This year, it has been difficult for many people to not be able to see the people they care about due to distancing and cancelled travel plans. We asked children from each country we partner with what they miss most about their HopeChest Friends. We hope you enjoy their heartwarming answers and know that your support is making a tangible difference!

How do you find hope again after the sudden death of your spouse? This is a question that many people in the Teso region of Uganda faced after attacks from the Lord’s Resistance Army in the early 2000s. Today, we are highlighting the remarkable story of Christine*, a mother who experienced deep loss in her family and community.

When was the last time you wrote a note to someone you cared about? When you receive a letter, doesn’t it feel amazing to know that someone took the time to intentionally connect with you?

How does worldview affect a community’s ability to move through poverty? Tom Jennings (International Program Director) explains how Children’s HopeChest comes alongside communities to identify assets and move toward long-term transformation.

In 2019, 968 individuals traveled to visit their friends at HopeChest CarePoints. That’s a lot of dedicated people investing in building meaningful friendships! So, with cancelled travel this year, what has our Travel Team’s experience been like, and what do they have up their sleeve for the future?

In today’s blog, Atkelt shares his personal story of receiving support as a child to working at Children’s HopeChest, where he now impacts thousands of children through his work. He reflects on the close friends who came alongside him when he was young and wrote him encouraging letters and supported him in his studies. Atkelt’s story is a powerful testimony of relationships that make an impact.

It’s been a long six months of quarantine for families in Russia. After such a long time of not being able to see the Young Mothers Program participants in-person, Vladimir CarePoint threw a wonderful party to celebrate!

Here at Children’s HopeChest, we frequently use terms like “cycle of poverty” and “holistic development.” In today’s blog, we are sharing more of what those words mean and how they manifest in the stories of children who attend HopeChest CarePoints.

What does Children’s HopeChest’s longest headquarter employee have to say about her 20 years with the organization? Today, Rachel Andrews, Vice President of International Operations, reflects on lessons learned from 20 years in international poverty relief work.

Russia’s Country Director, Katya Celenina, shares how Russia CarePoints have innovatively transformed to keep participants safe. Learn how CarePoint staff are keeping participants engaged and connected and how orphanage graduates are making an impact in their communities.