2024 ANNUAL REPORT
From Our Founder
As we reflect on the past year, I am filled with gratitude for the unwavering support and dedication of our community. Together, we have made significant strides in transforming the lives of orphaned and vulnerable children around the world.
At The Hope Effect, we firmly believe that every child deserves the love and stability of a family. Family is about so much more than blood and DNA. It’s more than the people we live with. It represents support, connection, and hope.
My wife, Kim, experienced this firsthand when she was adopted out of a hospital as a newborn. The loving family that gave her a home didn’t just provide shelter—they gave her hope and a future. Together, we are bringing that same hope to children around the world.
Research consistently shows that children thrive in family environments, yet millions continue to grow up in institutional settings. With your generous support, we are actively changing this narrative by implementing innovative family-based care solutions. Our programs are not only providing loving families for children but are also influencing systemic change, encouraging governments and organizations to adopt this model.
Your commitment has enabled us to make a profound impact. We have seen children transition from orphanages into nurturing families, where they are now flourishing and experiencing the joys of childhood. These successes are a testament to what we can achieve when we come together with a shared vision.
As you read through this annual report, I hope you take pride in the stories of transformation and hope that your support has made possible. Thank you for being an integral part of this mission. Together, we are changing the way the world cares for orphans...because every child deserves a family.
Joshua Becker Founder, The Hope Effect
Changing the Way the World Cares for Orphans
THE PROBLEM
There are millions of orphaned and vulnerable children worldwide, with 2.7 million of them living in orphanages. There is clear and compelling research on the damaging physical and psychological effects of traditional, institutional orphan care.
When children do not receive adequate personal interaction within a loving environment, development is stunted and learning abilities are delayed or lost. Many kids age out only to face a future of crime, prostitution, or trafficking.
A BETTER WAY
Children should not grow up in orphanages...kids do best when they are raised in families. That’s why The Hope Effect is changing the way the world cares for orphans by providing loving family care for orphaned and vulnerable children across the globe.
1. Pashkina (2001). Sotsial’noe obespechenie, 11:42–45. Cited in Holm- Hansen J, Kristofersen LB, Myrvold TM eds. Orphans in Russia. Oslo, Norwegian Institute for Urban and Regional Research (NIBR-rapport 2003:1)
What We Do
Every child deserves a family. That's why we are changing the way the world cares for orphans by providing loving family care for orphaned and vulnerable children around the world. Through a comprehensive, three-pronged approach, we are transforming care systems and strengthening families to create lasting change.
REVOLUTIONIZE GOVERNMENT CARE
We are changing the primary care model of governments from institutional-based to familybased. In simplest terms, we start foster care in locations where it does not exist. Kids do best when they are raised in families, so we collaborate with local governments to develop innovative, sustainable family solutions.
REUNITE BIOLOGICAL FAMILIES
Research shows that approximately 80% of children living in orphanages worldwide actually have family members who could care for them. These children deserve to be raised in their loving families. We facilitate the reintegration of children who are currently living in orphanages back into their biological families.
REDEFINE THE STANDARD
Approximately $2.5 billion a year is given from churches in the U.S. to orphanages around the world. We raise awareness of the dangers of institutional care and educate about the importance of family. We promote a better way of orphan care to churches in the U.S. to generate even more momentum for the family care movement around the world.
“The Hope Effect gives the vulnerable and helpless children of the world a fighting chance. A chance for love and support in the most formative years to allow them to become the best they can be as adults.”
- Ryan Gourley, Supporter
How We Do It
“There are a lot of organizations doing good for people around the world, but The Hope Effect is special. Not only is it changing the life of orphans...it’s building relationships and friendships in the local communities. It's working honestly with the local government for impactful change. The Hope Effect understands it takes a village to raise a child in a loving home. And I get to be part of that village.”
- Jaime Durheim, Supporter
Lasting change requires intentional action. To change the way the world cares for orphaned and vulnerable children, we put our strategy into practice through innovative solutions, strategic partnerships with like-minded organizations, and raising awareness among communities of faith.
By pioneering public foster care, partnering with proven accelerators, and promoting a better way to places of worship, we are making family care the global standard.
PIONEER PUBLIC FOSTER CARE
PROMOTE A BETTER WAY TO PLACES OF WORSHIP
PARTNER WITH PROVEN ACCELERATORS
Global Impact
LATIN AMERICA
SONORA, MEXICO
The first nonprofit to receive government approval to pioneer family care in Sonora. Currently working in Hermosillo and San Luis Río Colorado.
MICHOACÁN, MEXICO
Invited by the government to help establish family care in the capital city of Morelia.
