THE STORY

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Project 48 was founded by twin sisters with a passion for supporting children in foster care. Brandy, a former CASA; and Tonya, a foster parent of ten years, saw that children experiencing foster care were frequently overlooked during vulnerable and traumatic transitions. Together, they launched Project 48 to provide youth entering foster care with high-quality clothing and essential items to allow for an easier transition in foster care. Since Project 48 launched in 2019, it has grown to include 3 additional programs that provide support to youth at every step of their foster care journey.

THE STORY

Four vertical stripes of color: yellow, turquoise, purple, and red.

Project 48 began in 2019, founded by twin sisters Brandy (a former CASA) and Tonya (a foster parent for ten years). They noticed children entering foster care often had nothing but the clothes they were wearing, especially during challenging transitions. Out of that need, Project 48 was born: to offer dignity through brand-new clothing and essential items delivered within 48 hours.

Since then, the organization has expanded to include three additional programs, each supporting young people until they thrive beyond foster care.

THE TEAM

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Woman with long brown hair, smiling, wearing a black sweater, sitting at a table.
Woman with graying hair and tattoos smiles while sitting in a red chair.

THE BOARD

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David Thiebes Project 48 nonprofit board president

DAVID THIEBES

Board President


Founder, 

Thiebes Consulting
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Jacque Bohlen Project 48 nonprofit board

JACQUE BOHLEN

Board Treasurer


SVP, Director of Investor Relations

Columbia Bank
Carly Salazar Project 48 nonprofit board

CARLY SALAZAR

Events Committee


Foster & Adoptive Parent
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SPENCER HILL

Program Committee Chair


Founder and CEO, 

All In Good Company
Molly Mulloy Project 48 nonprofit board
Kari Court Project 48 nonprofit board
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THE ADVISORY BOARD

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A smiling man with glasses, a shaved head, and a beard sits in front of a white background. He's wearing a blue shirt.
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OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

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At Project 48, we believe every individual, whether youth, volunteer, or team member, deserves to feel seen, supported, and valued. Our DEI principles guide our organizational culture, foster safety and belonging, and empower us to serve communities with greater care and respect.


1. We champion diversity

We honor and celebrate the unique identities and lived experiences of all youth and team members. Our work is enriched by people of different races, genders, abilities, cultures, and backgrounds.


2. We practice equity

We actively identify and dismantle systemic barriers, both within Project 48 and in the broader foster care system, to ensure fair treatment and access for every young person.


3. We cultivate inclusion

We foster an environment where every voice matters. We engage staff, board members, volunteers, and youth with intentional listening and invite feedback through open dialogue.


4. We focus on impact

We strive to empower youth so they feel accepted, respected, and capable of thriving. All decisions, from programming to hiring, are shaped by our commitment to inclusion and well-being.


Together, we are more than an organization, we’re a community rooted in care, equity, and belonging.


- Brandy Memory, Founder