10 Powerful Moments of Hope

Ten years ago, The Hope Effect began with a simple but powerful conviction: Every child deserves a family.

From day one, we’ve worked to change the way the world cares for orphans by getting children out of orphanages and into loving families—where they belong.

Over the last decade, we’ve witnessed countless moments of transformation—milestones that guided our path, expanded our mission, and changed the lives of children and families.

Today, as we celebrate 10 years of hope, we’re reflecting on some of the moments that shaped our journey.

 1. When a Vision Became a Mission

It started with one belief: children don’t need better orphanages—they need families.

That fundamental truth shaped every program, partnership, and decision from that moment forward. What began as a single idea grew into a global movement of family-based care.

When we first launched in 2015, we hoped this work would grow. But every day since, we’ve been overwhelmed with gratitude for what we’ve been able to accomplish together.

2. When Government Leaders Said “Yes”

In the early years, we knocked on countless doors, advocating for family care. Our first locations were partnerships with NGOs who shared our vision.

Everything changed in 2020, when the government of Sonora, Mexico, officially approved us to help transform their care model—making Sonora our first direct international location. That success led to more locations across Mexico, including Michoacán, Nuevo León, Colima, and now Jalisco.

Today, instead of seeking opportunities, leaders are seeking us. They want something better for their children—and believe we can help them get there.

3. When the First Child in Sonora Never Entered an Orphanage

We will never forget the day baby Antonio was abandoned at a hospital in Sonora. For decades, a child in his situation would have gone straight to an orphanage.

But not this time.

Shortly after signing our contract with the government, Antonio became the first child in the state to go directly into a family without ever seeing the inside of an orphanage. For him, family care became reality—not theory. His life, and future, were forever changed.

He was the first of many, thanks to your support.

4. When Our Work Reached Southeast Asia

After several locations in Latin America, expanding across the globe was a defining moment. In 2021, we launched in Chiang Mai, Thailand, followed by Battambang, Cambodia. These communities were in great need of prevention and reunification programs—an extension of our work in Mexico and Honduras.

And we recently announced our newest location in Southeast Asia: Mae Sot, Thailand. We are thankful for the opportunity to continue our work in this region.

With our growth into Southeast Asia, The Hope Effect became a truly global organization, united under a single belief: family changes everything.

5. When UNICEF Became a Key Ally

Another significant moment came when UNICEF became an active partner in our work in Mexico. Their advocacy for family-based care aligned perfectly with our mission, and together we began making meaningful strides across the region.

Most recently, as we expanded into Jalisco, UNICEF has provided vital insight and support—helping shape a model of care centered on families, not institutions.

UNICEF’s involvement has amplified our impact and accelerated systems change, ensuring that vulnerable children have the opportunity to grow up in loving families.

6. When a Child’s Transformation Took Our Breath Away

Every story impacts us—but some moments feel almost miraculous.

• JJ, a young boy who arrived silent and expressionless but learned to laugh and smile.

• Armando, a child who had never known kindness but began to trust.

• Alejandra, a little girl who once lived in fear but has discovered love.

Every transformation—every life changed forever—reminds us why this work matters so much.

7. When Our Mission Reached New Audiences

In 2023, our founder Joshua Becker delivered a TEDx talk in Hermosillo, Sonora—introducing The Hope Effect to a broad new audience.

He shared the importance of family-based care and how this model is transforming the lives of orphaned and vulnerable children around the world. The talk sparked conversations, stirred hearts, and opened doors we never expected.

It was a turning point for visibility, awareness, and global support. 

8. When a Church Rethought Its Approach

A U.S. church was preparing to build an orphanage in Baja California. But after learning that most children in orphanages have living family—and that institutional care can be harmful—they chose a different path.

Instead of building an orphanage, they shifted their plans toward building a family-strengthening community center: a place where family could receive support in order to prevent separation.

That single shift changed the trajectory of countless families and reinforced one of our core priorities: educating and informing U.S. churches about the importance of family care.

9. When Another Nonprofit Transitioned to Foster Care

One of the most meaningful moments came recently, when another nonprofit approached us for help transitioning from institutional care to family-based foster care. We firmly believe we are stronger together, and we make it a priority to share our experiences and best practices with other organizations.

We helped train staff, reshape policies, and build a new model that placed children into families. It was powerful proof that this movement is bigger than any one organization—we are part of a growing global effort to transform care for children. 

10. When We Realized This Is Only the Beginning

As we look back on the children placed in families, the parents reunited with their children, and the governments working toward a better future for their children, we feel overwhelming gratitude.

But we also feel excitement and expectation—because everything we’ve seen is only the beginning.

A decade of hope has led us here: deeper understanding, broader reach, stronger partnerships, and a global movement of people who believe every child deserves the love and stability of a family.

Together, we’ll keep going. Together, we’ll keep changing the way the world cares for orphans.

Join Us in Building the Next 10 Years of Hope

Thank you for making these first ten years so meaningful. This mission has always been sustained by people like you—people who believe that family changes everything.

If you’d like to help more children experience the love of a family, this is the perfect time to join us.

This GivingTuesday, December 2, your gift—and your impact—will be doubled. All donations will be matched up to $125,000 thanks to a generous group of supporters. We’d be honored if you would celebrate with us.

Thank you for your continued support and generosity. Together, we are changing the way the world cares for orphans—because every child deserves a family.