Who We Are

A Village for Every Foster Family

Borrowed Hearts Owensboro supports children in foster care and the families who love them. Our mission is to make sure every child feels seen, valued, and supported.

Family holding hands

Our History

From a dining room table to a movement

Borrowed Hearts Owensboro began when a small group of community members, led by Amanda Van Bussum, saw the struggles children in foster care face—arriving in temporary homes with little more than the clothes on their backs.

They wanted to do more than just give handouts. They gathered around a dining room table to collect clothing, baby gear, and supplies. From those early collections came a consistent effort to equip families with dignity. Today, that effort has grown into a community-supported nonprofit dedicated to serving children in care every single day.

Who We Serve

Foster care takes many shapes. We are here for all of them.

Licensed Foster Families

Families who open their homes to children in state custody, often needing immediate supplies for emergency placements.

Fictive Kin & Relatives

Grandparents, aunts, and family friends who step up unexpectedly. These caregivers often receive less state support and need our village the most.

"We desire to be the hands and feet of Jesus by equipping and empowering foster families in our community and by helping grow the village that will embrace and support these families."

The Borrowed Hearts Shop

Shopping with Dignity

How we operate

We have reimagined the traditional charity model. Donations are sorted by volunteers and arranged in a store-like setting so foster families can “shop” at no cost.

When families visit, they can expect a welcoming, organized space where children can choose their own clothing, toys, and essentials. This simple act restores dignity and gives kids in care a sense of ownership in a chaotic time.

What Guides Us

These values are the foundation of every interaction in our shop.

Compassion

We lead with kindness, meeting families and children with empathy and understanding.

Dignity

We honor every child and caregiver by creating a respectful, welcoming environment.

Community

We believe no one should walk the foster care journey alone, and we work to connect families with support.

Generosity

We steward donations with care and ensure resources go directly to those who need them most.

Hope

We work to brighten hard seasons for children in care, reminding them they are seen, valued, and loved.

Volunteer sorting clothes

Join The Village

The most important thing to know is that there is a place for you to get involved.

  • Donate Items: We accept clothing, hygiene products, and baby gear.
  • Volunteer: Sort donations or help families shop.
  • Give Financially: Fuel our mission with a one-time or monthly gift.