Lydia Home is a Christian, nonprofit committed to strengthening families to care for children and caring for children when families cannot.
The Need is real
Why Our Work Matters
Right now, too many children are in need of safety, stability, and someone in their corner
youth are in Illinois DCFS care right now, waiting for safety and stability. ¹
of children in foster care need placement outside of relative/kinship care. ²
of foster youth who age out without a family will become homeless. ³
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1. Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), 2025 Annual Report.
2. AFCARS Dashboard (Preliminary Estimates as of 2025).
3. Elsevier Educational Research Programme's 2024 peer-reviewed study: 'Assessing the impact of the Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act on rates of homelessness among youth.'
How We help
Our Programs
Four ways we serve children and families across Chicagoland
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Foster Care
Temporary, loving foster placement for children who must leave home — with a dedicated team working toward family reunification at every step.
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Residential Treatment
A structured, therapeutic environment for children with serious behavioral and emotional challenges, to help them heal and build skills to thrive.
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Family Preservation
In-home case management, counseling, and community connections for families referred directly by DCFS, aimed at keeping children safely at home.
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Counseling
Professional counseling for individuals, children, couples, and families of all ages and backgrounds to heal, grow, and move forward.
ABOUT LYDIA HOME
Lydia Home Association was founded in 1916 and is named after a woman in the Bible. Lydia was a faithful, godly woman who opened her home to those who needed shelter. (Acts 16:14–15)
Consistently ranked as a Level 1 program. The highest ranking given from DCFS.
years serving children and families
of every dollar goes to our programs serving children
staff committed to the wellbeing of children
GIVE TODAY
Your gift changes a child's story.
Every gift, large or small, makes a real difference.