Nonprofit serving children in foster care expands into Michigan, marking first Lily Pad space in the state
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Nonprofit serving children in foster care expands into Michigan, marking first Lily Pad space in the state
New partnership with House of Providence brings calming, dignity-centered design to foster care environment in Oxford, Michigan
OAKLAND COUNTY, MICH. (May 18, 2026) – Lily Pad: A Soft Place to Land, a South Carolina-based nonprofit creating trauma-informed, welcoming spaces for children, victims of trauma, and others experiencing crisis, is expanding beyond South Carolina for the first time through a new installation in partnership with House of Providence’s Hope Center in Oakland County, Michigan.
The new space marks a major milestone for Lily Pad as it brings its model of trauma-informed design into a new state and expands its mission beyond South Carolina through a partnership with a private foster care agency in Michigan.
“Every detail of a Lily Pad space is designed to help children feel calm, safe, and valued during moments of uncertainty,” said Cara Grubb, Creative Director at Lily Pad. “Partnering with House of Providence to bring a Lily Pad into the Hope Center in Michigan is an exciting step forward, and we want this environment to provide comfort and dignity for every child and family who enters it.”
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Monday, May 18, at the new Lily Pad inside the Hope Center at House of Providence and was attended by House of Providence Founder Maggie Dunn; Lily Pad Founder Jennifer Tice; Lily Pad Creative Director Cara Grubb; Chief Outreach Officer Karemmy Schinzing; representatives from House of Providence; and community supporters involved in bringing the Michigan installation to life. The Michigan installation was made possible through the generosity of a longtime Lily Pad donor, along with support from local partners and volunteers committed to creating safe, trauma-informed environments for children and families in crisis. As Lily Pad expands beyond South Carolina for the first time, future growth in Michigan will be supported through dedicated fundraising efforts and local partnerships within the state.
The new Lily Pad “connect room” at House of Providence’s Hope Center is a calming, living room-like space designed to support children and families involved in foster care services. It includes soft seating, a washable rug, ambient lighting, sensory tools, blankets, books, board games, toys, a Lego activity wall, art supplies, and storage – each intentionally chosen to encourage interaction, play, and connection during family visits while fostering dignity, comfort, and calm during difficult transitions. A key feature of the space is a children’s book, One Day at a Time, written by Maria Roy, a registered nurse and children’s author who works with House of Providence. The story follows a young girl named Lily as she navigates big feelings in foster care, helping children feel seen and supported during moments of change. The book was introduced to Lily Pad through a series of community connections in Michigan, including an introduction through Creative Director, Cara Grubb, and foster care partners in the region. The book has since become a consistent resource for children in crisis within Lily Pad spaces.
House of Providence, a Michigan-based foster care organization partnered with Lily Pad to bring this trauma-informed environment to its Hope Center in Oakland County, Michigan. The organization provides support for children in foster care and the families who care for them throughout the placement process.
Lily Pad originally began by transforming child welfare offices across South Carolina into trauma-informed spaces for children entering foster care. The organization has since expanded its model to include partnerships within law enforcement settings to support victims of crime and individuals experiencing crisis. Since its founding in 2022, the organization has created more than 42 spaces in partnership with government agencies, nonprofits, and community organizations, and is now expanding beyond the state of South Carolina with its first installation outside the state in Michigan within a private foster care agency setting.
Why This Matters
The environments children and families encounter during moments of crisis can shape how they experience those moments and what comes next. For children entering foster care, spaces designed for comfort, calm, and dignity can help support more stable transitions. Lily Pad’s expansion into Michigan reflects its broader mission to ensure individuals in crisis are met with dignity, safety, and care at the first point of contact regardless of location. The expansion also holds personal significance for leadership, with both Co-Founder Jennifer Tice and Creative Director Cara Grubb having roots in Michigan, where Grubb now lives and continues her design work.
Did you know?
There are approximately 10,000 children in foster care in Michigan. Many experience sudden transitions into unfamiliar environments, and Lily Pad’s work helps provide greater comfort, stability, and safety during moments of change.
Before-and-after photos of the House of Providence Lily Pad installation are available here
Please courtesy Lily Pad: A Soft Place to Land.
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About Lily Pad: A Soft Place to Land
Lily Pad: A Soft Place To Land creates safe, welcoming, trauma-informed spaces with supportive resources for children, victims of trauma, and others experiencing crisis. Founded in 2022, Lily Pad has created more than 42 thoughtfully designed spaces across South Carolina and beyond through partnerships with governmental agencies, law enforcement, nonprofits, private agencies, and community organizations. Lily Pad restores dignity, safety, and comfort during moments of crisis. Learn more at LilyPadInc.org.
