About Us

The Heart Matters Foster Family Agency (THMFFA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating safe homes, healing environments, and brighter futures for youth ages 0–21 who have experienced abuse, neglect, and instability. Based in Southern California, we serve children, youth, and families across San Bernardino and Riverside counties through a comprehensive, trauma-informed continuum of care.

Our mission is to provide safe, supportive placements while empowering youth and families with the tools, resources, and relationships needed to thrive. We believe that every young person deserves to feel seen, valued, and supported—not just in moments of crisis, but throughout their entire journey.

At THMFFA, our work goes beyond placement. Through foster care, Enhanced Intensive Services Foster Care (EISFC), mental health services, and transitional housing programs, we meet youth where they are and walk alongside them toward stability, healing, and independence. We also prioritize the well-being of our resource families, ensuring they receive ongoing training, support, and connection as they care for youth with diverse and complex needs.

Our vision is to create a community where every youth has access to a safe and nurturing environment, the opportunity to grow, and the support to build a successful future. By partnering with caregivers, community members, and organizations, we are building a network of care that surrounds each youth with consistency, compassion, and opportunity.

At the heart of everything we do is a simple belief: when youth are supported with intention and love, their potential is limitless.

A welcome message

from our CEO

Carrie Mathews

CEO/ Executive Director

At The Heart Matters, we believe every young person deserves to feel safe, supported, and truly seen.

It’s impossible to underestimate the impact that stability, care, and connection have on a young person’s life. When a youth is given a safe home and surrounded by people who believe in them, everything begins to change. Trust is rebuilt. Confidence grows. Futures begin to take shape.

But for many of the youth we serve, that sense of safety and belonging has not always been guaranteed. Too often, they have experienced instability, loss, and environments that make it difficult to simply be a child. We created The Heart Matters to change that—to ensure that no young person feels forgotten, and that every youth has access to the support and opportunities they deserve.

Over the past ten years, what began as a vision to create safe homes has grown into a community of resource families, staff, partners, and supporters all committed to showing up for our youth in meaningful ways. Together, we have built something truly special—an environment where healing is possible, growth is encouraged, and futures are reimagined.

At the heart of everything we do is a simple belief: when we show up with consistency, compassion, and care, we can change the trajectory of a young person’s life.

This is the work we do every single day—and we couldn’t do it without you.

With gratitude,

Our Team

Lia Andrews

Lia is an inspiring leader at The Heart Matters Foster Family Agency, overseeing both our Social Work and Mental Health departments. She plays a vital role in ensuring our youth and resource families are supported with care, consistency, and intention.

Agency Administrator

Jessa Garippo

Jessa plays a critical role at The Heart Matters Foster Family Agency, ensuring all operations meet the highest standards of compliance and care. She oversees the essential behind-the-scenes work that keeps our agency running safely, effectively, and in alignment with all regulatory requirements.