EmberHope

🎒 More than 4,000 items. Thousands of Kansans. Countless moments of hope.

What started five years ago as a response to the heartbreaking reality that many children enter foster care with their belongings in a trash bag has grown into an incredible movement of compassion and community.

This year's Susan's Kids Care Drive shattered records, collecting more than 4,000 items for children entering care—including backpacks, duffel bags, shoes, blankets, and even 53 custom STEM-career Barbies created by local students. Thanks to generous donors, church partners, volunteers, and organizations like Day1Bags, hundreds of children will receive comfort, dignity, and a reminder that their community cares.

💜Read the full recap, hear from EmberHope's Associate Marketing Director, Britt English, and discover the impact your support made possible: https://www.emberhope.org/the-2026-care-drive-recap/

Three women. Three very different journeys. One shared mission: bringing hope to Kansas children and families. 💜

What inspires someone to dedicate their life to child welfare? In today's brand-new episode of Little Sparks, Big Hope, we're getting personal.

Join the hosts as they share the stories behind their "why" — from a former foster youth who spent nearly a decade in care, to a foster parent turned adoptive mom, to a former case manager with a deep passion for mental health. Though their paths look different, each story reveals the moments that sparked a lifelong commitment to making a difference.

This heartfelt conversation offers an honest look at the experiences, challenges, and hope that continue to fuel the work we do every day at EmberHope.

🎙️ Listen now on Spotify and YouTube, and discover the stories behind the voices of Little Sparks, Big Hope.

🔗Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3Nv149oT0jQSdnTuv0twgB?si=lIGYLfhiRbSQPWIbo62NBw
➡️YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJltgWZci14

🚨 Adulting is hard. We're here to help.

Join us for Adulting 101 on Saturday, June 13, and learn practical skills that can help make life a little easier. Whether you're figuring out budgeting, housing, employment, or just navigating adulthood in general, this event is designed for current and former foster youth.

🍕 Free pizza
🎁 Prizes and giveaways
🤝 Great conversation and connections

📅 Saturday, June 13
⏰ 11 AM – 1 PM
📍 EmberHope Family Engagement Center | 1140 E. 47th St., Wichita, KS

Because adulthood doesn't come with instructions—but that doesn't mean you have to figure it out alone.

Yesterday was such a wonderful day all about community, connection, and collaboration! We are so grateful for the outpouring of support that we have received from Wichita, Newton, Kansas, and even beyond.

A huge thank you to our friends at Day 1 Bags for their generous donation of over 2,200+ brand new backpacks and duffel bags for youth, all in a variety of fun colors and styles. We are so proud to share these with our kiddos! 💜

And of course, we can't forget the absolutely beautiful, custom, handmade Barbies that were thoughtfully designed by the students at Christa McAuliffe Academy! These Barbies feature careers in STEM, complete with hand sewn clothes and 3D printed accessories. The note of encouragement enclosed with each one had us very emotional (in the best way!)

Our hearts are very full! Look forward to a blog later this week sharing all the details about this year's historic 2026 Care Drive 🎒

We're still smiling as we look back on all the memories made at Ignite Hope Fest. From the poker run and car show to live music, great food, amazing sponsors, dedicated volunteers, and a community that showed up in a big way, this event was truly something special.

Today we're sharing a few of our favorite photos from the day—but the story goes far beyond the pictures.

Want to learn how Ignite Hope Fest came to life, hear from Virginia Lewis about the inspiration behind the event, see how much was raised to support children and families, and discover why we're already excited about next year?

Read the full recap here:
https://www.emberhope.org/ignite-hope-fest-2026-recap/

To everyone who attended, volunteered, sponsored, donated, performed, entered a vehicle, rode in the poker run, or helped spread the word—thank you. Together, you helped ignite hope for children and families across Kansas. ❤️

Trauma can leave lasting impacts, but healing is possible.

At EmberHope, many of the children, youth, and families we serve have experienced trauma, adversity, and difficult life circumstances. Throughout PTSD Awareness Month, we recognize the importance of understanding trauma, reducing stigma, and ensuring individuals have access to the support and resources they need to heal.

