About
Our Mission
Safe Families PLUS connects young people in foster care, ages 14–21, with a caring adult mentor committed to showing up as steady, family-like support to help youth build life skills, navigate what life brings, and know they belong, matter, and are never alone as they step into independence.
Our Vision
Every youth in foster care has a trusted, caring adult walking alongside them as they move toward independence.
Our Values
Radical Hospitality: We welcome youth with openness, respect, and care, meeting them where they are and creating spaces where they feel safe, valued, and accepted.
Intentional Compassion: We walk alongside young people with empathy and purpose, recognizing the impact of trauma, transition, and loss while showing up consistently and with care.
Disruptive Generosity: We give generously of our time, presence, and support, offering youth extended family-like connection as they navigate the transition into independent living.
The Team
DANIELLE KAUFMAN
PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Danielle moved from the suburbs to Chicago in 2018 and quickly fell in love with the city and its people. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and earned her Master of Social Work from Loyola University. Danielle has spent several years working in the child welfare system, including foster care case management, providing clinical therapy for youth in care, and working as a Family Coach with Safe Families.
Danielle is deeply committed to cultivating spaces of connection and belonging for youth and families. She believes in the transformative power of mentorship, where youth are genuinely seen, valued, and championed.
In her free time, Danielle loves exploring new places and is always excited to try new foods. She enjoys being outdoors whenever she can and going for long runs through the city.
GRACE PURUOLTE
PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Grace is originally from the suburbs of Chicago, and since attending school downtown, fell in love with the city.
Grace has a huge passion for ministry and mentorship. She attended Moody Bible Institute and Theological Seminary, where she received her B.A. as well as M.A. in Spiritual Formation and Discipleship. Grace has a heart to help youth discover hope, healing, and opportunities, and believes that mentorship is one of the strongest tools to help them get there. Grace is grateful for the mentors in her life who guided her and helped her to get to where she is today.
In her free time, Grace loves traveling, exploring new places and cultures, hanging out with friends, creating art, and staying fit.
TYKISHA BAYS
RECRUITMENT COORDINATOR
Tykisha is from Chicago, IL and has graduated with a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She has worked in the field of Social work for over a decade, providing services to individuals for mental health and substance abuse counseling. She also has engaged in leadership roles in her field and has supervised programs for outpatient services to help individuals with their continuity of care.
In Tykisha’s spare time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, and attending fun events around Chicago.
KATIE ENDE
MENTORSHIP COORDINATOR
Katie is originally from Buffalo, NY and has called Chicago home for several years.
She is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work at Loyola University Chicago, and holds a B.A. in French Language and Linguistics from SUNY Binghamton. She is passionate about youth development and brings experience from teaching, social work, and residential roles, where she has worked with youth from preschool through college.
In her free time, Katie loves reading, listening to music, spending time with friends, and enjoying everything Chicago has to offer.