It’s incredible – Chick-fil-A is building a Cottage! 

Our Founder and Executive Director Tammy McMahan, chosen as one of 15 out of 1000 to join a Chick-fil-A Cohort Grant Program of non-profit leaders, was finalist and winner of a project Pitch Competition at Chick-fil-A Support Center in Atlanta. Tammy ended her pitch with the invitation, “Together…we can build a Chick-fil-A Cottage. Let’s do it!” With that, The Ruth Project was awarded not only the $10,000 top prize, but an additional $30,000 to fund a Chick-fil-A Cottage! 

Confetti flew with lots of cheers and hugs, yet we know that this is the Lord’s work. Thanks to Him and only Him, the door continues to open wide for two cul-de-sacs of Cottages – our next-level care for foster families!  

185 kids. 2,185 items. 26 bicycles. 43 shopping appointments. Our first-ever POP-Up Boutique! Many treasured volunteers helped move, unpack, hang, display, and assemble our off-site shopping experience to make sure our families have everything they need for Summer. Thanks to Bumblebee Cafe for sharing their space with over-the-top hospitality! What a wonderful week of shopping!

Meaningful Service Work Field Trips to The Farm help students learn to advocate for vulnerable kids. Recently, Harvest Christian Academy students created birthday cards and learned more about The Ruth Project by playing Trivia Jenga. Then, Elgin students came to assemble dozens of casseroles and Cookies-in-a-Jar for May’s Dash & Dine and write birthday cards for their peers. We love linking arms with students of all ages! 

Our POP! Events aim to connect our families right where they live – all throughout the suburbs. A favorite so far? Morning at the Movies. After gathering at our favorite Chick-fil-A in Elgin for breakfast, off we went to a movie theatre reserved just for us to watch “Hoppers” and snack on popcorn and drinks. One mom, who typically avoids the movies, shared that “It’s so great to be with like-minded people on the same journey!” No one had to worry about meltdowns, extra energy, or distracting wiggles. Mission accomplished! 

This year’s first Dash & Dine was again graciously hosted by our Ruth Project champions at Village Church of Bartlett. They rallied their troops to assemble casseroles, pack the boxes, and then deliver them to the cars while meeting and greeting parents and kiddos! Our Elgin Chick-fil-A friends were also there with hot chicken sandwiches to eat on the way home. These two community partners are golden treasures, and we cherish their partnership. 

Did you know you don’t have to foster a child to change his or her life? We invite you to be a part of something real, redemptive, and lasting. It’s called “The Story” and it’s our brand-new monthly giving community. Through a monthly donation of any size, you become the steady, faithful presence that encourages foster families to keep going. You write new chapters in the stories of children’s lives.  

Make an impact that lasts. Join The Story today!