COLIMA, MEXICO
Invited by the government to develop and implement family care pilot program in Colima.
NUEVO LEÓN, MEXICO
Facilitating the reintegration of children in the capital city of Monterrey who are currently living in orphanages back into their loving families.
CHIHUAHUA, MEXICO*
Tripled the capacity to offer family care in Chihuahua.
SIGUATEPEQUE, HONDURAS*
Our first project and international location. Doubled the capacity to provide family care in Siguatepeque.
SANTA ROSA DE COPÁN, HONDURAS*
Helped implement a family care pilot program to get more children in loving families.
SOUTHEAST ASIA
BATTAMBANG, CAMBODIA
Focused on reintegration and prevention to get children out of orphanages and into loving families.
CHIANG MAI, THAILAND*
Facilitated a program focused on reintegration, prevention, and family strengthening.
*Completed Project
By The Numbers
Since The Hope Effect was founded in 2015, compassionate individuals and communities have helped transform the lives of children around the world. Through their generosity and support, we’ve achieved incredible milestones in providing loving, family-based care. Take a look at the impact made possible over the years!
10 TOTAL LOCATIONS
Since 2015, you have changed lives in 10 locations in four countries— Mexico, Honduras, Cambodia, and Thailand.
427 CHILDREN IN FAMILIES
Thanks to you, 427 children have been placed into loving family care or reunited with their family after living in an orphanage.
3,440 GENEROUS SUPPORTERS
We are so thrilled that each year, more heroes become part of the solution. Since The Hope Effect was founded, 3,440 generous people have joined the movement to change the way the world cares for orphans!
279 CIRCLE OF HOPE MEMBERS
As of the end of 2024, 279 heroes were giving monthly to help children experience the love of a family. We’re so grateful they are maximizing their impact through monthly giving!
47 INFORMED PLACES OF WORSHIP
To date, we have reached 47 U.S. places of worship representing more than 200,000 individuals to raise awareness about dangers of institutional orphan care and the importance of family in a child’s life.
Revolutionizing Government Care
SONORA, MEXICO
The family care movement in Sonora, Mexico, continues to gain momentum! In 2024, more children were welcomed into the love and stability of a family, transforming their lives in profound ways.
Since our family care program began in 2020:
68 orphaned and vulnerable children have experienced the warmth of a family.
65 families have opened their homes and hearts to a child and are now certified to provide foster care.
This year, our team in Sonora received a grant through the state government’s Peso a Peso Program. This in-country support strengthened our foster care program and allowed us to continue providing exceptional care for children and families. We are thrilled that the local community is rallying around our mission and vision—helping to build a sustainable, family-based care movement that will impact generations to come.
In December, we renewed our contract with the state government for another two years. We look forward to sharing even more life-changing stories from Sonora in the years ahead.
MICHOACÁN, MEXICO
Our impact in Michoacán, Mexico, continues to grow! This year, we signed a two-year contract renewal with the government, strengthening our shared commitment to ensuring more children grow up in loving families.
Although we navigated significant government turnover in 2024, we are optimistic about the new administration and continued progress in our foster care program. In fact, our team provided nearly 100 hours of family care training to government officials this year.
We also continue to be grateful for our support from UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund), an agency of the United Nations responsible for providing humanitarian and developmental aid to children worldwide.
Because of you, more than twice as many children were placed in family care in 2024 compared to 2023. These children are now thriving, surrounded by love and stability.
COLIMA, MEXICO
2024 marked the first full year of our pilot program in Colima. In April, eight families became the first ever in the state to be certified for foster care, and several children were welcomed into foster homes—a joyful milestone!
Much of our work involved helping the government develop and implement their foster care processes and programs. Following extensive discussions at the end of the year, we reached an agreement that Colima’s foster care program will transition to full government management in 2025.
We continue to cheer for the government of Colima as they work toward prioritizing family-based care for children!
Verónica’s Story
“The love was born in our hearts. We protect her, we love her—we really love her. We want the best for her.”
- Verónica’s Foster Family
At just one year old, Verónica was abandoned by her biological family and placed in an orphanage in Sonora, Mexico, where she remained for several years.
During this critical time, she lacked the love and security of a family. While her basic needs— food and shelter—were met, she longed for the individual attention and care that only a family can provide.
In early 2024, Verónica’s life changed forever. She was welcomed into the warm embrace of a foster family—and began to flourish.
Though nervous at first, she quickly bonded with her foster parents, gaining trust and confidence. She reached new milestones, made developmental strides, and experienced countless “firsts.” From simple joys like a trip to the hair salon to the unforgettable moment of seeing the ocean for the first time, every day brought new memories.
