strong relationships that last beyond the placement
Ongoing training and mentorship
Present, unhurried listening
Because every story matters. Every child and foster parent deserves to be seen, heard, and understood.
“We don’t believe in quick fixes, especially when fostering, where uncertainty can be constant. We need more belief that change is possible. We need more than the system can offer. More should come with the support you need. How do we get more value, choice, balance, joy and love? That is REAL — and it’s what makes you feel truly supported on your foster journey.”
Why We Do This Work
Children and youth in care have been through more than most people realize. They need more than shelter or a roof over their heads — they need inclusion, predictability and routine, safety, and a thoughtful approach that includes intangible qualities such as love, respect, trusting relationships, and real people who will show up again and again.
Foster parents need support too — inspiration only lasts so long, and caregiving is hard work. We believe caregivers deserve care, guidance, and support to stay grounded and resilient.
Children and youth only reap the benefit when foster parents feel supported, confident, and able to find enjoyment in their foster journey — through peaks and valleys.
We’re Glad You Found Us
Whether you’re just starting to explore a foster journey, looking for more support, or searching for a community that truly sees you, let’s build something real together—a real revolution.
Children and youth in care deserve more than a system. They deserve people who believe something better is possible. That belief is what led to the creation of Real People.
How Real People Began
Real People was founded on a simple but powerful belief: foster care can be done differently.
After witnessing gaps in support for children and foster families, Real People set out to build a relationship-centred foster care agency based on support, care and trust.
A small agency rooted in real connection:
Where children are matched thoughtfully
Where foster parents are truly supported
Where relationships matter
Our Leadership
Real People Foster and Family Services is led by Executive Director Ray Jenkins, who brings more than 30 years of experience supporting families, children, and youth at risk within the mental health and social services community.
Throughout his career, Ray has worked in residential programs, therapeutic foster care, and specialized programs supporting children and youth with complex needs. Through these experiences, he has developed a deep understanding that meaningful change begins with trust, authentic relationships, and strong support systems.
Ray’s passion for this work continues to guide Real People’s philosophy: a belief that when foster parents are truly supported and valued, children and youth thrive. Foster care is about creating safe, supportive environments where children and youth can heal, grow, and discover their potential.
Ray Jenkins – Executive Director
“When foster parents feel supported and valued, children and youth thrive.”
Have questions?
We’re here to chat—just real people helping real people.