Remembering With Love: Día de los Muertos
Remembering With Love: The Beautiful Tradition of Día de los Muertos
At Children's Hope, a special display reminds us that love, family, and memories transcend generations.
Each year, families throughout Mexico and beyond celebrate Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, a cherished tradition honoring loved ones who have passed away.
While the name might sound somber, the celebration is anything but. Filled with flowers, color, food, music, and treasured memories, Día de los Muertos is a joyful expression of remembrance.
This year, Children's Hope has created a beautiful ofrenda, a traditional altar that welcomes memories of those who remain close to our hearts.
The Meaning Behind the Traditions
Every element of an ofrenda has significance.
Marigolds (cempasúchil): These brilliant orange flowers are traditionally believed to guide the spirits of loved ones home with their vibrant color and distinctive fragrance.
Candles: Their gentle light symbolizes welcome and remembrance.
Sugar Skulls (calaveras): Often brightly decorated, these whimsical symbols remind us that death is a natural part of life—and that remembering can include joy and laughter.
Pan de Muerto: This traditional sweet bread, often decorated with shapes resembling bones, represents the cycle of life and death.
La Catrina: The elegantly dressed skeletal figure, originally popularized by Mexican artist José Guadalupe Posada, reminds us that beneath our differences, we share a common humanity.
Photographs and Personal Treasures: Favorite foods, keepsakes, and pictures make each ofrenda uniquely personal.
Create a Little Space for Remembrance
You don't need an elaborate display to participate in the spirit of this tradition.
Find a small table or shelf and begin with a photograph of someone you'd like to remember. Add marigolds or other flowers, a battery-operated candle, and something that reminds you of that person—a favorite snack, a handwritten note, or a meaningful object.
Invite family members to share stories. What made that person laugh? What did they love? What is your favorite memory?
Children can participate by drawing pictures, decorating paper flowers, or sharing their own special memories.
Traditionally, families prepare their ofrendas in late October, with November 1 often dedicated to remembering children and November 2 to adults. Customs vary among families and communities.
Love Lives in the Stories We Share
At Children's Hope, we believe that connections matter. Families are shaped by the people who love us, teach us, encourage us, and leave lasting impressions.
Our ofrenda is a beautiful reminder that while lives may end, the love and memories we share continue.
May we always make room to remember, celebrate, and share the stories of those who have touched our hearts.
Out of the Darkness Walks are being held nationwide to spread awareness of suicide prevention. Children's Hope staff attended the Sacramento walk.
Read the beautiful adoption story of a Children's Hope family--from foster to adopt with support every step of the way.
Understand the role of Resource Parents in foster care. Join us in supporting children & families on their journey to healing.
Parents as Teachers helps parents and caregivers
Fairways for the Future
The Sam Cox Memorial Run honored a great man, friend and lover of the "wind." Benefitting Children's Hope, the Sam Cox Memorial Run was a great event
Read Rachel's inspiring story of adoption through foster care and learn how you can make a difference as a resource parent in northern california
At Children’s Hope, our resource parents are at the heart of everything we do—and recently, we had the privilege of celebrating them in a truly special way. Held at Hard Rock Casino Sacramento in Wheatland, our Resource Parent Appreciation Dinner brought together families, children, and staff for an evening filled with joy, connection, and gratitude. From the moment guests arrived, the ballroom buzzed with excitement. Children eagerly checked in for raffles, their eyes lighting up as they admired the incredible displays of bikes, scooters, toys, and gift cards—each one sparking hope and anticipation. The evening was beautifully set with thoughtful décor, delicious food, and meaningful touches throughout. Children's Hope staff did a wonderful job organizing the event and preparing every last detail! As everyone gathered, Crystal Carter, CEO-in-Training, welcomed guests with heartfelt remarks, sharing powerful insights about the impact and importance of resource parents. Behind her, a moving presentation of photos, quotes, and stories highlighted the lives touched by their care and commitment. Guests enjoyed a wonderful meal together, surrounded by a genuine sense of community. Founders Heather and Ben greeted families with warm hugs, creating an atmosphere that felt more like a family gathering than an event. Throughout the evening, staff members connected with guests, ensuring every detail was thoughtfully handled, and every family felt seen and appreciated. This special night would not have been possible without the incredible support of our sponsors: The Hard Rock Casino Sacramento at Wheatland, PG&E, JanYo, Crumbl Cookies, and Good Guys Heating & Cooling. Their generosity goes beyond financial contributions—it reflects a deep understanding of the needs in our communities and a shared commitment to making a difference.
