LIFE 2025

millions of children around the world are being raised in orphanages.

but god’s plan for children has always been family.

ORPHAN CARE IS BROKEN

You want to care for orphans. but is Your Church’s Orphan Care Strategy Helping—or Hurting?

ORPHANAGES ARE
NOT THE BEST
PLACE FOR KIDS.

Children who grow up in institutional care are:

  • 10x more likely to fall into sex work

  • 40x more likely to have a criminal record

  • 500x more likely to commit suicide

MOST KIDS
IN ORPHANAGES
ARE NOT ORPHANS.

Approximately 80% of children in orphanages have at least one living parent.

Many children are placed in orphanages because their parents—facing poverty—believe it offers a better future, unaware of the lasting harm institutional care can cause.

U.S CHURCHES
ARE FUNDING A
BROKEN SYSTEM.

$2.5 billion a year goes from churches in the United States to fund orphanages around the world.

Good-hearted churches and individuals are unknowingly supporting and funding an orphan care structure that is damaging children and breaking up families.

WE HAVE THE ABILITY — AND THE RESPONSIBILITY — TO HELP ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM.

DOWNLOAD OUR FREE GUIDE:
"When We Know Better, We Do Better: A Pastor’s Personal Journey to Rethinking Orphan Care.”

god’s plan for children

Family-style care places children in safe, loving homes where they can thrive (PSALM 68:6).

DEVELOPMENT AND
LEARNING

Daily family life helps children learn language, values, and life skills. Through regular interaction with family members, children develop knowledge and habits that prepare them for adulthood.

EMOTIONAL AND
SOCIAL SUPPORT

Families provide children with the individual love and attention essential to their well-being. The relationships within a family build a child’s sense of belonging and lay the foundation for healthy social and emotional development.

STABILITY AND
GROWTH

A safe and loving family is a vital source of guidance, support, and direction. Children in families are far more likely to thrive—physically, mentally, and socially—than those raised in institutions.

Get Involved

inspire your church toward a more biblical, effective approach.

Talk with our team about your church’s current orphan care involvement and how your church community can embrace family-based care.

Join us in praying for children in our care, the challenges or victories we are facing, or any other item in need of fervent prayer.

Download our free guide: "When We Know Better, We Do Better: A Pastor’s Personal Journey to Rethinking Orphan Care.”

bible app Reading Plans

Throughout the Bible, we see powerful examples of children raised outside their biological families—yet they are loved and called by God for a purpose. Scripture shows us family is not just about birth, but about choice. For those considering foster care, adoption, or other forms of family care, this plan explores how God’s heart for chosen families is woven into His plan of redemption.

Throughout the Bible, we see God's heart for the orphan, as well as the significance of family. This reading plan highlights passages showing how God designed families to nurture love, faith, and belonging. As we study these Scriptures, we'll explore His plan for all children and the call to reflect His love by ensuring every child experiences the warmth and security of a family.

  • "The Hope Effect isn’t just showing kids love, but how God loves also. And it's so wonderful that families are reaching out to help these innocents. So many lives touched by God's goodness."

    Jana Uhrig, The Hope Effect Supporter

  • "Creating a warm, loving home for orphans is a cause very dear to my heart. It's biblical. The bible talks numerous times about caring for orphans and widows. It's a small way I can contribute to this meaningful endeavor."

    Lezlie Kuebker, The Hope Effect Supporter

  • "The word 'hope' says it all."

    Debora Militello, The Hope Effect Supporter

 FAQs

  • The Hope Effect was founded by two Christian pastors, and our entire staff (in the U.S. and in our Mexico locations) are Christian. While we are not a registered as a faith-based organization, it is our faith that inspires and propels us. Our team recognizes that God has always had a love and concern for orphans, and we believe we should also love and care for these children.

  • In Mexico, where we directly recruit families for our program, we speak at churches and invite people of faith to be a part of our work. Thankfully, many families have responded, but that is not the only place we do recruitment. We have had the pleasure of working with people inside and outside the Christian faith. Simply put, we do not require our caregivers to adhere to the Christian faith. If a family passes the background checks and requirements, we welcome them in with open arms...because every child deserves a family.

  • To protect the privacy of the children and their foster families, we do not offer sponsorships of specific children. However, we know you want your donation to be used for the reason it was given. Through our 100% Model, you can specify that you'd like 100% of your donation to go directly to orphan care.

  • There are many good-hearted churches and individuals who are sincerely trying to make a difference in the lives of orphaned and vulnerable children globally. However, by supporting orphanages, many churches are unknowingly funding an orphan care structure that is damaging children and breaking up families. We know there’s a better way. If churches and churchgoers use their compassion and generosity to help children get out of orphanages and into loving families, we will change the way the world cares for orphans. God's plan for children has always been the family.