CARING TIMES
Winter
2026 E
dition
THE PROMISE WE CARRY FORWARD
The lives changed at HopeTree today become the legacy we leave tomorrow.
CONTENTS
6. BOARD SPOTLIGHT
4. FROM THE CEO 5. FROM PHILANTHROPY
8. CHAPLAIN'S CORNER
Caring Times
Caring Times is published by HopeTree Family Services at 860 Mt. Vernon Lane, Salem, VA 24153. Philanthropy@HopeTreeFS.org Phone: (540) 389-2112 Select photos may represent volunteers/ models and not actual clients of HopeTree. President and Chief Executive Officer Jon Morris Director of Philanthropy and Partnerships Jill Sluss Editor Denashia Dunnaville
Winter 2026
Writer/Contributor Denashia Dunnaville Jenna Dooley HOPETREE FAMILY SERVICES 860 Mount Vernon Lane PO Box 849 Salem, VA 24153 hopetreefs.org (540) 389-5468 © Copyright 2026 by HopeTree Family Services. All editorial rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission. Opinions expressed may or may not reflect the views of HopeTree.
How a simple question between family prompted a Board of Trustees member to walk alongside HopeTree Family Services.
HopeTree's Chaplain highlights how churches and human services organizations can make a bigger impact serving vulnerable Virginians together.
10. MOTIVATION CHURCH MAKES ROOM FOR HOPE
The commitment made between husband and wife 10 years ago is becoming a shared ministry to support children and families in foster care.
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12. A GIFT OUTLIVES A
20. LEGACY OF SERVICE
The monumental donation that started with a belief, service, and a plan to make an impact.
A father's example became the foundation for a son's lifelong commitment to serving others.
16. A SEAT AT THE TABLE
22. HOPETREE HIGHLIGHTS
LIFETIME
Young people in the Therapeutic Group Homes are building independence thanks to supporters who show up.
CARRIED FORWARD
Relive moments from HopeTree's inaugural HopeRises Breakfast hosted in Richmond and Roanoke.
18. A LOVE STORY WOVEN INTO THE HILL'S HISTORY
A childhood home became the setting for a lifelong story of love, purpose, and belonging.
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FROM THE CEO
O
ne of the things I love most about serving at HopeTree is knowing that the influence of our work doesn’t end when our time with someone does. Whether it happens in our offices, on our campus, in our classrooms, or in the homes of the families we serve, that impact keeps growing in the lives they build, the families they raise, and the communities they go on to serve. You’ll see that truth on nearly every page of this issue. In 1966, a 12-year-old girl named Debbie came to live with us after losing her parents. Ten years later, our superintendent walked her down the aisle in our chapel. This past June, Debbie and Jesse Bass returned to that same chapel to renew their vows, fifty years later. Today Debbie serves on our Alumni Board and helps bring Christmas to the young people living on our campus now. That is what it looks like when belonging takes root. You’ll meet Richard and Justin Dudding, a father and son who together have given more than 40 years to this ministry. Justin grew up fishing the creek at Camp on Craig while his dad mentored young men in the WOODS program. Today, Justin keeps our properties and buildings safe for the people who live and learn in them. Inez and Bob Flora quietly decided long ago that what they worked for should keep doing good after they were gone. Inez once served as a faithful Trustee of this organization for many years. Now their generosity will help reshape our Salem campus and will impact thousands of individuals and families for the next generation. Pastors Travis and Brittany Jones were once HopeTree foster parents. Now Motivation Church has set a goal of raising up 50 foster families by 2030, while volunteers and supporters helped transform the kitchens in Therapeutic Group Homes. Those teens are now planning menus, building grocery budgets, and sitting down at the table together. What amazes me about all these amazing stories is the tremendous impact when people come together for a worthy cause. Behind Debbie’s wedding day was a leader who chose to show up. Behind a teenager learning to cook dinner is someone who gave a skillet. Behind a renovated campus is a couple who made a plan. That is where you come in. Whether you give, pray, volunteer, open your home, or simply tell a friend about HopeTree, you are part of a promise that began in 1890 and is still being kept today. The lives changed here this year will become someone’s legacy tomorrow. I’m grateful you are carrying that promise forward with us. With gratitude,
Jon Morris, President & Chief Executive Officer Caring Times - Winter 2026
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YOUR GIFT GIVES HOPE JILL SLUSS DIRECTOR OF PHILANTHROPY
E
very day, people come to HopeTree searching for something they can't find anywhere else: hope. Sometimes, that hope looks like a young person finding a safe place to call home. Other times, it looks like an adult with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) building a community, a family finding support, or an individual taking the first step toward healing. These moments may look different, but they share something in common: an opportunity for a brighter future built on stability, belonging, and empowerment. HopeTree is privileged to walk alongside individuals and families through some of life’s most important moments. Today, 16 youth and 24 adults call our Salem Campus home, and more than 30 students are learning and growing at HopeTree Academy. Across Virginia, more than 120 additional individuals with IDD receive support through our residential homes and foster families are opening their homes to children in need. Behind every number is a person with hopes, dreams, and possibilities yet to be discovered, and each of these lives is touched by a community of people who believe in the importance of this work, including you.
