The Hope Effect

Changing how the world cares for orphans.

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“Healthier, Stronger, and Happier”: Federico’s Story

At The Hope Effect, we know every child deserves a family. Still, we are constantly amazed at how much the love of a family can transform a child’s life. Federico, a young boy in Chihuahua, Mexico, is a completely different kid after experiencing loving family-style care. 

Federico’s Story

Federico’s father passed away when he was just a baby. His mother was not in his life, so it was up to his grandmother to raise him. But heartbroken by her son’s death and overwhelmed with the burden of raising an infant, Federico’s grandmother started drinking heavily. 

His grandmother began dropping Federico at orphanages to be taken care of for days at a time. She would bring him home only on weekends, but even then, she would spend most of her time drinking. For years, Federico’s life was full of uncertainty and danger – until one night when everything changed. 

That night, as usual, Federico’s grandmother was craving alcohol and looking for ways to satisfy her addiction. Endangering Federico’s life, she brought him into a bar and began to drink. Thankfully, someone notified the authorities of the child in the bar and the intoxicated woman who’d brought him. 

At just four years old, Federico was placed full time in an institution. Life had been extremely hard on him, and as a result, Federico built a wall around himself. He acted out constantly, having frequent temper tantrums and violent outbursts. He was also diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD).

Separated from the only family he knew, he felt alone. By all accounts, he was alone. But he was not forgotten. 

The Turning Point

Luis and Michelle have always had a heart for loving people. They work with many children in Mexico, and they are incredible role models and mentors for those young kids and teenagers. But their hearts had room for more!

Luis and Michelle welcomed Federico into their home. When he first came to them, he was an angry, violent kid. Federico even got in a few fights during his first week of school. 

But Luis and Michelle could see beneath the anger. With patience and compassion, they began to break down the walls Federico had built, helping him overcome his bitterness and loneliness. Through the love of a family, Federico is now a joyful and passionate child!

Family-style care changed Federico’s life. On a recent visit to the home, Luis and Michelle confirmed the positive difference in Federico. 

“He’s like a completely different child,” said Michelle. “Not only is his anger gone, but he is healthier, stronger, and happier.” 

Be a #HeroForHope on #GivingTuesday!

To Federico, you are a hero! Your generosity makes it possible for kids like him to get the loving family-style care they deserve. And there are many other children in Chihuahua in need of a hero like you!

This #GivingTuesday – December 3rd – we invite you to be a #HeroForHope and help more kids like Federico receive family-style care. #GivingTuesday is a global day of generosity, and this year, funds raised will be used to provide and expand family-style care in Chihuahua.

In addition, one of our generous supporters has offered to match all donations raised for #GivingTuesday…up to $25,000! That means you can double the impact of your gift!

We’d love for you to join us on December 3rd. If you’d like to get a head start, our #GivingTuesday site is live now! Any donations made now through the end of #GivingTuesday will be matched dollar for dollar!

And NEW this year, you can also text your gift! It’s quick, easy, and secure…simply text hopeeffect (make sure it’s all one word!) to 444-999 and follow the instructions.

Will you partner with us and help more children like Federico find life-changing family-style care? This #GivingTuesday, will you be a #HeroForHope?

BE A #HEROFORHOPE – DONATE TODAY!

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From Caregiver to Cared For: Emma’s Story

So let them be little, cause they’re only that way for a while. 
Give them hope, give them praise, give them love, every day. 
Let em cry, let em giggle, let them sleep in the middle. 
Oh, just let them be little.

Those song lyrics capture the importance of letting kids be kids. Of letting them enjoy the wonder and magic of childhood. Of simply letting them be little. 

But for the millions of kids around the world living without the love of a family, circumstances often force them to grow up too fast. That was the case with Emma, a teenage girl living in Chihuahua, Mexico. However, thanks to your generosity, Emma’s life has been changed through loving family-style care.

Emma’s Story

Emma is 15 years old and the oldest of three siblings. She and her two younger brothers were living in one of the poorer neighborhoods in Chihuahua. A local church began reaching out to children in that neighborhood, and one of the women in that church developed a connection with Emma. 

The woman began asking questions about her life and her background. Emma opened up and shared that her mother struggles with drug addiction and is often in and out of rehab. Emma’s mother was in rehab at that time (and still is), leaving Emma with the responsibility of taking care of herself and her two little brothers. 

After learning more about Emma’s situation, the woman decided she was going to help. She became trained and certified to provide family-style care, and the government in Chihuahua gave approval for her to welcome Emma into her home. (Although Emma’s brothers are not able to be in the same home, they are also receiving loving family-style care with another family.)