By fostering safe relationships, providing trauma-informed care, and walking alongside those on their journey, we can help create pathways toward hope and resilience.

If you or someone you know is struggling, know that help is available and healing is possible. 💜

As Foster Parent Appreciation Month comes to a close, we want to share the following letter from EmberHope Youthville's President, Lori Gonzales. Thank you so much for answering the call. Thank you for being the one. 💜

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Dear Foster Families,

Every day, you provide safe places, steady support, encouragement, and hope to youth who need it most. The work you do is not always easy, but it is deeply meaningful, and the impact you make reaches far beyond what can often be seen. You are true guides for children navigating difficult paths, helping light the way toward healing, growth, and stability.

As Foster Parent Appreciation Month comes to a close, we hope you feel celebrated, appreciated, and valued. Whether you are just beginning on this journey or a seasoned veteran, we are grateful you are part of this community.

Thank you for continuing to answer the call, weather the storms, and help children find their way to care, belonging, and support.

We are so thankful for each of you and hope this month has left your cup a little fuller.

As always, many thanks for all you do. May God bless each one of you.

With gratitude and admiration,

Lori Gonzales
President of EmberHope Youthville

For this month’s Staff Spotlight, we’re excited to introduce Ruth Morales, Foster Care Supervisor at EmberHope. With more than 15 years at EmberHope and a career in social work spanning nearly three decades, Ruth has dedicated her life to supporting children, families, and the staff who serve them. Known for her encouragement, problem-solving, and unwavering faith, Ruth is a valued leader who helps guide our foster care team each day. Get to know more about Ruth, what she loves about her work, and a few fun facts you might not know about her!

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💜 How long have you been at EmberHope and/or working in child welfare?

I graduated from Bethel College in 1998 with my Bachelor's in social work. I then worked a couple of jobs in the field after college. Then I took a break from social work. I did come back to social work at Youthville in 2009 and have been here since then.

💛 What do you love most about your job and the work that you do at our organization?

I love our foster care workers and our Youthville leadership. Our foster care workers do the hard work and I’m glad I get to be a part of that. I like helping them problem solve, meeting with them and hearing how their families are doing, helping advocate for them and their families and children, celebrating successes together and figuring out problems together. We have some pretty great folks! We also have great leadership at Youthville and I am thankful to have them leading us.

💜 If someone were considering joining our team, what advice would you give them?

Don’t give up! Keep working hard, keep learning, accept feedback —you do make difference

💛 Over your tenure at EmberHope, what is one of your favorite memories or achievements?

My first job out of college was in Hutchinson, at Youthville, on an ACT team. I was a case manager and had to treat a sibling group for lice one evening in the office. Not fun, but my co-worker and I made it fun and kept each other laughing.

💜 What makes EmberHope a great place to work?

The people I work with. The fact that I am able to share my faith. The flexibility and PTO is nice too!

💛 Feel free to share a fun fact about yourself or something someone might not know about you!

I can play the piano and play about one time a month at my church.

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Inspired by Ruth's story? Whether you're just starting your career or bringing years of experience to the table, there's a place for passionate, purpose-driven people at EmberHope. Explore current openings and discover how you can help make a difference in the lives of children and families across Kansas!

🔗: https://www.emberhope.org/careers-at-emberhope/

🔥 Ignite Hope Fest is almost here — and there is STILL time to register or grab your FREE concert tickets! 🔥

Join us THIS Saturday, May 30th in Hesston for an incredible day filled with live music, classic cars, motorcycles, food, prizes, and community fun — all benefiting the children and families served by EmberHope.

🏍 Poker Run
🚗 Car Show
🎶 FREE Concert
🍔 Food & Family Fun

Day-of registrations are welcome, so if you’ve been waiting to decide, come on out and join us!

🎟 Register or claim your FREE concert tickets here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ignite-hope-fest-2026-tickets-1983320827986?aff=oddtdtcreator

We also want to take a moment to say THANK YOU to our incredible sponsors and community partners who have helped make Ignite Hope Fest possible. Your support helps ignite hope for children and families across Kansas, and we are so grateful.

We can’t wait to see everyone Saturday in Hesston! ☀️