Your generosity helps make everyday moments possible. Annual gifts help provide daily care, educational opportunities, specialized support, counseling services, and life-enriching experiences for the people we serve. Most importantly, they ensure that when someone reaches out in need, help is there. For every young person seeking stability and belonging, every adult striving for independence and empowerment, every family searching for support, and every individual pursuing healing, your gift sends a powerful message: you are not alone. As the needs of individuals and families continue to evolve, annual giving helps HopeTree remain responsive, strengthen our programs, and provide the quality of care each person deserves. We are grateful that you choose to be part of this mission. Your gifts are more than contributions to an organization; they are expressions of compassion, faith, and a belief that every person deserves the opportunity to live a fulfilling life. You are helping ensure that hope remains available to those who need it most. Because when you give to HopeTree, you don't just support a mission. You give hope.
WAYS TO GIVE •
Cash, Check & Online
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Donor-Advised Fund (DAF)
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Stock & Appreciated Securities
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Bequest in Your Will
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Charitable Trusts (CRT &CLT)
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Memorial & Tribute Gifts
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Matching Gifts & Employer Giving Caring Times - Winter 2026
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BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: LAURA RIHA
Laura Riha has served on the Board of Trustees since 2022, bringing a personal connection to the mission and a strong appreciation for the people and purpose behind its work. During HopeTree's inaugural HopeRises event in Roanoke, Virginia on October 9, 2026, Laura shared how her HopeTree journey began, reflected on her service, and her hopes for the organization's future. Laura Riha
What initially drew you to HopeTree's mission? Several years ago, I knew almost nothing about this organization, except that they had a school and a few group homes for individuals with developmental disabilities. However, I knew the name spoke to me. Hope is one of the most powerful words we have, and a tree is a symbol of strength, stability and life. Then life brought me to a moment of deep reflection, a moment many parents of children with disabilities eventually face: Where will he live when we can no longer care for him? Who will love him, support him and help him thrive when we are gone? My son has autism and an intellectual disability. He will never live independently. He will always need 24-hour care. That question led me to learn more about HopeTree and its services for individuals with developmental disabilities. What began as a search for possibilities grew into a deeper understanding of an organization serving children, families and adults across Virginia. How did learning about HopeTree’s campus vision affect your perspective? I learned about plans for a new development, a community built with intention, compassion and vision. I reached out to President & CEO Jon Morris, and he walked me through the campus. He shared the dream of what HopeTree was building. I was intrigued, and I felt hope. Could this be a place where my husband and I could invest in a home, a place where we could live close to our son if he moved into one of the group homes? A place where he would be safe, supported and surrounded by people who see his worth? Perhaps, and that perhaps is enough to keep me moving forward. What have you learned through your service on HopeTree’s Board of Trustees? My friend and our family attorney, Ann Green, nominated me to the board. I was thrilled, not just to serve, but to learn. And learn I have. I learned that HopeTree truly lives up to its name. HopeTree gives hope, real hope, to children, teenagers, young adults, families and individuals with disabilities like my son. I learned that HopeTree’s roots run deep. This organization has a legacy of serving, supporting and Caring Times - Winter 2026
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strengthening the community for more than a century. That is a legacy. That is commitment. I also learned that HopeTree’s branches stretch wide, offering foster care, the Academy, family therapeutic services, outpatient counseling, group homes and the Developmental Disabilities Ministry. These branches reach people in moments of crisis, moments of transition and moments of possibility. What stands out to you about HopeTree’s leadership and the work of its employees? I learned that HopeTree does hard work. Very few organizations that I’m aware of in Virginia offer these supportive services. This is work that requires courage, compassion and unwavering dedication. I learned that HopeTree’s leadership is guided by prayer, intention and discernment. Decisions are not made quickly or lightly. They are made with care, with heart, with purpose. Also, I learned that HopeTree’s employees are valued, appreciated and recognized for the extraordinary work they do every single day. Most importantly, I learned how grateful I am. Grateful that I took the time to understand this remarkable organization, grateful for the hope it gives the community, and grateful for the future it is building. That is why I am here to support HopeTree and to ask others to join me. What would you like to share with HopeTree’s supporters? Talk to your friends, family and coworkers. Tell them about HopeTree and the work this organization does. Help people learn more about the mission and find ways to support it. Talk to the staff, ask questions, learn more, volunteer, get involved, make a donation. I want people to understand what a remarkable organization this is and how much hope it brings to our community. We can help keep HopeTree growing strong, not just for today, but for generations to come.
