Bill and Janita Smith
FROM BILL
Before we were married Janita took in stray people. We got married and our desire continued to expand to help the helpless. God gave us an open door to help a number of women and children, through the years, that were abused or orphaned or otherwise down and out. We believe that God has actually called us to help the powerless.
Over the years, we became foster parents to 22 children. We adopted three children from one family, and a foster daughter became our daughter. Today we feel we can make a difference with others through mentoring, teaching and being friends. The family picture is of our seven children today, all of which are involved in the foundation in some way. While some are more involved than others we see them stepping up, along with their spouses to seek God’s plan for the women and children in need.
FROM JANITA
The idea for the Foundation was that of Bill Smith. Around 2012 Bill began to realize that the business he co-owned with his brother had grown substantially, and that God had provided an abundance. As we discussed this growing wealth I felt God told me that He owned the cattle on a thousand hills, Psalm 50:10, but in order to be useful someone on earth had to have the title. His blessing the business we had, and the investments we made was for His purposes. He was only giving us title so that we could transfer His “cattle” to the places He desired.
I grew up in South Dakota, and married Bill in 1981. We met in a small church held in the library in Arlington Heights, Illinois. I had become a believer in 1977 and soon after I began providing a place for stray people. Sometimes they just needed a roommate, other times they were in need of a place for a few weeks, it seemed God provided a place for them through me. When Bill proposed in 1981 he said when we married I did not have to quit taking in stray people. So our home came with a revolving door over the years, often times providing a shelter to women with children, young adults, or just children who needed a place to be.
I believe God gave us title to His “cattle” and prompted Bill and I to begin the Foundation to use His provision for His purposes. Our family in 2023 consists of seven children, their spouses and a myriad of grandchildren currently numbering 17.