We are so thankful that Emma is now in the loving, stable care of a family. She is no longer solely responsible for the well-being of herself and her brothers. Now, Emma can be loved and cared for in a family…as every child should be!

She recently celebrated her Quinceañera along with the people she loves, and we are so thrilled to see her loving life as a teenager once again.

Advocating for Emma

Emma’s story has some additional unique complications. Emma was actually born in Canada, so legally she is a Canadian citizen. But because her mother was afraid of being deported, she gave a false last name on Emma’s birth certificate. 

Now that Emma is in Mexico, that incorrect information is causing many problems. It has been difficult to get her legal paperwork for identification and her Mexican nationality. In addition, she wasn’t able to register for school because she doesn’t have a Mexican birth certificate and the information on her Canadian birth certificate is wrong. 

Although Emma’s circumstance is unique, legal challenges and paperwork delays are not. Many orphans need someone to advocate for them and so their case files and paperwork can advance through the legal processes.  

That’s why we’ve been working with our partners in Chihuahua to advocate for Emma. We received approval from the government for her to go to school so she doesn’t fall even further behind. And we will continue to advocate for Emma so we can set her up for success in the future. 

It’s your support that allows us do to this! Your generosity and partnership are changing the lives of children like Emma – providing them the opportunity to be loved and cared for now, and prepared for the future as they continue to grow.

Be a #HeroForHope on #GivingTuesday

To Emma, you are a hero…and there are many other children in Chihuahua in need of a hero like you!

This #GivingTuesday – December 3rd – we invite you to be a #HeroForHope and help more kids like Emma receive family-style care. #GivingTuesday is a global day of generosity, and this year, funds raised will be used to provide and expand family-style care in Chihuahua.

And exciting news – one of our generous supporters has agreed to match all donations raised on that day…up to $25,000! That means you can double the impact of your gift on #GivingTuesday!

We’d love for you to partner with us on December 3rd. If you want to jump in early, our #GivingTuesday site is live now!

And new this year – if you prefer, you can text your gift! It’s quick, easy, and secure…simply text hopeeffect (make sure it’s all one word!) to 444-999 and complete the form. That’s all it takes! 

Will you partner with us and help more children like Emma find loving, family-style care? This #GivingTuesday, will you be a #HeroForHope?

BE A #HEROFORHOPE – DONATE TODAY!

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Healing Through Family: Mario’s Story

Today is Orphan Sunday, a day where individuals and communities come together with a shared vision – to stand for orphans around the world and raise awareness of how to help these vulnerable children. Orphans in developing countries are often cared for in institutions, resulting in devastating long-term effects on their development. These children are desperately in need of a family. 

On a day like today, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the enormity of the problem. But Orphan Sunday is a time to consider how we can be part of the solution, and to celebrate the victories of children who have found families. 

This month, we are sharing stories from our project in Chihuahua, Mexico. Your generosity is expanding family-style orphan care and making such a difference in the lives of children. 

Mario’s Story

At just seven years old, Mario was removed from his home and placed in an institution. Struggling with health issues and severely malnourished, he became depressed and began acting out. While living in the institution, Mario didn’t have access to therapy or any other tools that could help him address and overcome his challenges. 

Like far too many children, Mario found himself helpless – yet another statistic within the system. Had his situation remained unchanged, his physical and mental health would have almost certainly continued in a downward spiral. But thankfully, that’s not where Mario’s story ends!

A Life Transformed

The Gonzalez family has always had a passion for children…specifically the youth in the city of Chihuahua. They decided to share their love and their home with a child in need, so they became certified to provide family-style care.

Once the Gonzalezes were certified, they were in a position to make a difference in Mario’s life. They visited Mario a few times before integrating him into their family, and everyone bonded instantly!

Incredibly, once he was placed with the Gonzalez family, Mario’s health began to improve overnight! It’s amazing how the love and support of a family can make such an immediate difference in a child.

It’s clear to see that this little boy’s heart was longing for a loving family. And we are beyond thrilled to see Mario thriving in his new environment!

To Mario (and to us!) you are a hero. Your generosity is changing lives in Chihuahua. We are so grateful for you!

Be a #HeroForHope on #GivingTuesday

There are many stories of children like Mario in Chihuahua – children with heartbreaking journeys but incredible transformation through the love of a family. And there are still many more children in need of a family…and a hero like you.

In just a few weeks, there’s an opportunity for you to be a #HeroForHope and help family-style care expand farther in Chihuahua. December 3rd is #GivingTuesday, a global day of generosity. This year, funds raised will be used to provide and expand family-style care in Chihuahua.