HopeTree Family Services' Board of Trustees Dr. Kim Baskette Professor & Program Director Salem
William J. DeWorken Retired Business Owner Richmond
Morgan M. Meador Attorney Richmond
Carla Shepherd Financial Professional Roanoke
Wayne Brockwell Attorney Richmond
Candance Dowell Financial Advisor Roanoke
John G. Mizell, Jr. Attorney Richmond
Retired Development Professional
Dr. William J. Bryan Pastor Abingdon
Retired Social Services Professional
Michael D Elmore
Trinette Randolph Program Manager Richmond
Lucianne Warren Human Services Charlotte County
Ronald J. Clark Project Manager/Consultant Hampton
Sydney Gustafson Attorney Chesterfield
Educational Support Specialist
Laura Riha Roanoke
Nichelle Williams Healthcare Administrator Richmond
Charles Clement Wealth Management RIchmond
Seminary Professor and Farmer
Diane Romanello Special Education Richmond
Dr. Patrick Wood Pastor Smithfield
Stephanie P. Cook Attorney Roanoke
Retired Social Services Professional
Roanoke
Dr. Melissa A. Jackson Dinwiddie
L. Richard Martin Richmond
Kim Turner Roanoke
Patrick Shaffner Retired Business Owner Roanoke
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CHAPLAIN'S CORNER: SEEK THE CITY JOEL ELMORE, CHAPLAIN & ACTIVITIES COORDINATOR
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n Jeremiah 29:7, the Israelites living in exile are commanded to "seek the welfare of the city" and to "pray to the Lord on its behalf." While this instruction was given to a specific people in a specific time, its principle extends far beyond the exile. Throughout Scripture, God's people are called to pursue the flourishing of the communities where He has placed them. Today, we are likewise called to seek the welfare of our cities, neighborhoods, and communities, and to faithfully pray for them, trusting that God works through His people for the good of others.
cities. Some of the key take-a-ways from the conversation included: •
We need prayer. We need people committed to praying for the needs of our communities. The reality is that the challenges facing children, youth, families, and individuals with disabilities are large and complex. Yet none of these challenges are too big or too complex for God. Will you commit to interceding on behalf of those we serve by asking God to provide hope and healing?
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We need foster parents. There is a desperate need for foster parents both nationally and across the Commonwealth of Virginia. In Virginia alone, there are 6,159 children in the foster care system, as of October 1, 2026. Many of these children currently need safe, stable homes, and that number continues to grow. Every child deserves a place where they are loved, supported, and given the opportunity to thrive. As a result, we need individuals and families who are willing to open their homes and provide the stability and belonging that children in foster care desperately need.
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We need support for foster families. Fostering is a rewarding but demanding calling. Many foster families experience fatigue, isolation, and burnout without a strong support system around them. Churches, small groups, neighbors, and friends can play a vital role in sustaining foster families. Sometimes support begins
In our current times, our communities are facing several challenges. To name a few, we are seeing a growing mental health crisis among youth, a rising number of youth and children in the foster care system, and a large need for continued support for individuals with developmental disabilities. In each one of these spaces, HopeTree is directly involved in providing stability, empowerment, and a sense of belonging for individuals and families. As we consider the needs of our communities, it becomes clear that no single organization can address these challenges alone. Seeking the welfare of our cities requires partnership among churches, nonprofits, community leaders, and individuals who share a commitment to serving others. This past month, a group of ministry leaders gathered on our campus to discuss some of the most pressing issues facing our communities and to explore ways we might work together to seek the welfare of our
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with a simple question: How can we best serve and encourage you as you foster? •
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We need ambassadors for foster care. The need for foster families is great, but awareness remains limited. We need people who are willing to advocate for children in foster care by sharing the need with their churches, workplaces, families, and communities. By keeping this issue in front of others, you may help inspire someone to take the next step toward fostering, supporting a foster family, or getting involved in another meaningful way. We need spaces that create a sense of belonging. Some of the most underserved populations in our communities are at-risk youth and individuals with developmental
disabilities. Many experience loneliness, isolation, or a lack of meaningful connection. Churches and community organizations have a unique opportunity to create environments where people are seen, known, and belong. A simple act of inclusion can be as simple as asking, “what would make Sunday mornings a win for you?” In asking this question, you might find that the barriers that keep individuals from participating are easily overcome. Together, these are practical ways that we can seek the welfare of our cities, as Jeremiah 29:7 calls us to do. Through prayer, service, and advocacy, we can join God on mission by seeking the welfare of the cities and communities God has placed us in.
