The Story Behind Children’s Hope
A Spark Becomes a Mission
Twenty-five years ago, Children’s Hope began with a question—and a leap of faith. At the time, Ben Payne was working as a counselor for group homes when he was approached with the opportunity to start a foster agency. At first, he hesitated. It was a big decision, but with encouragement from his wife, Heather, a registered nurse, the vision for Children’s Hope started to take shape.
The couple shared a deep belief in the potential of young people and the power of compassionate caregiving—and they decided to act on it.
Building Hope, One Family at a Time
With just the two of them in the early days, Ben and Heather set out to recruit resource (foster) parents—kind, everyday people with open hearts and a desire to make a difference. “Resource parents want to help,” Ben explains. “They come from all walks of life. But there’s a goodness in them that brings them to this work.”
What started as a heartfelt mission quickly grew into a vibrant community. Today, Children’s Hope supports over 180 foster homes, serving more than 300 children and youth with the care, stability, and encouragement they need to thrive.
Answering the Call—Literally
In the early years, calls would pour in at all hours—weekends, holidays, late at night. Ben and Heather would often be the ones picking up children in crisis, sometimes with little more than the clothes on their backs. Their commitment was unwavering, driven by a desire to offer children not just safety, but hope.
Looking Ahead with Gratitude
As we celebrate 25 years of service, we honor the thousands of children and families who have been part of this journey—and we look ahead with gratitude and commitment.
Our mission remains the same: to uplift young lives, create safe homes, and build a brighter future for every child who walks through our doors. We believe in Making a Difference.
Conversations with our children shape the kind of people they will become. Talking about foster care is one of those moments where honesty, compassion, and courage come together. Your kids don’t need all the answers—but they do need your guidance to understand that every child deserves love and safety. Below are age-appropriate ways to begin these conversations, along with some reminders for us as parents: Raising Compassionate Kids Children notice more than we realize. They see differences, overhear adult conversations, and absorb cues from their environment. When we take time to talk about foster care, we give them language for what they may see or experience. Most importantly, we’re teaching empathy—one of the most valuable gifts we can pass along. For Toddlers At this age, simple is best. Toddlers don’t need the details, but they do understand love and care. You might say: “Some kids don’t live with their families right now. Other people are helping take care of them.” This framing is gentle, age-appropriate, and focused on safety. It reassures toddlers that all children deserve care, while planting early seeds of compassion. For Elementary-Age Kids School-aged kids are ready for a little more context. They can understand the idea of safety and community support. Try explaining: “Foster care helps kids stay safe when their home isn’t safe yet. We can care for them and their families.” This balances honesty with hope. It also reminds children that foster care isn’t just about the child—it’s about supporting entire families as they work toward healing. For Teens Teenagers are ready to grapple with complexity. They know the world isn’t perfect, and they respect it when adults acknowledge that. You might share: “Foster care is complicated. Families are hurting, and the system isn’t perfect. The goal isn’t to have all the answers—it’s to raise kids who care. Let’s talk about what justice and healing look like.” With teens, the key is dialogue. Ask what they think. Encourage questions. Validate their feelings, even if they struggle with the idea that not every child gets the stability they deserve. The Takeaway No matter their age, children need more than facts—they need space to process, ask questions, and build empathy. Talking about foster care may feel brave, but it opens the door to raising kids who see others with compassion and act with kindness. After all, our goal isn’t perfection—it’s connection.
Since 2000, Children’s Hope has provided safe, compassionate transportation for foster youth—completing over 6,000 trips a year with heart and purpose.
A heartwarming event at Sequoia Grove brought generations together to donate teddy bears and support foster children through Children’s Hope.
Co-founder Heather Payne shares what she’s witnessed in 25 years of foster care—and how people like you can bring hope, healing, and support to foster youth.
