Ten years ago, Rochelle Traub and her family moved to Thornwood from Georgia, having previously lived in Washington State. They quickly fell in love with the trails, parks, pool, and lakes in their new neighborhood, as well as the strong school district and family-friendly activities. But beyond enjoying life in Thornwood, Rochelle has quietly devoted her career to something much greater: helping children in crisis find safety, stability, and hope.

Rochelle serves with Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI), an agency that supports children removed from their homes by DCFS due to abuse or neglect. Rochelle has worked as both a foster care licensing representative and a social worker/case worker, guiding families through the complex, emotional process of fostering. She brings more than 20 years of experience as a guardian ad litem/CASA across Illinois, Georgia, and Washington—an experience that taught her just how vital consistent, compassionate support is for vulnerable children.

“At LSSI, our goal is to help children find their forever homes—whether through reunification with their birth families or adoption,” Rochelle explains. “We focus on creating safe, nurturing environments where they can heal and grow.”

Sadly, there are far more children in need than there are available foster families. Rochelle stresses the importance of having licensed foster homes prepared for all types of care: emergency (up to 60 days), short-term (a few months), long-term (typically 12 months or more), respite (brief stays), therapeutic (for children with trauma or behavioral needs), and pre-adoptive placements. Every move a child endures adds trauma—new schools, new homes, new losses. But consistent care can help break that cycle.

Rochelle is part of a team that believes in wrapping around their foster families like a village. With ongoing training, monthly support groups, and personal attention from dedicated licensing and caseworkers, families are never left to figure it out alone.

“Every child deserves someone who will stand by them, believe in them, and provide a safe place to land,” Rochelle says. “You don’t need all the answers—you just need the heart to try.”

To learn more or schedule a presentation for your group, visit www.LSSI.org/foster-care or contact Rochelle directly to discuss current foster care needs in our county: Rochelle.Traub@lssi.org.