CALLED TO SERVE FAITH & MINISTRY LUNCH & LEARN Salem Campus - October 27, 2026
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Motivation Church members pose with Santa at the annual Christmas party for foster families in 2025
Motivation Church Makes Room for Hope M
ore than a decade ago, Pastors Travis and Brittany Jones took a leap of faith and became foster parents with HopeTree Family Services. At the time, they had no idea that opening their door to children in need would grow into a lasting partnership between HopeTree and the church they would go on to found in Richmond, Virginia. Travis and Brittany spent four years as foster parents with HopeTree. During that time, they welcomed twin boys into their home and gained a firsthand understanding of the needs of children in foster care. “When we were foster parents, it was the greatest illustration that I can show my kids what love is and what Christ’s love is,” said Travis Jones, Pastor at Motivation Church. Travis fondly remembers the support his family
received from HopeTree’s foster care team and came to understand just how much it means for foster families to have a community they can lean on. That understanding would continue to shape how Travis and Brittany served others as they began laying the foundation for a church in the South Richmond/North Chesterfield area. Built around the belief that “God can take broken people and build them back together,” Motivation Church welcomes people from all walks of life and creates a place where they can encounter hope, purpose, and the The Jones Family love of Christ. Credit: Motivation Church When the couple started Motivation Church, they Caring Times - Winter 2026
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stepped away from fostering to focus on their growing ministry. Their commitment to children and families, however, did not end there. Instead, they found another way to serve by partnering with HopeTree. “Foster care is part of the heart of Jesus,” Travis said. “It’s the heart of the gospel, and I think the greatest way that we can reflect Christ’s love to the world is to take kids, that are not our own, into our homes.”
"It’s my goal by the end of 2030 that our church has recruited and trained 50 foster families within HopeTree." - Pastor Travis Jones For Motivation Church, that commitment has taken shape in several ways. The congregation provides financial support, encourages HopeTree staff, and creates opportunities for members to serve. Travis and Brittany also advocate for children in foster care in their sermons and make their church available for community events, trainings, and family gatherings for HopeTree. One of the most meaningful traditions is the annual Christmas celebration for HopeTree foster families and children. Church members help serve meals, coordinate event logistics and spend time getting to know the families who attend. Their involvement helps create an environment where foster parents and children can enjoy time together and see the support from 2024 Christmas Party their community. “It has become a special tradition because Motivation Church goes above and beyond to make every child and family feel valued and welcomed,” said Pam McGraw, Associate Director of Foster Care, Eastern Region at HopeTree. “Their
willingness to consistently show up has reminded our children and parents that they are surrounded by people who genuinely care.” That same willingness to show up extends to the Pam McGraw, Associate Director of Foster Care HopeTree team. Brittany regularly makes herself available when the foster care program has a need, and both she and Travis have remained engaged in the work throughout the years. “Knowing we have partners who are willing to step in, offer support, and collaborate with us is incredibly encouraging,” Pam said. “Their partnership reminds our staff that we are not doing this work alone and helps strengthen the support network surrounding the families we serve.” The partnership is also one of mutual support. HopeTree team members have shared resources, donated furniture, and volunteered their time for Motivation Church events and projects, which included painting the church’s children’s area. “One of the things I appreciate most is the consistency of their Richmond Foster Care team paint children's area at support,” Pam said. Motivation Church “Many organizations step in during moments of need, but Motivation Church has remained committed for years.” It’s a commitment that Travis and Brittany Jones plan to keep for many years to come. Travis would like to have a designated HopeTree office at the church and has set his own ambitious goal to serve children and families across Virginia.
