impacted.
established.
all over the world.
As Children’s HopeChest celebrates 30 years of empowering vulnerable children and families, we’re filled with gratitude for the incredible journey we’ve shared with you—our community. Your generosity has created real, lasting change, and together, we’ve already made an extraordinary impact. But this is just the beginning.
Our Year-End Campaign is focused on Building on 30 Years of Impact. This milestone not only honors three decades of success, but sets the stage for an even bolder future. With a solid foundation in place, we envision a world where more lives are touched, communities thrive, and the cycle of giving continues to grow. Explore our Vision 2030 Impact here.
In the coming weeks, we’ll explore the pillars of what we’re building together—trust, community, sustainability, faith, and more—and showcase the transformative difference your support is making.
Why Trust Matters: The Heart of Our Mission
At HopeChest, building trust is at the core of everything we do. Trust isn’t built overnight. It’s nurtured over years of collaboration, transparency, and a shared vision for a better future. Whether we’re working with local leaders, governments, or partners like you, trust forms the foundation for all of our relationships and is essential for sustainable impact.
By building trust in the communities we serve, we empower local leaders, families, and children to thrive. It’s this trust that has allowed us to overcome challenges, create partnerships, and see miraculous transformation in countries like Ethiopia, Guatemala, and Uganda.
Trust in Ethiopia
In Ethiopia, we faced many challenges over the years—from strict government regulations to the threat of being shut down if we didn’t pay a bribe. But the most unexpected miracle occurred through the unwavering trust we built with Jima Dilbo Denbel, a Christian lawyer who became an advocate for HopeChest at a time when it seemed impossible. When the government sought to undermine our work, Jima’s courageous advocacy became instrumental in helping us navigate this storm. His support was pivotal in ensuring we could continue our mission to serve those in need.
Jima sharing his story with a HopeChest vision trip team in August 2023
“It was a miraculous kind of happening,” Jima shares. And it truly was. In 2018, Jima, who had once defended our work against bureaucratic roadblocks, was appointed to lead the very agency that had once threatened us—transforming Ethiopia’s NGO landscape for the better.
Thanks to Jima’s leadership and the trust we had placed in God and each other, Ethiopia’s regulatory environment has drastically improved, allowing us to expand our work and touch more lives.
Jima’s Visit to HopeChest Headquarters in Colorado Springs, CO in 2019
This story is one of building trust—trust with government leaders, trust within our team, and above all, trust in God’s plan for the work we do.
Recently, this journey of trust came full circle when HopeChest Ethiopia was recognized as the Best NGO of 2023/2024. This honor is a testament to the power of trust, perseverance, and God’s timing. Read more about how HopeChest Ethiopia was named Best NGO.
Trust in Guatemala
In Guatemala, we’ve seen how trust can transform not only communities but individual lives. Jomara, the director of Puerta de Esperanza CarePoint, has been a powerful example of how local leadership—founded in trust—can drive lasting change.
Recently, HopeChest Staff member Jomara was recognized as the “Community Woman Leader” by the local mayor for her tireless work in improving the education and well-being of children and families in the region. This recognition isn’t just about Jomara’s dedication; it reflects the deep trust HopeChest has built with local leaders, who have seen firsthand the positive impact of our programs.
As we continue to build trust in our CarePoint communities with leaders like Jomara, we see a powerful ripple effect. We are thankful for Jomara, and others, who are committed to their communities. Together, we’re building a future where children and families have the tools and support they need to thrive.
Trust in Uganda
In Uganda, our work with local governments has been equally transformational. Since 2015, we’ve built a strong partnership with the Katakwi Regional Government Office, working closely with local leaders and government officials to improve the lives of children and families. The office plays a key role in coordinating development efforts across the district, and our relationship with them is essential for aligning our programs with local needs.
One of the ways we nurture this trust is through frequent visits with the District Chairperson during our vision trips. These visits allow us to engage directly with the leadership, discuss shared goals, and ensure our work is aligned with the community’s priorities. Our local staff, who are deeply embedded in the Teso region, help facilitate these relationships, ensuring that the needs of the children we serve remain at the forefront.
District Chairperson of Katakwi engaging with a recent vision trip team
Through consistent collaboration and transparency, we’ve earned the trust of local government and community leaders. This strong relationship allows us to create meaningful, sustainable programs at our CarePoints, which focus on the well-being of children while empowering families and communities for long-term transformation.
Trust With Families and Community Members
One of the most profound ways we build trust is through our work with parents, guardians, and community members at our 68 CarePoints around the world. Trust is the foundation of these relationships, and we know that when families trust us, we can work together to create real, lasting change.
Home visits are a powerful example of this trust in action. During these visits, parents and guardians welcome our team into their homes with open arms. There’s a warmth and a sense of partnership that fills the air as we listen to their stories, share prayers, and celebrate the joy of their children’s growth.
Another meaningful expression of trust comes through our Friendship Model, where children have the opportunity to choose their own HopeChest Friends.
The moment these matches are made is always a celebration. You can see the joy and feel the excitement from family members as children are paired with their partners—individuals who will support them, pray with them, and help shape their futures. These moments are a powerful reflection of the trust we’ve built with the community, reminding us that, together, we can create lasting change. Just look at those smiling faces!
Looking Ahead: The Next 30 Years of Building Together
As we look forward to the next 30 years, we’re filled with excitement about what’s to come. The foundation we’ve built through trust—whether with local leaders, government officials, or the communities we serve—is stronger than ever. But the journey doesn’t stop here.
We invite you to read more about our Vision 2030 Impact here and prayerfully consider how God may be calling you to join us in this next chapter.
How has trust shaped your journey as a global partner?
We’d love for you to share this blog and your story with your network! Your experience could inspire others to get involved and help create lasting change for children worldwide.
