Philbeck Foundation Grant Brings Hope to Foster Children

For more than a dozen years, Dory (Burns) Philbeck carried a dream of building an orphanage in Monroe and creating a foundation dedicated to helping homeless children receive the care, stability, and support they need to thrive.

That dream is now becoming a reality.

On Wednesday, Dory and her husband Ryan Philbeck, a Monroe business owner, officially launched the Philbeck Foundation, marking the beginning of a mission rooted in compassion and action. To celebrate its launch, the foundation awarded its first grant of $20,000 to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) in Monroe.

The grant will directly support children in need by providing essential resources such as tutoring services, mattresses, housewares, sporting goods, art supplies, and other items that help create comfort, opportunity, and a sense of normalcy.

“Our heart has always been for children who are hurting or displaced,” said Dory Philbeck. “We want them to know they are seen, valued, and worthy of a bright future.”

The Philbeck Foundation was created with a clear purpose: to meet practical needs while restoring hope to children and families facing hardship. By partnering with local organizations like DHHS, the foundation aims to strengthen the community from the inside out.

While this first grant marks an important milestone, the Philbecks see it as just the beginning. With a long-term vision of expanding outreach and impact, the foundation plans to continue investing in programs that uplift children and families throughout Monroe.

What started as a dream is now a growing movement of generosity — one that is already changing lives and building a stronger, more hopeful community.