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“It’s my goal by the end of 2030 that our church has recruited and trained 50 foster families within HopeTree,” Travis said. “That’s what the Lord put in my heart to do.” That vision reflects the kind of lasting involvement Travis and Brittany hope to inspire throughout their congregation. Not everyone will become a foster parent, but everyone has an opportunity to help strengthen the support surrounding children and families.
MAKE ROOM FOR HOPE Do you have an empty chair for a child in foster care? By opening your heart and home, you offer stability, safety and connection to a child in need. Become a Foster Parent with HopeTree Today. Visit www.tinyurl.com/MakeRoom4Hope or scan the QR code below.
HopeTree is grateful to the Jones family and the entire Motivation Church congregation for the many ways they continue to invest in children, foster families, and the staff who serve them. What began with Travis and Brittany opening their home has become a shared ministry to create a stronger community of support for children and families.
A Gift That Outlives A Lifetime
Shaping Futures with Thoughtful Generosity
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hen Charles Newton “Bob” Flora and Inez Virginia Harper Flora began thinking about what they wanted to leave behind, they considered the people who would benefit from what they had spent a lifetime building. They had a large extended family, including dozens of nieces and nephews; however, Bob had a different idea. Inez Virginia Harper Flora
“Bob’s comment was ‘they don’t need our money’,” recalled their nephew, Jerrold Flora.
Instead, Bob and Inez decided their resources could make a greater difference supporting organizations that cared for others. Together, they established a trust and thoughtfully selected a handful of charitable organizations to receive their generosity, including HopeTree Family Services. Bob went to be with his Lord and Savior on April 28, 2023, followed by Inez on July 30, 2024. Following Inez’s passing, the Flora Family Trust generously provided a $500,000 gift to HopeTree Family Services. A Lifetime of Showing Up Inez’s care for others was evident long before she and Bob began making plans for their estate. Born on October 14, 1931, Inez was the oldest of 10 children. She helped care for her young siblings and took on responsibilities that would become a familiar part of how she lived. Caring Times - Winter 2026
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Though she and Bob never had children of their own, she maintained a special connection with young people through her church, where she taught Sunday school and participated in children’s programs for many years. Her commitment to others also found a place at what was then the Virginia Baptist Children’s Home and Family Services. Inez served on the Board during the early 2000s, contributing to a ministry whose work reflected the values she held throughout her life. “Inez Flora served with grace, compassion, and a deep love for our mission,” said Dr. Stephen Richerson, President from 2002-2019 and Emeritus Executive Director. “She had a special heart for the children in our care Dr. Stephen Richerson (left) pictured with President & CEO Jon Morris (right) and faithfully gave
her time, talents, and treasure to help create brighter, more hopeful futures for them.” Those who knew Inez remember someone who took her responsibilities seriously and made time for the people around her. Jack Rader worked alongside Inez for more than 30 years at Wheat First Securities, currently known as Wells Fargo Advisors, and shares that Inez was an essential part of the office’s daily operations. She worked as the Administrative Office Manager, while Jack was the Branch Office Manager. As the office grew, Inez helped oversee its support staff and earned a reputation for being organized, dependable, and fair. She was also someone people could count on. Jack recalled that even during the winter weather, Inez would find a way to get to work, sometimes with Bob driving her through the snow. “She was just dedicated to what she does; it’s just the kind of person she was,” Jack remembered. John Rader, the couple’s financial advisor, Caring Times - Winter 2026
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remembers Inez’s kindness firsthand. He recalls the personal traditions they shared, which included Christmas lunches and holiday dinners at the Floras’ home. According to John, Inez enjoyed bringing people together, and Jerrold Flora (left), John Rader (middle), and to this day, Jack Radar (right) visit HopeTree he misses the wonderful meals she used to make. A Shared Commitment to Giving Bob brought his own story and experiences to the life he and Inez built together. Raised on a farm in Franklin County, Bob served in the military before beginning a professional career that would take him into engineering. Much of his knowledge was self-taught, and he eventually became heavily involved in developing and manufacturing night vision goggles produced for the military. He and Inez married on December 19, 1958, and shared 65 years together. Throughout their marriage, they remained active in their Baptist church and supported causes that reflected their faith and interests. Their service and generosity was not something they advertised. Those closest to them describe a couple who lived thoughtfully, managed their resources carefully, and were intentional about where they gave.
Charles "Bob" Newton Flora Jr.