Within months, Verónica’s foster family saw a transformation. She radiated joy, embraced life in her home, and, most importantly, knew she was safe and loved.
Scan the QR code to watch Verónica’s story!
Reuniting Biological Families
NUEVO LEÓN, MEXICO
In Nuevo León, Mexico, we continued working alongside our experienced partner, Back2Back Mexico, to focus on reintegration—ensuring children living in orphanages can safely reunite with their biological families. Through our Strong Families program, we not only facilitated reunifications but also provided families with the support needed to remain together long-term.
Over the past two years, our team in Nuevo León has helped more than 80 children reintegrate or stay with their loving families, equipping parents and caregivers with the tools to provide a stable, nurturing home. We are grateful for the lasting impact this work is making in Nuevo León.
BATTAMBANG, CAMBODIA
This year, we celebrated two years of partnership with Cambodian Children's Trust in Battambang, Cambodia. Together, we've helped children leave orphanages and reunite with their loving families while also strengthening families to prevent separation in the first place.
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, nearly 100 children in Battambang have been impacted over the past two years. And although we completed our partnership in 2024, we remain committed to cheering on our partners as they continue this vital work in Cambodia!
Alberto’s Story
“He quickly began to gain weight, to develop motor skills. But the other thing is the emotional contact with people…all the attention that is given to him through having your house open and your family willing.”
- Alberto’s Foster Family
Alberto was placed in an orphanage in Sonora, Mexico, immediately after birth. His mother struggled with drug addiction, so he went straight from the hospital to institutional care.
After five months in the orphanage, Alberto showed signs of developmental delays. He was not vocal, avoided eye contact, and suffered from a severe skin condition that affected his entire body—including his scalp, which limited his hair growth.
Thankfully, at five months old, Alberto’s life was changed when he was welcomed into the loving arms of a foster family. Within a week, his skin started healing, becoming softer and more even in color, and his hair began to grow. Over the next three months, he gained more than five pounds, reaching a healthy weight for his age. His strength improved, and his foster family saw major progress in his hand-eye coordination and motor skills.
Alberto became more comfortable and confident, imitating his foster siblings, testing his language skills, and using gestures to express his emotions. This beautiful little boy—once silent and withdrawn—now babbles happily, engaging with the world around him.
We are overjoyed by Alberto’s progress and look forward to seeing him continue to flourish in the love and security of a family.
Scan the QR code to watch Alberto’s story!
OUR PROMISE TO DONORS
At The Hope Effect, we understand that when you give, you want your donation to make a meaningful impact. Our promise to you is that your gift will be used for the reason it was given.
That’s why you have the freedom to direct 100% of your gift toward a specific orphan care project. Or, if you prefer, you can support the dedicated team working behind the scenes—covering essential operational costs that make our mission possible.
OUR COMMITMENT TO IMPACT
You can give with confidence, knowing that every donation makes a lasting difference.
In 2024, 83% of our spending went directly to programs helping orphaned and vulnerable children experience the love of a family. Thanks to the support of our dedicated behind-thescenes investors, general and administrative costs accounted for just 11% of spending, while fundraising expenses made up the final 6%.
The Hope Effect is a trusted nonprofit, earning a Platinum Transparency seal from Candid and a fourstar rating from Charity Navigator. TRUST THROUGH TRANSPARENCY
2024 Growth
OUR GENEROUS SUPPORTERS
We are deeply grateful for our compassionate supporters who drive this momentum forward year after year. Since The Hope Effect was founded, more than 3,440 people have joined the mission to change lives. Just last year, 691 generous supporters gave to help more children experience the love and security of a family.
These numbers represent far more than donations—they reflect real lives transformed by the irreplaceable gift of family.
REVENUE SOURCES
Every contribution fuels our mission. While 80% of The Hope Effect’s funding is directly from generous individuals, each revenue source helps change the way the world cares for orphaned and vulnerable children.
2024 Revenue Sources:
Individuals: $692,911 (80%)
Foundations: $12,500 (1%)
Corporations: $53,591 (6%)
Churches: $19,255 (2%)
In-Kind Donations: $22,421 (3%)
$65,975 (8%)
STATEMENT OF ACTIVITY
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION
Circle of Hope
“The Hope Effect is engaged in the highest work, caring for the orphan. It is an honor that I am able to contribute monthly to help a little child sleep in a warm bed tonight and be embraced by loving arms in the morning."
– Nicole Campbell, Circle of Hope Member
The Circle of Hope is a community of generous supporters creating lasting change through monthly giving. By the end of 2024, 279 Circle of Hope members were giving each month to help children experience the warmth and love of a family.
