Small Business Spotlight | Katy Valesquez | Family Advocacy Solutions
Business Name: Family Advocacy Solutions
Industry: Social Services
Connect with Family Advocacy Solutions:
Monett Office: 801 N. Lincoln Ave., Monett, MO 65708
Facebook: Family Advocacy Solutions
Instagram: Family Advocacy Solutions
Phone: 417-772-4377
Featuring Katy Velasquez, Founder + Director
This month, we’re shining a spotlight on Family Advocacy Solutions, a Monett-based organization making a powerful impact in the lives of families and children navigating the child welfare system. Led by founder Katy Velasquez, this growing agency fills critical gaps in support services, especially for families involved in foster care.
Meet Katy Velasquez
Katy’s path to advocacy began with her own experience as a foster parent in 2016. At the time, she was pursuing her BA in Sociology at Missouri Southern State University, having already earned an AA in Addictions Counseling from Crowder College. While finishing her degree, she worked as both a Substance Abuse Counselor and Parent Aide, two roles that gave her a front-row view into the challenges families face in the child welfare system.
In 2018, Katy officially launched Family Advocacy Solutions. What began as a way to support her own caseload quickly grew into something much bigger as the need in the community became increasingly clear. Today, the agency offers a wide range of services designed to strengthen families, support foster placements, and provide essential resources for both caregivers and children.
Katy continues to foster and has adopted through the system, making her work both personal and deeply rooted in lived experience. Her passion shows up in every corner of the organization.
Community Engagement + Leadership
In addition to leading Family Advocacy Solutions, Katy serves her community in other ways. She currently sits on the boards of the Monett Area Fuller Center for Housing and Consumer Credit Counseling of Southwest Missouri. She also served on the St. Lawrence Home and School Board from 2019 to 2022.
Her commitment to local families is matched by a clear dedication to the community as a whole.
How to Get Involved with Family Advocacy Solutions
Family Advocacy Solutions offers several ways for community members to support their mission:
Parent Education Classes: Enroll in programs like Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI), Nurturing Parenting, and Co-Parenting classes. These classes are designed to build nurturing parenting skills and support family stability. FAS+1Illinois DCFS+1
CPR Certification: Participate in CPR training sessions offered in various Missouri locations, including Monett, Neosho, Independence, Dederick, and Springfield. These sessions are essential for foster parents and caregivers. FAS
Professional Referrals: Professionals can refer clients for services such as home assessments, parenting classes, and supervised visitation support.
Donations: Support their work through monetary donations. Contributions help expand services and reach more families in need.
Stay Connected
To learn more or stay up to date, visit their website or follow them on social media:
📍 Monett Office: 801 N. Lincoln Ave., Monett, MO 65708 | (417) 772-4377
📍 Neosho Office: 516 W. McCord, Neosho, MO 64850 | (417) 346-7077
📸 Instagram: @familyadvocacysolutions
👍 Facebook: Family Advocacy Solutions on Facebook
Family Advocacy Solutions is making a profound difference in the lives of children and families. Join us at our monthly Morning Brew events to hear from other local business owners like Katy.