Your generosity and partnership will get more kids into families. In addition, one of our supporters has agreed to match all donations raised on that day…up to $25,000! That means you can double the impact of your gift on #GivingTuesday!

Will you join us and help more children like Mario find families? This #GivingTuesday, will you be a #HeroForHope?

We would be honored if you’d partner with us on December 3rd. If you just can’t wait, our #GivingTuesday site is live now! And coming soon…we’re making it even easier to join in with an option to text your gift. Stay tuned!

Thank you for your generosity and partnership. You are a true hero…and together, we are changing the way the world cares for orphans!

BE A #HEROFORHOPE – DONATE TODAY!

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This #GivingTuesday, Be A #HeroForHope

Every child needs a hero. And for the millions of children around the world growing up without a family, that hero could be you. 

As we rapidly approach the holiday season, there’s often excitement in the air. This time of year, there are so many opportunities for joy, laughter, and togetherness. There are also incredible opportunities for generosity. 

#GivingTuesday

The first Tuesday after Thanksgiving is #GivingTuesday – the kickoff to the giving season. #GivingTuesday is a global giving movement that celebrates generosity by encouraging individuals and communities to give back.

We are always so amazed and inspired by your generosity on #GivingTuesday. Last year, you came through in a big way…and we had our biggest single-day fundraising total EVER! Amazing!

This #GivingTuesday – December 3rd – we invite you to be a #HeroForHope by changing the way the world cares for orphans. Donations this year will be used to provide and expand family-style care in Chihuahua, Mexico. 

The Need In Chihuahua

There are more than 1,500 children living in institutional care in the city of Chihuahua. These children are growing up without the love, support, and stability of a family. We know that being raised in institutional care has damaging physical, developmental, and psychological effects. And we know children belong in families.

Until a few years ago, institutional care was the only legal option for these kids in Chihuahua. But thankfully, the government has embraced the benefits of family-style care. With your support, and in cooperation with our partners in Chihuahua, we are tripling the capacity to provide family-style care in this city. 

We’ve made great strides, but there is still work to be done. There are still kids in need of a family.

You Can Be A Hero

Here’s where you come in! You can be a #HeroForHope and help family-style care expand farther, faster. Your generosity and partnership will get more kids into families.

Your support has already made such an impact this year! You’ve changed the lives of children like Lupita and Daniel. You are their hero – you have helped them experience the love and support of a family that every child so desperately needs.

We’re so excited to see the family-style care movement growing in Chihuahua. And with your help, we can keep it up! Our expenses next year for Chihuahua will be $50,000…so that’s our goal this #GivingTuesday! We would LOVE to go into 2020 with this project fully funded for the entire year!

In addition, we’re thrilled to announce that one of our generous supporters has agreed to match all donations raised on that day…up to $25,000! That means you can double the impact of your gift on #GivingTuesday!

Will you help us get more children like Lupita and Daniel into families? This #GivingTuesday, will you be a #HeroForHope?

We’d be honored if you would partner with us on December 3rd. And if you’d like to jump in early, you don’t have to wait – our #GivingTuesday site is live now! And coming soon…this year, we’ll have a brand new way to make giving even easier! Be on the lookout for an option to text your gift in the upcoming weeks.

Thank you for your continued support and generosity – we can’t do any of this without you! Together, we are changing the way the world cares for orphans!

BE A #HEROFORHOPE – DONATE TODAY!

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My 20-Year Journey to The Hope Effect

My family at the recent wedding of our son Caleb and his wife Taylor. L-R: me; my wife Christie; my son Caleb; his wife Taylor; and my daughters Sydney, Payton, and Mia.

My journey to become the Executive Director of The Hope Effect started twenty-one years ago when God dramatically kicked open the door into the world of orphan care.

Out of the blue, my wife Christie and I sensed we should pursue adopting a child from overseas. Although we felt called to adopt, how it would become a reality was a mystery to us. It would require us to overcome many challenges, not the least of which were the adoption and travel fees…which would exceed $30,000.

But within one year, through the power of prayer and the crazy generosity of an 18-year-old girl (who actually funded the adoption!), I was holding my precious daughter Sydney in my arms.

Like many people, I was unaware of the orphan crisis. Sydney opened my eyes to the millions of children who live without families in the world – many of them over the age of five.

Mia

Fast forward to seven years ago. My wife and I responded to a simple Facebook post about a little girl in need of a family overseas. We started the process to adopt again – this time with an older child who spent the early part of her life in an institution.

My daughter Mia joined our family when she was 12 years old. Every day I wake up and experience what statistics tell us – that children develop best when they are in a family environment, that institutional care of children before the age of four is devastating, and that good-hearted people are the key to change.

