In 2012, a heartbreaking case revealed a critical gap in the foster care system. A Muslim mother—survivor of domestic violence—lost custody of her five children. With no available foster homes that could meet their cultural and religious needs, the children were separated and placed with families of other faiths.

With the support of caring community members, ICNA Relief helped reunite the family after nine long months. This experience shed light on a deeper issue: the need for more foster parents from diverse communities and for greater cultural and faith sensitivity within the system. 

That pivotal moment inspired the creation of FATE — Foster Care Advocacy, Training & Education, a program dedicated to recruiting, training, and supporting foster parents, advocating for children in care, and partnering with agencies to ensure every child feels seen, safe, and supported.