A Foundation Built on Faith, Compassion, and Generosity
The Legacy of Joe and Charlotte Geary
The story of Geary Foster Foundations begins with Joe and Charlotte Geary, two people whose quiet, steadfast compassion shaped the lives of children long before the GFF community existed. More than fifty years ago, they partnered with the East Dallas Exchange Club to welcome a sibling group of three teenagers into their home. What they offered was more than shelter. They created a place of safety, stability, and belonging during a time when foster care resources were limited and placements often felt uncertain.
Their home became a refuge built on dignity, encouragement, and unwavering support. Their influence left a profound mark on the children they cared for, including Susie Black Holamon, who would later co-found Geary Foster Foundations as a tribute to the love and guidance she received during the most pivotal years of her childhood. Joe and Charlotte’s legacy continues to guide the heart of GFF today. Their example, rooted in patience, generosity, and genuine care, remains at the center of every home built and every child welcomed into this community.
A Gift That Made the Vision Possible
The growth of GFF was made possible through the exceptional generosity of George and Maggie Aune, whose donation of 12 acres of land created the physical foundation on which the foster home community now stands. Their gift gave GFF not just space, but possibility, a place where children could play freely, families could build connections, and a vision for a supportive foster community could take shape.
Because of the Aune family’s gift, GFF has been able to develop a neighborhood of independent foster homes surrounded by shared outdoor spaces, a community pavilion, and the early groundwork for a future community center designed to offer tutoring, counseling, and family support. Their contribution established the environment where healing and growth happen every day, and it continues to make an impact with every child who finds safety on this land.
Honoring the Past. Building the Future.
The legacy of the Geary and Aune families is woven into the fabric of everything we do at Geary Foster Foundations. Their compassion set a standard for what care should look like, and their generosity created the conditions for a community built on trust, connection, and hope. Today, GFF remains privately funded, entirely volunteer-operated, and completely debt-free, principles that honor the integrity and intention of those who sparked this mission.
As GFF continues to grow, expanding homes, developing community spaces, and serving more children and sibling groups, we do so with gratitude for the families who made it all possible. Their legacy is not just part of our history; it is part of every child’s story, every parent’s journey, and every future we help build.