Christian Bale’s Dream to Help Foster Kids in California Becomes a Reality
Batman is one of the most popular superheroes, despite not having any superpowers. What he does have is seemingly endless wealth, which he uses to build suits, vehicles, and gadgets to defeat the villains of Gotham. Batman uses his resources to fight against criminals who rob and attack civilians, but does he ever simply donate money to the poor? The answer is yes.
Christian Bale, known for his role as Batman in The Dark Knight trilogy, is stepping out of Gotham and into California. The actor has long dreamt of helping foster children in California in a special and much-needed way. According to the Christian Alliance for Orphans, California has the highest number of foster care placements, with around 46,000 children. The second state on the list is Texas, with more than half the number of California's placements, at 22,500!
When Did The Dream Start?
Growing up in England, Christian would often find strangers sitting at his dinner table—people his father had invited over for a meal or even temporary shelter. His father and activist stepmother modelled a life of hospitality and generosity, values that stayed with him as he grew older.
Years later, Christian had become a Hollywood star, with a wife and child of his own. It was 2008, and he was riding high, having just completed his second Batman film. His daughter was three years old, and he couldn’t help but think about her future. He wondered what would happen to her if something were to happen to him and his wife. A relative would likely care for her, but what about children who didn’t have the advantage of a well-off family or willing relatives? This thought ignited the same hospitality he had seen growing up and the dream was born.
Together with his wife Sibi and longtime friend Eric Esrailian, Christian founded Together California, an organisation aimed at reducing the number of foster care placements in California. More importantly, their primary goal is to keep siblings in foster care under the same roof. Often, when children lose their parents and enter foster care, they are separated. Prospective adoptive parents usually take in one child at a time, making it difficult for siblings to stay together. Even when willing, some parents can’t afford to adopt multiple children. Together Foundation considered all these challenges in developing their approach.
Sixteen years later, that dream has become a reality. Together California was established, a 4.67 acre property has been acquired, and $22 million in funds have been raised. The dream is no longer just an idea—it is finally happening.
Why It Took So Long ?
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Christian discussed the challenges of bringing a vision like this to fruition. He noted that such initiatives are difficult to execute alone; you need passionate friends willing to go the extra mile. He also explained that a lot of planning went into selecting the property, ensuring it was near schools and essential amenities like supermarkets.
“But I discovered no, it takes an awful long time and really well-motivated people. It’s complicated and tough to help kids”
Together California could not be established until every question had been answered—questions about how to keep siblings together, how to ensure children grow up and become successful on their own, and how to continue supporting families even after the adoption process.
The Dream In Detail
In September 2022, Christian and his team secured enough funding and support from the City of Palmdale and the LA County Board of Supervisors to acquire the 4.67 acre property. In 2023, Christian publicly announced his plans, and many donors, including Leonardo DiCaprio, stepped forward. The designs for the homes were finalised, and construction began in early 2024, with completion expected in 2025.
The vision includes a village of 12 homes and a community centre that will house 70-80 children. The homes are designed to accommodate families with up to six siblings, ensuring they can stay together. The community centre will feature recreational and sports areas, as well as a large garden. Onsite therapists and caseworkers will be available to support adoptive parents.
Expect The Dream To Get Bigger
In an interview with CBS News, Christian hinted that this village might be the first of many. He said:
“Maybe this is the first one, and maybe this is the only one, and that would be great. But I’m quietly hoping there’ll be many of these.”
