Honoring Mark & Jacob by Supporting Foster Families
We strengthen foster families and children in care through education, resources, and compassionate community support.
OUR STORY
Mark and Jacob Iskander spent their joyful childhood in Ventura County, California. Before their unexpected passing on September 29, 2020, they lived life with curiosity, courage, and compassion. Mark and Jacob thrived in school, excelled in sports, cherished their faith, and were surrounded by friends and family who loved them deeply and unconditionally.
In the wake of profound loss, the Iskander family chose to honor their sons’ radiant spirit by founding The Mark & Jacob Iskander Foundation — a mission rooted in love, guided by faith, and fueled by community. From the very beginning, serving children in foster care has been at the heart of the foundation’s work.
The Good Shepherd – Mark and Jacob is a living tribute to two extraordinary boys and the village that continues to grow in their name. Together, we can carry their light forward — creating more love, more hope, and more belonging for children who need it most.
Founded in memory of Mark and Jacob Iskander, our foundation carries their legacy of faith, joy, and kindness forward by serving children in foster care and the families who open their homes to them.
Foster care can be both rewarding and overwhelming. Parents often need guidance, encouragement, and resources to meet the unique needs of the children they welcome. Our mission is to ensure no foster parent feels alone and no child feels forgotten.
Through mentorship, training, advocacy, and community partnerships, we help build loving, stable environments where children can thrive and families can flourish.
Our Mission & Impact
Guided by Faith. Rooted in Love. Powered by Community.
Foster Care Support
Providing individualized care for children and families
Community Building
Creating spaces of belonging through events & outreach
Legacy of Love
A living tribute to Mark & Jacob, inspiring hope in others
What We Do
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Foster parents play a vital role, but many face challenges without enough training or resources. We provide workshops, mentorship programs, and care packages to equip foster families with practical tools and emotional support. From navigating the system to managing trauma-informed care, we stand with parents every step of the way.
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Every child in foster care deserves more than just a roof over their head — they deserve the chance to learn, grow, and heal. We advocate for access to quality education, healthcare, and counseling. We also provide essentials like school supplies, clothing, and backpacks so children can step into new opportunities with confidence and dignity.
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Strong communities are the backbone of successful foster care. We partner with local churches, nonprofits, and businesses to organize events, awareness campaigns, and resource drives. By rallying entire communities, we create networks of care that wrap around families and children with consistent love and support.
How You Can Help
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Donate
Support programs that directly benefit foster youth and families.
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Volunteer
Share your time and skills to uplift children in need.
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Foster or Support a Foster Family
Open your home or walk alongside those who do.
Join the Movement
From bake-offs to county fairs, our events bring people together for a greater cause. See how you can participate and carry Mark & Jacob’s legacy forward.
Our Impact
With the help of generous donors and volunteers, we are creating real change:
- 100+ foster families supported with mentorship and resources.
- Dozens of children provided with essentials like clothing, books, and school supplies.
- Workshops and training sessions that prepare new foster parents to provide safe and loving homes.
"Being a foster parent can feel overwhelming. The Good Shepherd Foundation gave us the tools and encouragement we needed to keep going." – Foster Parent
Your Gift Brings Hope to Children and Families
Every donation provides tangible support for foster families — from backpacks and school supplies to specialized training resources for parents. Your generosity helps us reach more families, equip more children, and honor the legacy of Mark and Jacob with compassion and care.
“But Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
– Matthew 19:14