“They didn’t waste money, didn’t live a fancy lifestyle, and to know that they
did that with the idea that maybe it was going to charity means something,” John said. Their approach became especially evident when Inez and Bob began making their estate plans. With Jerrold’s help, they directed their estate toward charitable organizations and took several weeks to consider the organizations they wanted to support. Ultimately, they selected a small group that reflected their shared priorities: their church, Baptist missions, service organizations for veterans, and human services nonprofits, such as HopeTree Family Services. “We were intentional by not creating a large number of beneficiaries, so that those we did select would receive enough to make a difference and to have an impact,” Jerrold explained. "What Inez would say was plan on it ... plan to do it. - Jerrold Flora Their six-figure gift to HopeTree reflects that thoughtful intention. This remarkable gift supports the organization’s Campaign for the Generations, which will reimagine and modernize the Salem campus. Through this campaign, HopeTree will renovate the Academy, youth group homes, and community homes for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Additionally, HopeTree will improve the ADA accessibility for the buildings and homes, add family friendly and community gathering spaces, and improve safety and technology in Salem. This once-in-a-generation opportunity will support community integrated care models, strengthen HopeTree’s stability, and improve outcomes for the youth, families, and adults we serve across Virginia. A Legacy that Continues to Serve With Bob and Inez’s passing, a life they had Caring Times - Winter 2026
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shared for more than six decades came to a close. Yet the plans they made together have given their commitment to serving others a future beyond their own. Their generosity is an investment in the future of an organization that has spent more than a century serving Virginians and has adapted to meet the needs of each generation. The Flora family’s gift will help make HopeTree’s vision possible. It will support a place where children and young people can find stability and opportunities to grow, where adults with IDD can build fulfilling lives, and where families can find support during a difficult season. For those who knew Inez and Bob, the contribution is a fitting reflection of the people they were. Their giving was thoughtful and rooted in the values they wanted to carry forward after they were gone. When asked what Inez might say to encourage others to consider
planned giving, John offered a response that feels fitting for someone who valued being intentional. “Well, what Inez would say was plan on it,” John said. “Plan to do it.” It’s simple advice, but it speaks to the care with which Inez and Bob approached their own legacy. They did not leave their charitable giving to chance. They considered what mattered to them and put a plan in place to carry those decisions forward. Their story is a reminder that the values we hold dear can continue serving others and strengthening communities through planned giving. Inez and Bob Flora spent 65 years building a life together, and the generosity they planned will make a difference in the lives of youth, adults, and families for generations to come.
BECOME A MEMBER OF THE 1890 SOCIETY LEAVE A LEGACY •
Create a lasting impact that supports HopeTree's mission for generations to come.
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Ensure children, youth, adults, and families across Virginia continue to receive life-changing care and support.
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Leave a legacy that reflects your values and extends hope far beyond your lifetime.
To Join or Learn More, Please Contact the Philanthropy Team. Email: Philanthropy@hopetreefs.org Phone: 540-759-8349 Caring Times - Winter 2026
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A Seat at the Table How Your Generosity Builds Lifelong Skills
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or the young people living in HopeTree’s Therapeutic Group Homes (TGH) on the Salem Campus, something as ordinary as preparing dinner is becoming an opportunity to learn, grow, and take an active role in shaping the place they call home. Home to approximately 14-16 teenagers yearround, the two TGH cottages provide a supportive environment where young men and women receive the care and guidance they need to build brighter futures. Thanks to the generosity of HopeTree supporters, the TGH kitchens are becoming an important part of that experience. Rather than relying solely on meals prepared in HopeTree’s cafeteria, the agency wanted to revive a familiar part of history from the Virginia
Baptist Children’s Home: teaching young people valuable life skills through everyday household responsibilities. The idea was for residents to take an active role in planning, shopping for, and preparing meals in their own cottages. Before the plan took shape, we wanted to ensure the cottages felt like home to the individuals we served. However, the transformation required a village that was willing to give back to youth during a difficult time in their lives, so we made the ask and the response was encouraging. For two weeks this summer, Camp Impact volunteers graciously gave their time to repaint the interiors of both cottages. When residents returned, they found fresh paint throughout their common areas, including the living rooms and kitchens. Through social media, email, and Caring Times - Winter 2026
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personal outreach, HopeTree invited supporters to help stock the kitchens with the supplies needed to bring cooking back to the cottages. Supporters purchased pots, Camp Impact volunteer repaints a pans, utensils, TGH cottage and other kitchen essentials through HopeTree’s Amazon registry and contributed financially to help make the improvements possible. With their kitchens refreshed and supplies in place, young residents are learning to create budgets, develop grocery lists, and practice kitchen safety. The best part: they’re doing it all together. Each month, they share their favorite meals, suggest changes, and shape next month’s menu. These everyday decisions offer valuable opportunities to practice independence, and the youth are embracing it. From planning meals to sitting down at the table, these moments help young people build confidence and take pride in the role they play in their cottages.