The Hope Effect

A few years ago, my wife and I joined Joshua and Kim Becker in dreaming about The Hope Effect, a nonprofit organization that would change the way the world cares for orphans. We are passionate about seeing orphans cared for – not in institutions, but in families.

For the last few years, I’ve served as the Executive Director on a part-time basis while I pastored a growing church. However, as The Hope Effect prepares to enter our fifth city, with exploration already underway in our sixth location, the demands of The Hope Effect are outpacing the time I can give to it while also leading the church.

I had to make a choice – a choice to either hire a new leader for the The Hope Effect or step away from my roll as pastor. The demands of leading both are just too great for my limited capacity, and I love both too much to continue to provide limited leadership to either.

The Big Decision

As you might imagine, the decision was agonizing. After many conversations with leaders from both organizations, I have made the decision to pursue The Hope Effect full time. Our last day at our church will be Sunday, September 29, and I will transition to a full time role with The Hope Effect in October.

This is obviously a big change for our family. I have been in church ministry for the last 25+ years. Simply put, Christie and I have never gone to a church without having a key to the building. But while we are saddened because we will not be experiencing the deep and meaningful relationships unique to pastoral work, we are confident in the new chapter God is writing for both of us.

I’m also excited to have more opportunities to share our passion for changing the way the world cares for orphans. Check out our website if you’re interested in having The Hope Effect speak at your event, whether it’s a church service, community event, podcast, or any other forum!

We look forward to seeing the ways God will use The Hope Effect to change the way the world cares for orphans. Thank you for being part of the journey…we can’t wait to see what happens next!

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Together At Last: Lupita’s Story

We know every child deserves a family. Every child deserves to grow up in a safe, loving, and stable family environment. And during the first few years of a child’s life, that family bond is critically important.

But unfortunately, that’s not the reality for millions of children around the world. So many kids are living without the love and care that only a family can provide. Too many young children are placed in an institution shortly after birth and spend their early childhood years in an orphanage.

Thankfully, you are changing that! Your partnership is changing the way the world cares for orphans. And you are making a difference in the lives of children like Lupita, a young girl in Chihuahua, Mexico.

Lupita’s Story

Lupita’s mother worked as a house cleaner for several different families in Chihuahua. When she became pregnant, she decided she did not want to keep her baby. Thinking she’d found a solution, she made a deal with one of the families that employed her, agreeing to give the child to that family.

A few months later, Lupita was born. Her mother upheld her side of the deal and gave Lupita to her employers, who then registered the child as their own daughter. But almost immediately, Lupita’s mother was filled with regret. She contacted the authorities in an effort to get her daughter back. As the custody dispute began, Lupita was placed in an infant care institution at just one month of age.

She would remain in that institution for more than two years.

As her case dragged on, Lupita became a casualty of the system. Legal processes and paperwork delays resulted in this little girl growing up in an institution during her first critical years of development. But thankfully, Lupita’s life was about to change!

The Turning Point

When Lupita was two and a half, a family visited the institution where she was living. And not just any family – they had been trained and certified to provide family-style care in Chihuahua! They met Lupita and were immediately touched by this little girl and her story. Shortly after that visit, our team began inquiring about the possibility of this family caring for Lupita.

There were several obstacles to overcome. Specifically, Lupita had a few medical conditions that would make caring for her a bit more difficult. She had been diagnosed with anxiety, ADHD, and a heart murmur. But the family was ready to welcome Lupita into their homes and their hearts. They began caring for her, and finally, Lupita began to experience the love of a family.

And that’s not all! As the legal case surrounding Lupita continued, her case file had been buried at the bottom of a growing pile. But once she was placed with a family, her case file was finally opened and examined more closely. It was discovered that Lupita’s grandfather had been looking to take care of her, and her case was re-opened.

After receiving loving family-style care for six months, Lupita was reunited with her biological family. Her grandfather welcomed her back with open arms and was legally able to take her home. We’re so thankful that Lupita had the opportunity to learn how to bond with and trust her foster family in preparation for going home to her biological family.

What an amazing ending to this chapter of Lupita’s story…and we know a wonderful new chapter is just beginning!

Thank You!

Thank you for being a part of Lupita’s journey. If you’d like to make a difference in the lives of more children like Lupita, we’d be honored if you’d support our work in Chihuahua. Simply click the link below to send your gift.

Thank you for changing the way the world cares for orphans!

SUPPORT THE HOPE EFFECT

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Santa Rosa, Honduras – Fully Funded!

