It All Started with a
Commitment to Foster Hope!

Our Story

The journey to establish Community Access Network (CAN) as a grassroots community organization began in 1999 with a heartfelt vision: to create a client-centered, community-based organization offering equal access to care and support for individuals facing life’s challenges.

In 2002, CAN officially began providing foster care placement and treatment services. Driven by a deep commitment to children’s well-being, our goal was not only to place foster children in loving, quality homes but also to provide additional support that exceeded the expectations of a typical foster family agency (FFA). We integrated therapeutic services alongside case management to address both the need for safe placement and the healing of trauma. Child safety has always been our highest priority as we help children transition from their biological homes into nurturing foster homes. We are dedicated to advocating for every child’s right to live free from abuse and to thrive in a supportive and loving environment.

In 2005, recognizing the growing mental health needs within our community, we established an outpatient mental health clinic, Systems of Care (SOC). Initially focused on serving children in our foster family agency, SOC quickly expanded to provide services for families and children throughout the surrounding areas. Our compassionate therapists are highly trained in assessment, treatment planning, and connecting clients with continued care, empowering them to build positive coping skills and work toward brighter futures.

By 2009, we saw a critical need for residential care services for children requiring more intensive support. This led to the creation of our group homes, now known as our Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Program (STRTP), offering treatment and a stable living environment for youth aged 13-18 facing significant behavioral challenges. The STRTP fills a vital service gap, providing a safe and supportive space for children who may be unable to live in less restrictive settings such as foster homes or with their biological families.

In 2011, CAN launched the Therapeutic Behavioral Services (TBS) program to provide focused, individualized support for children. The program aims to reduce the need for placement in higher levels of care by offering services in the community and other areas with limited resources. TBS works directly in a child’s immediate environment to promote stability and minimize unnecessary transitions within the foster care system. Through targeted interventions, we help reduce the frequency and intensity of challenging behaviors, enabling children to remain in their current placements and avoid more restrictive settings.

At CAN, our primary goal is to empower families to overcome challenges, maintain healthy family dynamics, and achieve long-term self-sufficiency. We are passionate about reducing the stigma surrounding mental health services and fostering a supportive environment where seeking help is seen as a courageous and essential step toward healing.

At CAN, our mission has always been driven by compassion, dedication, and a belief in every individual’s potential to heal, grow, and succeed. We remain committed to creating a caring community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.