Monthly giving is the most effective way to support our mission. It allows supporters to give in a way that fits their budget while ensuring ongoing, life-changing care for children.
In addition, consistent monthly giving provides stability for The Hope Effect, allowing us to plan ahead and implement long-term initiatives and programs. This ensures sustainable, lasting change in our locations—breaking the cycle of institutional care around the world and giving hope to future generations.
To every member of the Circle of Hope—thank you! Your generosity is transforming lives today and for generations to come.
Daniela’s Story
“For us, the impact of caring for Dani has been inexplicable. We started thinking about helping, and turns out she has come and given us blessings. It has given us a lot of joy, and it has brought us closer together as a family.”
- Daniela’s Foster Family
Daniela was surrendered to authorities at birth because her mother was unable to care for her. After receiving initial care at the hospital, she was placed in an orphanage in Michoacán, Mexico.
While the orphanage staff cared for Daniela the best they could, institutional care can never replace the love, stability, and support of a family. Children raised in orphanages often face long-term challenges in their physical, emotional, and cognitive development.
Thankfully, Daniela didn’t stay in the orphanage for long. When the government contacted our team in Michoacán, we immediately began working toward a family solution. At just 22 days old, she was welcomed into loving family care.
With the individual attention of her foster family, Daniela began to grow and thrive—hitting new milestones daily, gaining strength, and improving coordination. She quickly bonded with her foster family, recognizing each member as a safe and loving presence.
We are thrilled to share that at just nine months old, Daniela was adopted! This beautiful little girl, already so deeply loved, will continue to grow up surrounded by the warmth and security of her forever family.
2024 Corporate Partners
We are grateful for our corporate partners who are transforming lives through their generosity. Their support is helping children grow up in loving families, creating lasting change for generations to come.
ROBERT ENGSTROM
Ximena’s Story
“Being able to be there for her, and for her to know that there is someone she can count on. There is someone who is going to take care of her and protect her.”
- Ximena’s Foster Family
At a young age, Ximena was removed from her biological family and placed in an orphanage due to violence in her home. While her basic needs were met, she lacked the love, security, and stability that only a family can provide.
After just a few months in institutional care, Ximena was already showing signs of developmental delays. As she grew older, she struggled to communicate and showed little to no emotion.
But just before her second birthday, Ximena’s life took a transformative turn—she was welcomed into the loving arms of a foster family.
At first, she was hesitant and withdrawn. But with patience and consistency, her foster family built trust and provided the care she needed. Over time, she bonded with them and began to thrive.
Emotionally, she made rapid progress—once expressionless, she started showing joy, frustration, and excitement. Her communication skills also flourished. She went from saying no words at all to naming objects, forming phrases, and even expressing her love by saying, “love you!”
Over time, Ximena grew into a confident, happy child. She was recently adopted by her forever family, and we are so grateful she knows she is safe, valued, and deeply loved.
Scan the QR code to watch Ximena’s story!
2024 Staff
UNITED STATES
LATIN AMERICA
Family Recruiter Sonora, Mexico
HILARY PEELE
CHRISTINE HERNANDEZ
JOE DARAGO
TARA PETERSEN
DANIEL MORENO GONZÁLEZ
CRISTINA SANDOVAL Administrator Michoacán, Mexico
JESÚS BARRÓN
LATIN AMERICA (CONT.)
Attorney Latin America
Social Worker, Nuevo León, Mexico
SOUTHEAST ASIA
Battambang, Cambodia
Battambang, Cambodia
Battambang, Cambodia
MARIANA GONZALEZ
THO PAT Social Worker
SOPHEA NHOL Social Worker
2024 Board of Directors
JOSHUA BECKER FOUNDER AND CHAIRMAN
Joshua Becker is an author, speaker, and philanthropist. He has written several best-selling books on minimalism, and his website Becoming Minimalist has more than one million readers each month. Inspired by his wife Kim’s experience of being adopted, Joshua co-founded The Hope Effectwithherin2015.
2024 BOARD MEMBERS
JOE DARAGO
Executive Director, The Hope Effect
JILLIAN JOHNSRUD Writer/Creator/Speaker, Montana Money Adventures
KATHRYN LINCOLN
Board Chair and Chief Investment Officer, Lincoln Institute of Land Policy
JEFF VAN EGDOM Partner, Deloitte DEBORA GARCIA, MD
Comprehensive Ophthalmologist and Cornea Specialist, Eye Institute at Boswell
BYRON K GRAYSON MMS PA-C Owner, Allied Mobile Imaging
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