25 Years of Hope and Still Making a Difference
In December of 2001, a small article appeared in the Gridley Herald with a simple but powerful invitation: “Give a more generous Christmas to a foster child.”
That year, community members were encouraged to visit an Angel Tree at Gold Country National Bank or Rite Aid, select a card with a child’s age (and sometimes a few wishes), and help make Christmas brighter for foster youth in Gridley, Biggs, and Live Oak. At the time, Children’s Hope served children from infancy through age 17 — many of whom had never experienced positive family traditions or celebrations.
Only 66 children were asking for a gift that Christmas. And yet, the impact was profound.
“Many of these children are reluctant to wish at Christmas time because they have been beaten down by so many disappointments in the past,” the article shared.
Even then, the heart of Children’s Hope was clear: to step in where loss and uncertainty existed — and replace it with dignity, care, and generosity.
A Young Agency with a Big Vision
Another Gridley Herald article from the early 2000s tells the story of a young agency just finding its footing. At the time, Children’s Hope was newly licensed, supporting 45 foster homes and working tirelessly to recruit and train more families.
The need was great. Nearly 50% of foster children in Butte and Yuba counties were being placed outside their local area, simply because there weren’t enough homes nearby. Children’s Hope committed to changing that — not just by licensing
foster parents, but by walking alongside them.
From comprehensive orientation and education to monitoring and ongoing support, the agency made it clear: foster families would never do this work alone.
Changing Lives, One Community at a Time
A third article from those early years reflected on growth — not just in numbers, but in mission. Children’s Hope had already outgrown its first office, expanding services and creating space for counseling, family support, and deeper community engagement.
The agency placed children thoughtfully and intentionally, sometimes even turning down placements when the right home wasn’t available — always prioritizing what was best for the child.
From pumpkin painting contests at local parks to word-of-mouth referrals from families and professionals alike, Children’s Hope embedded itself into the fabric of the community.
The message then, as now, was simple:
Children are our greatest resource — and they deserve safety, stability, and hope.
25 Years Later: The Heart Is the Same
Fast forward to today — and the growth is remarkable.
Children’s Hope has expanded in:
Placement numbers
Offices and locations
Staff and professional support
Programs and services, including counseling and transitional housing
And yet, one tradition still shines brightly.
This year, 850 holiday tags were distributed through a dozen businesses across multiple communities, each one representing a child or youth whose holiday would be made brighter through the generosity of others.
What began as two small Angel Trees has grown into a powerful, far-reaching expression of love — proof that when a community shows up, lives change.
An Incredible Adventure — Still Unfolding
Looking back at these articles from 2001 and 2002, it’s striking how timeless their message remains. The faces, locations, and numbers may have changed — but the mission has not.
Children’s Hope exists because children deserve better. Because foster families deserve support. Because communities are stronger when they care for their most vulnerable members.
Twenty-five years in, the adventure continues
— fueled by compassion, commitment, and a belief that hope multiplies when it’s shared.
Thank you to every foster family, staff member, donor, business partner, and community supporter who has helped write this story — and to those who will carry it forward for the next 25 years.
A Season of Giving: How Our Community Brings Christmas Magic to Foster Youth Every December, something extraordinary happens across our community. Small businesses, local shops, bustling offices, and generous neighbors come together with one shared goal: to make Christmas brighter for foster youth. At Children’s Hope, our annual Holiday Tag Drive has become one of the most beloved traditions of the season—a beautiful reminder that kindness can transform a child’s world. How the Tag Drive Works Months before the first snowflake falls or the first ornament is hung, Melanie, our event coordinator, begins the work that brings this project to life. This year, she carefully prepared 850 individual tags , each one representing: A foster child or young adult Their age And a heartfelt holiday wish These tags were then delivered to participating businesses—where employees, customers, families, and friends selected them from beautifully decorated trees, bulletin boards, or front-counter displays. To the children who wrote down their wishes, each tag was a hope. To our community, each tag became a mission of love. Where the Magic Happens When the gifts begin to arrive, the true spirit of the holiday season becomes impossible to miss. Brightly colored bags, shiny wrapping paper, toys, books, cozy clothing, gift cards, and treats fill the room—each one chosen with care. And while the sight feels magical, we want to be clear about something: ✨ It’s not magic. ✨ It is generosity. It is compassion. It is hard work, dedication, and the hearts of people who believe every child deserves to feel special at Christmas. Honoring Our Community Partners This year, Children’s Hope is overflowing with gratitude for the businesses and groups who stepped forward to make wishes come true. To every business that participated, every employee who grabbed a tag, every family who bought a gift, and every partner who helped spread the word— thank you. Your kindness doesn’t just fill stockings. It fills hearts.
