Aloha & Action
A Message from Heather Payne, RN and Co-Founder of Children’s Hope
Everyday Decisions vs. Everyday Struggles
Aloha! I’m Heather Payne, a registered nurse for 45 years and co-founder of Children’s Hope Foster Family Agency.
Every day, we all make decisions—what to wear, when to leave the house, what to make for dinner. But for many foster children, the decisions they face are far more serious:
- Where will I sleep tonight?
- Is there food for me today?
- Will I get to go to school, and do I have anything to wear?
These are the questions children in the foster care system often have to navigate alone.
What I’ve Witnessed Over 25 Years
Over the past two and a half decades, I’ve seen hundreds of foster youth face these unimaginable challenges.
- I’ve seen infants left without care for days
- Teens burdened with uncertainty about their futures
- Children struggling with trauma from neglect and abuse
These children are incredibly resilient—but they shouldn’t have to face these challenges alone.
Where HOPE Begins: With People Like You
Despite the heartbreaking stories, I continue to feel hopeful. That hope comes from the amazing people I’ve met along the way.
People like you.
I’ve seen:
- Families open their hearts and homes
- Adults step in as mentors, tutors, and advocates
- Communities rally around youth to meet their basic needs and support their dreams
Each of these actions makes a lasting difference in the life of a child.
So Many Ways to Help—Where Will You Start?
You don’t have to become a foster parent to make a difference. There are so many meaningful ways to help, including:
- Providing short-term respite care
- Becoming a mentor or tutor
- Hosting a youth or sponsoring their activities like dance, sports, or camp
- Offering school supplies or clothing
- Supporting Children’s Hope with your time, talents, or resources
Whatever your capacity, you can be the person who changes the course of a child’s life.
You Can Make a Difference—Right Now
If you’ve ever wondered how to help, this is your moment. Decide today to take action. Whether it’s big or small, every effort brings hope to a child who needs it most. Together, we can provide more than shelter—we can provide a sense of
belonging, support, and future.
Thank You for Being Part of the Hope
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.