We have all heard that some children, through no fault of their own, wind up in the foster care system. But have you ever stopped to consider what that really means for a child?
From the child’s perspective, it can happen suddenly. A decision by a judge or a visit from the police and a social worker and you’re told it’s no longer safe to live with your parents. You’re handed a black plastic trash bag and told you have a few minutes to pack what you can. You are then driven to a complete stranger’s house, sometimes separated from your siblings, and told you will now live there for the foreseeable future.
On the other end of that moment are licensed foster parents. They might get a call at any hour of the day or night saying a child—it could be a newborn, a toddler, a young child, or a teenager, boy or girl—will be arriving within hours. Like the child, they have little time to prepare. What do they do?
That’s where Fostering Hope steps in.
Founded in 2018 by two women, Fostering Hope is a fast-growing nonprofit based in Montgomery County that now has 12 chapters across Southeastern Pennsylvania. In 2024 alone, the organization supported more than 4,000 children.
In Pennsylvania, more than 60% of children in foster care are 11 years old or younger. Many are part of sibling groups and come from diverse racial, cultural, and religious backgrounds. Most enter care because of parental substance abuse.
The Lower Bucks County Chapter, located in the Newtown Depot Shopping Center, opened its doors in 2023 and has already doubled the number of children it serves each year.
Their goals are simple but powerful: to help children feel cared for and respected, and to ease the transition for both children and foster families, including kinship care families (when relatives raise a child).
Chapter Coordinator Jenae Travia explained, “Children often enter care with very little, and caregivers can be overwhelmed trying to meet immediate needs on an emergency basis.
“We step in to fill those gaps through our Foster Share Closet, whether it’s providing pajamas, clothes, shoes, a bed, car seat, toys, or even hair products; offering a child their own duffle bag to replace the trash bag; or giving a teen a cell phone to stay connected with siblings, download homework, or apply for jobs.
“Sometimes it’s even a simple gift card so they can buy a pair of jeans—all funded by grants, special events, and donations.”
One foster parent shared, “When we got the call that a child was coming to stay, we had everything we needed in just a few hours (after visiting Fostering Hope). It took so much stress off our shoulders—and it was so nice to know so many people were rooting for us.”
Travia added, “So many of the stories I hear from foster parents and kinship care families are heartbreaking. We rely on the generosity of the people in our community to keep our lights on and to purchase items that aren’t donated. For example, car seats so newborns can safely leave the hospital as they enter the foster care community, or beds, dressers, and desks.”
Almost as important as monetary donations are Fostering Hope’s volunteers. Some deliver items such as beds or dressers to foster families, others sort donated clothing for the Foster Share Closet or help spread the word in the community via Social Media or by attending special events.
Even a few hours a month make a difference to the volunteer-run organization. Volunteer Brian B. wrote, “As a former foster parent, I know firsthand the challenges and struggles identified by Fostering Hope. Volunteering for Fostering Hope allows me to do all I can to help foster and kinship families in Lower Bucks County.
“I hope everyone who gives to Fostering Hope knows how deeply their help is appreciated—you’re making a huge difference for children in foster care and giving them hope that tomorrow will be better.” adds Travia.
New foster mother Amy recently wrote, “Thank you so much, Fostering Hope Lower Bucks, and to all those who donated. I’m so grateful and can’t wait to see my foster son enjoy his gifts this holiday season!”
Individuals who are caring for a foster child and would like to use the services provided by Fostering Hope, or anyone who would like to volunteer or donate to keep this organization strong—please go to linktr.ee/fhpalowerbucks.
