Our Story
Get to know the heart behind Branching Out.
Our story, our mission, and the people who make it possible.
Our Mission
Passionate People, Powerful Impact
At Good Works Project, our mission is to create meaningful experiences that inspire healing, growth, and connection for foster children and youth with developmental disabilities. Through engaging programs that build life skills, encourage exploration, and foster a sense of belonging, we empower young people to develop confidence, independence, and resilience. By partnering with caregivers, educators, child welfare professionals, and community organizations, we provide safe, inclusive, and purposeful opportunities that help every child thrive and reach their full potential.
Building a Foundation for Tomorrow
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Children in foster care or with developmental disabilities often carry invisible burdens. This could be in the form of loss, uncertainty, and trauma. Though their basic needs may be met, many children go without the experiences that nurture their hearts and minds; the chance to play, learn, and belong. Without consistent access to enrichment, life skills, or advanced educational opportunities, they can easily fall behind both socially and academically.
Our programs help bridge that gap by creating shared, meaningful experiences that foster healing, growth, and connection. Through activities designed to build life skills, spark curiosity, and inspire joy, we help youth learn to regulate, engage, and thrive. Partnering closely with child welfare workers, educators, and behavioral health professionals, we ensure every experience is safe, inclusive, and intentional which creates new memories and empowering each child with tools for confidence, independence, and lifelong resilience.
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At Branching Out, fostering connection, inclusion, and life skills is at the heart of everything we do. We believe every child deserves more than just the basics, they deserve the chance to grow, belong, and thrive. Our programs go beyond providing essentials like clothing and school supplies to create meaningful opportunities for vulnerable youth to learn practical life skills, build confidence, and form lasting friendships. Through this holistic, inclusive approach, we nurture each child’s sense of purpose and emotional well-being, helping them discover their strengths and know that they are valued members of their community.
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At Branching Out, success is measured not just in attendance or smiles, but in healing. True impact happens when foster and developmentally disabled youth feel seen, celebrated, and supported. When they experience belonging and joy, they begin to trust, connect, and dream again allowing them to engage fully with their peers, making healthy choices, and believing in their own future. As these young people grow in confidence and hope, our entire community becomes stronger, safer, and more compassionate; a place where every child knows they matter.
Our Founder
Cherrie Vierra
Founded in 2018 by counselor Cherrie Vierra, Branching Out was born from her personal experience as a professional and a special needs and adoptive parent. With just $500 and a dream, Cherrie started the organization to build a different kind of support system for families like her own and to make her community a better place for children.
Be part of our story
Because of your support, we can keep working toward our mission. Together, we can provide more resources and help to children right here in our community.