We had the good fortune of connecting with Angela Lippens and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Angela, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
Unfaulted was birthed out of a need more than an idea. In 2016, I stumbled across some devastating statistics about youth in foster care who turned 18 without being adopted. I read about these young adults who became instantly homeless or were trafficked upon aging out of foster care. The information pouring in was hard to digest. I was bothered by what I read, but it wasn’t until I met and built a relationship with one of these incredibly resilient youth that I was moved to do something about it.

My life was changed when a young woman was brave enough to share her story with me. Suddenly the statistics had a face, a name, a child and a soul. This was no longer a statistic I could ignore, it was a person who was seeking healing after being incredibly abused. Her story and many others developed Unfaulted. Their need for relationship, community, healing, resources and faith created the work we do now in Unfaulted. They are the heroes, they are the reason Unfaulted exists.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Unfaulted is a non-profit organization who exists to provide a foundation for young women aging out of foster care by providing community, sharing the gospel and educating. We are unique in that we seek to provide permanent relationships for young adults who have had a lot of people in and out of their lives.

Some of our biggest celebrations include: an adoption at 24 years old, a member getting a 4.0 in her masters programming, one member starting a group at her college for former foster youth, and many young women finding housing, employment, education and excelling as they chase their dreams. These accomplishments didn’t happen overnight nor were they easy, that’s why we celebrate everything!

Starting Unfaulted has been the most challenging thing I’ve ever done. There have been days where it seemed the need was far greater than us. We have celebrated, mourned and had to pull ourselves out of the pit time and time again. I’ve learned the importance of community, collaboration and persistence. There are many non-profits doing incredible work in every community. When we put together resources and support one another, we can have a much greater impact.

Through this work, I hope we can educate the world around us. I hope people learn more about foster care and begin to advocate for justice of children who have experienced abuse or neglect. There is a cycle to be broken. Families need to be restored and everyone can play a role in making that happen.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
To every young adult who has experienced foster care, you deserve all the credit and recognition. A special thank you to those who have braved the public and shared your story to impact others. Waln Brown and his book, “Emancipating From The Care of Strangers”, shares the stories of 10 former foster youth and provides recommendations for those who want to help.

To our Gen 1 Unfaulted girls who taught us so much and have lead the way for many others, thank you! I love you girls more than you will ever know!

Website: www.unfaulted.org

Instagram: @unfaultedco

Linkedin: www.LinkedIn.com/company/unfaulted

Twitter: https://twitter.com/unfaultedco

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unfaulted

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