About Us

We are disrupting & rebuilding an inequitable system

Learn more about Think of Us's conception.

Our story

Think of Us has evolved from a technology nonprofit in 2016 into a research and design lab, taking a novel approach to driving widespread change.

See the timeline

Think of Us operates with a clear and unified approach to transforming how systems support children and families. This foundation reflects both who we are as an organization and how we show up in our work. We combine deep partnership with those closest to the system, a commitment to rethinking entrenched structures, and a willingness to test and evolve new solutions. Together, these elements define our direction, shape our culture, and guide how we pursue meaningful, lasting impact.

Our Mission

To transform the foster care system into a child and family well-being system.

Our Vision

All children and families heal, develop, and thrive, no matter their start.

Key Areas

TOU focuses on several key areas that can help systems achieve better outcomes for children and families. The goal is to:

  • PREVENT unnecessary entry into foster care. Help communities build supports that stabilize families earlier.
  • PRIORITIZE kin and family connections. Support policies and practices that help children / youth remain safely with relatives and other trusted adults whenever possible.
  • PREPARE young people for life after foster care. Ensure young people have stable housing, education pathways, relationships, and economic opportunity as they transition to adulthood.
  • PROGRESS to a more modern child and family well-being system by helping agencies use better data, technology, and lived experience insights to improve decision-making and service delivery.

Our Values

These interconnected guiding principles define how we manage and execute our work.

Centering Lived Experience

Co-design with the ecosystem at every stage. Steward lived experience data to drive decisions and impact.

Driving Systems Change

Work to transform, not fix, a broken system that no longer serves the people it was built for.

Use
Innovation

Test, iterate, and experiment to uncover new solutions to the toughest problems.

Our Principles

We are…

Relentless Problem Solvers

Tenets‍

Persistent · Creative · Resilient · Solution Focused

‍Being a relentless problem solver means never giving up, no matter the obstacle. We take initiative, seek answers, and push through friction rather than settling for the easy path. We focus on solutions at every turn.

Results Driven

Tenets‍

Mission-Oriented · Data-informed · Outcome Focused

Being results driven is about getting the job done. We use data to guide decisions and adapt quickly if our work is not producing results. We measure, learn, and stay laser-focused on the impact we’re making and the outcomes we’re driving.

Curious

Tenets‍

Learning Mindset · Humble · Continuous Growth & Improvement

Being curious is about learning and unlearning as essential to growth. It means asking, “what else could be true?” and being open to discovering new ideas and changing our minds. We ask questions and listen deeply; we bring wisdom beyond templates and frameworks.

Innovative

Tenets‍

Experimental · Adaptable · Iterative 

Being innovative means uncovering new solutions to the toughest problems. We treat experimentation and learning as everyday practices, moving quickly from insight to action. Innovation is not just about technology—it’s about new ways of working that increase our impact and never settle for “good enough.”

Good Teammates

Tenets‍

Kind · Accountable · Collaborative · Mutually Respectful

Being a good teammate & partner is about going the extra mile for each other. We choose actions that help set each other up for success, make it easier for others to do their work. We listen deeply, and make space for every voice. Together, we build a culture of learning together. We treat each other well and we lead with kindness, respect, and genuine care.