BEFORE
According to Margaret “Maggie” Cox, Director of TGH, the change has been transformational. “It’s made mealtime feel so much more like home,” said Maggie Cox. “There’s been a learning curve for everyone, and I think that’s part of what makes it so meaningful. We’re figuring things out together, and those everyday moments have given us another way to connect, build relationships, and Maggie Cox, Director of Therapeutic create a sense of Group Homes home.” The before-and-after photos capture the visible transformation made possible by generous donors and volunteers. However, the greatest impact can’t be captured in a photograph. It’s found in the grocery lists residents help create, the bonds that form at mealtime, and the confidence that grows when residents are trusted to make decisions and contribute to their home. We are grateful for the generous supporters whose investments help make these opportunities possible. Together, we can help at-risk youth have a safe place to call home, while preparing them for the future ahead.
AFTER
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F
A Love Story Woven
ifty years after saying “I do,” Debbie and Jesse Bass returned to the place where their journey together began: The Hill. On June 5, 2026, they renewed their vows on the campus that has held a special place in Debbie’s heart since she arrived at the Virginia Baptist Children’s Home (VBCH) in 1966. At the time, she could not have known that what began as a place of refuge would become the setting for a love story, a life of service, and a legacy that continues to this day. When Debbie arrived at VBCH, she and her siblings had lost their parents following a family tragedy. At just 12 years old, Debbie faced the challenge of building a life in unfamiliar surroundings after losing the people who had been at its center. In time, The Hill became a place of stability, support, and hope that would stay with her long after childhood. "The way I was raised, the values that they instilled in my life allowed me to learn good values, how to raise my kids, and how to operate my home,” said Debbie. During her time at VBCH, Debbie met Jesse Bass.
Their friendship grew throughout their teenage years, and although life took them in different directions after graduation, their story was far from over. They eventually reconnected and the friendship that had begun during Debbie's time on The Hill grew into a love that would last a lifetime. On June 5, 1976, Debbie and Jesse were married in the chapel at VBCH. For Debbie, the place where she exchanged vows was more than a wedding venue; it was the place that had helped carry her through childhood and had become family. That sense of belonging was reflected in the way the Home embraced the couple on their wedding day. Then Superintendent Dr. Franklin Hough paid for the wedding, hosted the meal afterward, gave the couple a wedding gift, and walked Debbie down the aisle himself. For a young woman who had lost her parents at an early age, his actions were a meaningful expression of the love and support she had come to know at The Hill, and it was gesture she never forgot. “Even though I wasn’t a resident, VBCH had a home atmosphere,” said Jesse. “It was a safe place, with Caring Times - Winter 2026
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Into The Hill's History
Christian values, a place to grow and an opportunity to thrive if the individual was interested”. Their connection to The Hill extended beyond their wedding day. From 1978 to 1984, they served as houseparents in Hobday Cottage, where they cared for children whose experiences often mirrored Debbie's own. Having once needed the stability and guidance the Home provided, she now had the opportunity to help create that same sense of security and belonging for other children. "The legacy that we left was friendships and treating all the kids like our own," Debbie said.
Even after their years as houseparents ended, Debbie’s connection to The Hill never faded. Today, she remains active in the alumni association. In her role, she helps organize Homecoming each year, bringing together former residents to celebrate their shared history. She also supports efforts to provide Christmas gifts and holiday meals for children currently living at HopeTree Family Services Salem campus.
Hill that has never been limited to the years she lived or worked there. It’s a place woven into her story, from the support she received as a child to the family she built, and the children she and Jesse cared for. That enduring connection made The Hill a fitting place for Debbie and Jesse to mark another milestone in their marriage. On June 5, 2026, they returned to the chapel to renew their vows in front of family, friends, and a community that surrounded her from the beginning. When asked what has never wavered about their love, Debbie's answer is simple: "Each other." Sixty years after Debbie first arrived at VBCH, her story reflects the lasting impact of a place committed to helping children build fulfilling lives. The care she received became part of the foundation on which she built her own and serves as a reminder that the differences made in a child’s life can continue to unfold for decades to come.