Foster care can feel overwhelming to understand—especially if you’re just beginning to explore how it works or how you might get involved. At Children’s Hope, we serve families and children across Northern California, and one of the most common things we hear is: “I want to help, but I don’t know where to start.” This guide explains how foster care works in Northern California, what families can expect, and how communities play a vital role in supporting children when they need stability most. What Is Foster Care? Foster care provides temporary, safe homes for children who cannot remain with their biological families due to safety concerns. The goal is always to support children while their families work toward reunification whenever possible. In Northern California, foster care is overseen at the county level, which means processes can vary slightly by location—but the core of foster care remains the same: ensuring children are safe, supported, and cared for during a challenging time. What Happens When a Child Enters Foster Care? When a child enters foster care, it often happens quickly and unexpectedly. Children may arrive with little more than the clothes they are wearing, which is why supportive placements—and thoughtful preparation—matter so much. Once in care: Children are placed with approved foster families or resource parents Caseworkers coordinate medical, educational, and emotional support Families receive guidance and resources to help children transition Stability, routine, and compassion make a meaningful difference during these early days. Who Can Become a Foster Parent in Northern California? Foster parents come from all walks of life. You don’t need to be “perfect”—just willing, caring, and open to learning. In general, foster parents: Are at least 21 years old Pass background checks and home safety requirements Complete training and ongoing education Have the ability to provide a safe, supportive environment Many foster parents work full-time, rent their homes, or have families of their own. What matters most is a commitment to showing up for a child. What Support Do Foster Families Receive? One of the biggest misconceptions about foster care is that families are on their own. In reality, foster parents receive ongoing support, including: Training and education Monthly financial support Caseworker guidance Access to community resources Emotional and practical support throughout each placement Foster care works best when families feel supported—and when they know they’re not navigating it alone. How Long Do Children Stay in Foster Care? Every situation is unique. Some placements are short-term, while others may last longer depending on the child’s needs and the family’s circumstances. Possible outcomes include: Reunification with biological family Placement with relatives Adoption or guardianship Throughout every step, the child’s safety and well-being remain the top priority. How Communities Support Foster Care in Northern California Not everyone is called to foster—but everyone can help. Community support may include: Donating essential items Supporting foster families Attending events and fundraisers Offering encouragement and understanding Small acts of kindness create ripple effects that strengthen foster families and help children feel valued. Final Thoughts Understanding how foster care works in Northern California is the first step toward meaningful involvement. Whether you’re considering becoming a foster parent, supporting foster families, or simply learning more, your interest matters. When communities come together, children experience stability, dignity, and hope—exactly when they need it most. Summary Foster care in Northern California provides temporary, supportive homes for children who cannot safely remain with their families. Managed at the county level, foster care focuses on child safety, family reunification when possible, and ongoing support for foster parents. Community involvement plays a vital role in helping children and families thrive during times of transition.
What Support Services Are Available for Foster Parents Through Children’s Hope Foster Family Agency? Foster parenting is a deeply meaningful way to make a difference, but it also comes with unique responsibilities and challenges. At Children’s Hope Foster Family Agency (CHFFA) — serving families across Northern California, including Butte, Sacramento, Sutter, Yuba, and surrounding counties — foster parents are never on their own. CHFFA provides a wide range of dedicated services and support to help resource parents thrive in their role and give foster youth the stability, care, and encouragement they deserve. 1. Comprehensive Training and Preparation Becoming a foster parent involves more than opening your home — it requires knowledge, confidence, and readiness. Children’s Hope offers trauma-informed training to help foster parents understand the needs of children who have experienced loss, instability, or adversity. This includes education on behavior, emotional regulation, developmental needs, and family dynamics so caregivers feel prepared from the very start. 2. Ongoing Education and Resources Support doesn’t stop after certification. CHFFA provides continuing education, tools, and resource materials designed to help foster parents stay informed about best practices in caregiving, child development, and trauma-responsive care. This ongoing guidance helps parents adapt and grow as their children’s needs evolve. 3. Counseling and Family Support Services Children’s Hope offers specialized counseling services not only for foster youth but also for the resource parents who care for them. These services are trauma-informed and tailored to help families navigate challenges at home, strengthen attachment and communication, and support emotional well-being. Counseling is available in-office, virtually, or in the home for accessibility and convenience. 4. 24/7 Support and Guidance Caregiving doesn’t always follow a 9-to-5 schedule. CHFFA provides 24/7 access to experienced staff who can offer coaching, answer questions, and help navigate tricky moments or unexpected challenges. Foster families know they can reach out at any time for real-time support and reassurance. 5. Specialized Placement and Respite Options Not every child has the same needs — and CHFFA recognizes that. The agency supports foster parents with specialized placement options for children with behavioral, emotional, or medical needs that may require additional care. In addition, respite care opportunities allow current foster families to take breaks while other trained caregivers provide short-term support. 6. Collaborative Care Coordination Being a foster parent often means working with schools, social workers, and community providers. Children’s Hope helps resource parents coordinate care and advocate for their children’s needs — including education, health care, therapeutic services, and life skills development — so families feel empowered and informed every step of the way. Walking the Journey Together From the first inquiry through ongoing caregiving and even transition programs for older youth, Children’s Hope supports foster parents with tools, training, care coordination, and emotional support. This multi-layered assistance helps caregivers feel confident, connected, and capable — because when foster parents are supported, the children in their care can thrive. If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to foster with support behind you, this agency shows how partnership, guidance, and compassionate care can make a profound difference.