Yuba-Sutter Quilt Guild donated 62 handmade quilts to Childrens Hope, a foster care agency dedicated to making a difference in northern California.
Inspiring Change: How One Roseville Teen Is Empowering Her Peers to Make a Difference At just sixteen years old, Martha, a junior at West Park High School in Roseville, is already leading with purpose and compassion. Inspired by her passion for law, social justice, and community service, Martha saw an opportunity to do something meaningful — not just for herself, but for others. When she noticed that her school didn’t have a club focused on youth empowerment and service, she decided to start one. And just like that, the Next Chapter Initiative was born — a student-led group dedicated to inspiring teens and young adults to take action in their communities. Now, with a board and 13 active members, the group has already made a real difference. Their latest project? Creating Care Kits for Foster Youth , filled with love and essentials for kids in care. Each box includes two to three hygiene items — such as deodorant and soap — along with small toys, fidgets, and hand-written inspirational cards. The students also donated stuffed animals and new shoes, ensuring every individual feels seen and valued. Children’s Hope Social Workers Kyle and Jada recently met with Martha and her fellow student Joshua, a freshman at West Park, to receive the donations on behalf of the youth we serve. Their generosity and empathy are a reminder of how powerful young people can be when they see a need — and decide to fill it. Martha’s vision doesn’t stop here. She hopes to grow the Next Chapter Initiative into a nonprofit organization, empowering even more students to serve their communities and advocate for meaningful change. As the holidays approach, Martha and her team are already planning their next project — possibly collecting toys for foster youth. With leaders like her, the future is in good hands. ✨ Thank you, Martha, Joshua, and the entire Next Chapter Initiative team , for your kindness, creativity, and commitment to making the world a better place — one care kit at a time. Are you interested in supporting the Next Chapter Initiative? Visit their website !
At Children’s Hope, we believe some of life’s most meaningful memories are created around the table — whether it’s a family dinner, a shared holiday treat, or simply gathering in the kitchen together. This fall, Heather Payne, our co-founder, is sharing a special family recipe for homemade caramels. Heather’s kids grew up looking forward to these chewy, buttery caramels every autumn — and she’s even made them for family weddings! While the recipe takes a little patience, the reward is worth every stir of the spoon. (Her family also loves to undercook the caramel slightly to drizzle over popcorn or dip fresh apples.) Now, we’re passing it along to you — with the hope that it brings sweetness and joy to your fall season. Heather’s Family Caramels Ingredients 1 cup butter (2 sticks) 4 cups granulated sugar 2 cups light corn syrup 24 oz evaporated milk (2 cans) 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Instructions Line a 9×13” pan (for thicker caramels) or jelly roll pan with parchment paper, or generously butter it. In a large heavy-bottom saucepan over medium heat, melt butter, sugar, and corn syrup. Stir until the mixture begins to boil (about 5–10 minutes). Gradually add evaporated milk, one can at a time, over 12–15 minutes per can. Stir constantly to maintain a steady boil and prevent curdling. Continue stirring until the mixture reaches firm ball stage (240–245°F on a candy thermometer). To test without a thermometer, drop a spoonful into ice water — it should form a pliable, slightly sticky ball. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Pour into prepared pan and refrigerate until firm (several hours or overnight). Cut into squares and, if desired, wrap in wax paper. Tip: For caramel drizzle, remove from heat slightly earlier (before firm ball stage). 💛 From Our Family to Yours At Children’s Hope, we see every day how love and care create lasting memories for children and families. Just like Heather’s caramels — a recipe made with time, patience, and sweetness — the little things we share can make the biggest difference. This season, we invite you to share your favorite fall traditions with the people you love. And as always, thank you for being part of our Children’s Hope family — your support helps us bring hope and warmth to children who need it most.
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.
Twenty-five years ago, Children’s Hope began with a question—and a leap of faith. Today, Children’s Hope supports over 180 foster homes, serving more than 300 children and youth.
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.