Big news! Thanks to you, our project in Santa Rosa, Honduras, is FULLY FUNDED!

We first told you about our work in Santa Rosa earlier this year. Along with our partner organization Legacy of Hope Foundation, we are providing family-style care for children in times of transition as they await a more permanent solution.

We knew our awesome supporters (that’s you!) would show up in a big way to care for the children of Santa Rosa. What we didn’t know is that you would reach our fundraising goal so quickly…18 months earlier than expected! Amazing!

You are making an incredible difference in the lives of so many children! A few months ago, we told you about Samuel and his journey to a forever family. Now, we’d like to share two additional stories of children whose lives you’re changing.

Mario’s Story

Mario came to our transition home when he was only a few days old. He was abandoned almost immediately after birth, and he was found covered in ant bites and other marks. Because of his heartbreaking condition, Mario was admitted to the hospital to receive medical care.

Shortly after that, DINAF (the equivalent of CPS in Honduras) confirmed that nobody was going to come forward for Mario. That meant he would be going through the abandonment process and would be eligible for adoption. Because of that, he was placed in our transition home to wait for an adoptive family.

Mario is now three months old, and we are so excited to say he is thriving and growing! He’s reaching new milestones and recently began rolling over. At his young age, the family-style care he is receiving is so important physically and developmentally. Because Mario has been in a family environment, he will be able to bond more quickly with his adoptive family.

We can’t wait to see what the future holds for Mario!

Cristofer’s Story

Cristofer has a very different story, but one that also illustrates the importance of family-style care. He is five years old and has been living in the transition home for more than a year. Cristofer is awaiting a foster family.

Cristofer’s parents are unable to care for him, so he needs a permanent home. But because of his circumstances, he is not eligible for adoption. While we search for a long-term foster family for him, he’s being well cared for in our family-style transition home.

As of now, Cristofer has been in this family-style environment for more than a year. He’s been receiving quality education, nutritious meals, and excellent psychological and medical care.

Thanks to you, Cristofer is the experiencing the love, support, and stability of a family. And we know that when he finds his foster family, he’ll already understand what it means to be loved and valued.

Thank You!

You are making such a difference in the lives of children like Mario and Cristofer! Thank you for your support and generosity…you make all of this possible.

We look forward to continuing our work in Santa Rosa, Honduras, and providing you additional updates along the way. Thank you for changing the way the world cares for orphans!

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Samuel’s Journey: From Orphanage to Forever Family

Samuel sat quietly as he processed the news. He looked through pictures of his new home, and his eyes grew wide. The moment was finally here, and it was starting to feel real.

About seven months earlier, Samuel had come into our transition home in Santa Rosa, Honduras, where we work with our partner organization Legacy of Hope Foundation to provide family-style care for children awaiting a more permanent solution. Samuel had spent most of his childhood in a poorly-run orphanage, leaving him with many effects of institutional care – including great loss and trauma.

When Samuel was just a small child, a family came to volunteer in the orphanage where he was living. The family met and interacted with many of the children, but they felt an instant connection with Samuel. In this moment, they began to pursue him – to bring him into their family. They began the long journey to make sure Samuel knew he was loved and valued by a forever family…even if he had yet to fully comprehend what those words meant.

After a time, Samuel came to live in our transition home. We are grateful that our Legacy of Hope partners were able to work closely with his adoptive parents to help Samuel begin to build a relationship with his forever family. During those seven months, Samuel created a life-book which helped him connect his past to his present and future. And because of the family-style environment of the transition home, he began to understand what it meant to be in a family.

Samuel slowly let his guard down and learned to trust. He was able to connect with his adoptive parents while waiting for the adoption to be finalized, and he started to understand that he would one day share their last name. Even on the hardest days – like when court dates were changed and there were missing signatures on paperwork – Samuel knew his family loved him and would be there for him.

A few weeks ago, Samuel went to live with his forever family. The night before he left the transition home, he had his favorite meal and made chocolate cupcakes. It was a celebration – a celebration of him, his adoption, and his new family.

Today, The Hope Effect and Legacy of Hope celebrate with Samuel’s adoptive family as they are finally able to hold and cherish this little boy – their son. Today, we celebrate the stories of all the children our transition home has served. Siblings who have been able to stay together after being removed from their family, teen girls who have been able to care for their babies and learn what it means to be a mother, and abandoned babies who have been placed into safe and loving families.

And today, we celebrate you – the incredible, generous people who make this all possible! You are changing the lives of children…children like Samuel, and so many others. We are incredibly thankful for your partnership and support. You are doing great things. You are changing the way the world cares for orphans!

*This post was co-written with our partners at Legacy of Hope.