The First Safe Space Opens in Columbus, Ohio

Families in foster care now have a new reason to smile in Columbus, Ohio. The very first of 50 planned Ohio Foster Care Safe Space rooms is officially open, thanks to a powerful partnership between Foster Love and the Safelite Foundation. This space marks the beginning of a national movement to transform how children and families reconnect during some of the most difficult times in their lives.

What Is a Safe Space?

Foster Love Safe Spaces are remodeled visitation rooms that turn cold, empty settings into warm, comforting environments. These rooms are where parents and children meet during supervised visits. They are also places where siblings, often separated in foster care, can reunite. Before these renovations, many rooms had gray walls, worn-out furniture, and broken toys. These sterile conditions didn’t reflect the love, healing, and connection that families deserve. The new rooms are bright, colorful, and filled with books, games, and soft furniture that make visits feel like home.

Big Things Can Happen in These Rooms

This first Safe Space in Columbus isn’t just a beautiful room—it’s already making a difference. Children are smiling more. Parents feel hopeful. Caseworkers see stronger emotional connections forming. Meghan Wharton, an administrator at NYAP, described it best: “Big things can happen in these rooms.” She shared that these cozy, welcoming spaces can be the very push someone needs to turn their life around—to get clean, to reconnect, or to keep moving forward.

Safelite’s President & CEO Renee Cacchillo summed up the mission perfectly: “Our foundation’s mission is to provide safety, stability, and a sense of belonging. And this is just the start.”

A Partnership for Change

Foster Love’s Executive Director, Gianna Dahl, shared the vision: “We are going to tackle 50 visitation rooms across the United States and revamp them.” Safelite has committed over 100,000 volunteer hours to help make it happen. From painting walls to assembling furniture, volunteers from companies like DuPont and Fuyao came together with one goal—to bring comfort and dignity to families.

More Safe Spaces on the Way

The Ohio Foster Care Safe Space is only the beginning. Foster Love and the Safelite Foundation are already working on more rooms, with upcoming locations set to open in Houston and beyond. Every room is a step toward healing and reunification for families who need it most.

SUPPORT MORE SAFE SPACES HERE!