Her continued service reflects a connection to The Caring Times - Winter 2026
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Legacy of Service Carried Forward How Father & Son Served Generations at HopeTree
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" y dad taught me most of everything I know." For Justin Dudding, some of those lessons began long before he ever became a HopeTree employee. Growing up, he spent time on the same campus where his father, Richard Dudding, dedicated nearly three decades to serving children and families. While Richard worked nights in the Wilderness Outdoor Opportunity Discovery School (WOODS) program, Justin and his brothers sometimes slept on office couches or spent their summers at Camp on Craig, fishing in the creek, hiking trails, and building friendships with residents. Those experiences gave Justin more than childhood memories; they offered an early glimpse
of what it meant to care for others and showed him how meaningful relationships could shape a person’s life. Richard joined the Virginia Baptist Children’s Home (VBCH) in 1991 as a counselor in what began as a summer program on the Camp on Craig property. When WOODS expanded into a year-round program, he stayed on helping young men develop wilderness skills and prepare for the next step in their lives. His work eventually WOODS camp in the 1990s grew to include Caring Times - Winter 2026
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teaching automotive and building trades, along with serving as a mentor, mechanic, and builder. Through each role, Richard found purpose in helping young men build responsibility, confidence and character. Years later, former students continue to reach out with updates on their lives and careers, which serve as a reminder that the influence of a caring adult Richard Dudding pictured with his children, including Justin in can extend far the blue shirt. beyond the time spent together. "The results we were having with the program made it meaningful," said Richard. "It was enjoyable to see the changes in the young men we helped." For Justin, those changes were part of the world he grew up around. He saw his father’s work not simply as a job, but as a commitment to people whose lives could be changed by someone willing to invest in them. He would soon discover that same sense of purpose for himself and join HopeTree in 2011. Similar to his father, Justin has served in several roles across the organization, including Developmental Disabilities Ministry, Residential Crisis Care, In-Home Services, Camp HopeTree, and, currently, Facilities Management. Each position offered a different perspective on HopeTree’s mission, but the people remained at the heart of his work. "Working at HopeTree has always been more than just a job," said Justin. "You become the residents' family. You share their triumphs and their heartaches, and you help them become their best selves." Although father and son worked in different
programs, their paths continued to cross at the workplace for at least eight years. They collaborated on projects at camp, worked alongside residents, and shared a passion for demolition derby racing. The father-son pair fondly recall how they brought participants from multiple HopeTree programs together to paint one of Justin’s derby cars. The project became an opportunity for residents to contribute their talents, work together, and create a sense of community that both men valued deeply. Moments like these reflect a common thread in their work. Both men understood that service happens through everyday interactions, shared experiences, and the relationships that grow when people are given opportunities to participate and belong. "I was proud of what he was doing," Richard said. "I wouldn't say he was following in my footsteps. He found his own footing." While Justin inherited his father’s work ethic and appreciation for service, he built his own relationships, explored different areas of the organization, and developed his own understanding of what it means to make a difference. Today, through Facilities Management, he helps ensure residents and staff have safe, welcoming spaces to live, learn, and thrive. "There is always going to be a need to help young men and women in difficult situations," Richard said. "HopeTree has helped with that mission, and hopefully, it will continue on." Together, Richard and Justin represent more than 40 years of service, spanning different seasons of the organization’s history and generations of the people it serves. Their commitment reflects something lasting about HopeTree’s mission: the work of caring for others does not end when one chapter closes. It continues through the relationships built, the lives influenced, and the people who choose to carry that responsibility forward. For Richard, that commitment became part of the example he set for his son. For Justin, it became a legacy he made his own. Caring Times - Winter 2026
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Highlights Richmond, VA - October 30, 2026
Caring Times - Winter 2026
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Salem, VA - October 9, 2026
HopeRises, HopeTree's inaugural event, introduced guests to our mission and impact through personal stories from board members and foster parents. The breakfast offered an inside look at HopeTree's work and opportunities to become more involved in bringing hope to children, families, and adults across Virginia.
SAVE THE DATE Join us for our annual HopeSwings Golf Tournament in 2027! Salem, VA - April 16, 2027 at 9AM at Hidden Valley Golf Course Richmond, VA - April 30, 2027 at 9AM at Royal Birkdale
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