Integrated Family Care
Keeping Families Together During Difficult Seasons.
The Integrated Family Care (IFC) program at Apex Family Care helps families stay together during difficult seasons.
Many parents face challenges such as housing instability, financial hardship, or limited support networks. Too often, these challenges can put families at risk of separation—even when parents are doing their very best to care for their children.
Integrated Family Care is designed to provide the support families need so they can remain together while working toward stability.
Apex created the Integrated Family Care (IFC) program in 2015 after recognizing that many children were entering or remaining in foster care not because of abuse or neglect, but because families lacked stable housing or support during difficult seasons. We believe children and parents should not be separated simply because of poverty, homelessness, or temporary hardship.
Drawing on our experience in foster care, Apex developed an innovative model focused on supporting families before separation becomes necessary. We began connecting families experiencing crisis with trained mentor families—many of whom were former foster parents or community members who wanted to serve others but were not looking to foster.
Through these relationships, parents receive encouragement, guidance, and practical support while remaining actively involved in their children’s lives and working toward stability.
Over time, Apex has built strong partnerships across the community, and the value of this program has been recognized by professionals throughout the system. Judges and attorneys have even court-ordered IFC services in cases where families would benefit from additional support and stability.
Integrated Family Care offers another path—one that prioritizes support instead of separation, surrounding families with mentorship, resources, and community connection so they can move forward together.
Why Integrated Family Care Exists
How the Program Works
Through the IFC program, families are connected with caring mentor families and community partners who provide temporary support, encouragement, and practical assistance.
Parents remain actively involved in their children’s lives while receiving guidance, resources, and coaching that help them navigate challenges and build a more stable future.
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A family experiencing housing instability, financial hardship, or other challenges is referred to the program.
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The family is matched with a trained mentor family who provides temporary support and stability.
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Parents work alongside staff and community partners to develop a plan focused on stability and long-term independence.
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Families receive practical assistance and support while working toward housing, employment, and stability.
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As stability increases, families transition toward independent living while remaining connected to community supports.
What Support Families Receive
The Integrated Family Care program focuses on strengthening families, building stability, and creating lasting community support.
Families may receive services such as:
• Temporary support and housing with trained mentor families
• Parent coaching and skill-building
• Personalized case planning and connection to community resources
• Assistance navigating employment, transportation, and appointments
• Support in securing stable housing and long-term independence
Each family's journey is unique, and services are tailored to meet their specific needs.
A Community of Support
Integrated Family Care is made possible through the commitment of mentor families, community partners, and dedicated staff who believe in the strength and resilience of families.
Mentor families open their homes and offer encouragement, stability, and connection during a time when families need it most. Community partners help ensure families have access to resources that support long-term success.
Together, these supports create a network of care that allows families to rebuild stability while remaining together.
If your family is going through a difficult season, you are not alone. The Integrated Family Care program is here to help families navigate challenges while staying connected and supported. By reaching out, you can learn more about the resources, mentorship, and practical assistance available through IFC. Our team will listen, help you explore options, and work with you to determine what support may be most helpful for your family’s situation.
Community professionals and partners often encounter families who are working hard but could benefit from additional support. If you know a family experiencing housing instability, limited support networks, or other challenges that may place them at risk of separation, you can submit a referral through our IFC program. Our team will review the information, connect with the family, and explore how we can work alongside them to build stability and strengthen their support system.
Mentor families play a meaningful role in helping other families move through difficult seasons. By offering encouragement, practical support, and temporary stability, mentor families become part of a compassionate community that walks alongside parents as they work toward their goals. If you feel called to support another family in this way, we invite you to learn more about the mentor family role, training process, and how you can make a lasting impact in your community.
Strong communities are built through collaboration. The IFC program works alongside local organizations, service providers, faith communities, and other partners who share a commitment to strengthening families. Whether you want to refer families, provide resources, offer volunteer support, or explore a broader partnership, we welcome the opportunity to connect and work together to expand support for families in our community.