Creating Housing, Healing, and Hope in the Fox Valley
Every young woman deserves a safe place to grow and a community that believes in her future.
Our Mission & Why We Started
The Critical Need
Young women aging out of the foster care system at age 18 often lose housing, financial resources, and community guidance overnight. Without a natural family support system, transitioning into adulthood becomes an overwhelming and high-risk obstacle.
Provide Housing
A safe, stable, and supportive place to call home in the Fox Valley.
Offer Guidance
Hands-on support covering mental wellness, career development, life skills, and holistic healing (mind, body, and soul).
Build Independence
A structured launchpad that equips young women to transition into complete self-sufficiency.
Our Vision: To ensure no young woman aging out of care has to navigate adulthood alone — empowering her to build a future where she doesn't just survive, but thrives.
Our Housing Model & Philosophy
More Than a Roof — A Launchpad
The Living Facility
A True Home Base
A safe, stable, and fully equipped residential space where residents can find security and belonging.
Foundation for Growth
Physical stability so young women can focus entirely on personal goals, education, employment, and wellness without the fear of homelessness.
Community Integration
Designed to encourage positive community involvement, helping residents better themselves while contributing to the local community.
The “Girls Only” Safe Space
Sanctuary for Healing
A dedicated, women-only environment that offers emotional safety, privacy, and peace of mind.
Focus & Empowerment
Eliminates external pressures and distractions, allowing residents to focus fully on their own growth, self-discovery, and future plans.
Healthy Connections
Fosters strong peer support, sisterhood, and positive relational dynamics with mentors and fellow residents.
A Holistic Approach — Mind, Body & Soul
Mind
Life skills development, educational guidance, career building, personal responsibility, and practical transition planning (TTPP).
Body
Safe shelter, physical health awareness, nutrition, cooking, and creating healthy living habits.
Soul
Emotional resilience, mental wellness support, self-care routines, confidence-building, and lasting personal empowerment.
Leadership & Team
The Women Behind the Magic
- Stephanie Shantz (Center) — Founder / Board of Directors / President
- Charity Mikkelson (Left) — Board of Directors / Vice President
- Sarah Franz (Right) — Board of Directors / Secretary / Treasurer
Ever since she was a little girl, Stephanie held a steadfast dream: to build a haven where foster youth would always feel loved, supported, and cared for. Be The Magic is the living realization of that lifelong vision.
Alongside Stephanie, Charity and Sarah bring a shared passion for transforming lives. Charity brings deep, personal experience with the foster system… as a devoted mother to three biological and three adopted children, her heart for youth runs deep. Sarah brings a vibrant dedication to mentoring young women, equipping them with the tools and confidence to thrive.
Together, this team is dedicated to guiding young women out of the system and confidently into bright, independent futures.