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First Lady Melania Trump launches new initiative

First Lady Melania Trump launches new initiative "Fostering The Future" to help children raised in foster system
Place of Hope Founding CEO, Charles Bender, invited to the signing
First Lady Melania Trump, is spearheading a new initiative aimed at improving career and education opportunities for children raised in foster care.


President Trump signed an executive order on Thursday that creates a “Fostering the Future” program that brings together federal entities, non-profits, educational institutions and the private sector to develop those opportunities for foster youth.


The order also creates an online hub that would help foster youth connect with key career and educational resources, while increasing access to vouchers and grants to support them in those efforts.
The initiatives in the executive order “gives me tremendous pride”, Melania said, and the effort was “both empathetic and strategic."


"I call on leadership from these various organizations, including the private sector, to join my effort,” Melania said from the East Room before an audience that included lawmakers, cabinet officials and members of the foster-care community...Rise above the ease of inaction.”


“We’re going to have absolutely incredible results,” President Trump said.


The federal agencies involved include the Departments of Health and Human Services, Treasury, Housing and Urban Development, as well as the office of personnel management and faith-based non-profit organizations.

 


"I was so honored and blessed to be asked to visit The White House and witness the signing of this Executive Order, emanating from Mrs. Trump’s heart and passions for America’s youth.


I represented each of us who make Place of Hope possible and God’s continual provision. This shines a bright light into dark places in our nation - the foster care system. This is tremendous, and there is nothing but upside to helping our most vulnerable youth in our great nation."


Charles Bender, Founding CEO & Board Member, Place of Hope

An Invitation to Make Twice the Difference Before the Year Ends

As we look back on another year of God’s faithfulness, our hearts overflow with gratitude. Together, we have witnessed lives restored, families reunited, and survivors find healing and purpose. None of this would be possible without faithful friends like you—people who pray, give, and believe in the redemptive work happening every day at Place of Hope.


From that very first child who stepped off a bus with a small princess suitcase over 25 years ago, to the thousands who have since found safety, love, and belonging, your generosity has written stories of redemption that will echo for eternity.


Now, as this year draws to a close, you have the opportunity to make an even greater impact.
A longtime friend of Place of Hope, who believes deeply in this mission, has pledged a momentous year-end matching gift. Every donation made before December 31 will be matched—dollar for dollar.


That means your tax-deductible gift will go twice as far to provide:
  • Safe housing and family-style foster care for abused and neglected children
  • Transitional housing and mentoring for aged-out foster youth and single mothers
  • Trauma therapy and recovery programs for survivors of human trafficking
  • Education, enrichment, and hope for generations to come


Whether you have given faithfully for years or are prayerfully considering a special year-end gift, your generosity at this moment will create both immediate and eternal impact.


Together, we are defending the fatherless, uplifting the brokenhearted, and building a future filled with promise.


Please give before December 31 to have your gift doubled and your impact multiplied.

 
DOUBLE MY DONATION!
At Place of Hope, we believe every child deserves safety, stability, and a future filled with promise.


Through our "God’s Children. Our Future." Campaign, we are expanding campuses, deepening programs, and restoring hope for thousands of children and families across Florida.


As we grow in Boca Raton, Stuart, West Palm Beach, and Palm Beach Gardens, we invite you to be part of this life-changing mission. Naming opportunities are available for those who wish to leave a legacy of hope.
SUPPORT OUR MISSION

Exciting News From The Desk of Charles Bender

We are thrilled to announce that Jamie Bond Ciancio has been promoted to Vice President & Chief of Staff over Place of Hope’s Advancement Department and efforts regionally and statewide!


Jamie first joined the Place of Hope family in 2014, answering God’s call to serve children, youth, and families in crisis. Since then, she has played a pivotal role in advancing our mission, expanding our reach across Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie, Indian River, and Okeechobee Counties, and strengthening our "God’s Children. Our Future." Campaign.


With her leadership, passion, and steadfast faith, Jamie embodies the heart and excellence of Place of Hope.


Please help congratulate Jamie for her leadership over the years at Place of Hope and the days ahead as we continue to follow God and witness His provision.


Our team is excited and we give Him the glory for the things He is doing in young lives and in our Campaign.

Blessed to Serve — Hope in Action for Families in Jamaica

We are so thankful and humbled to serve families impacted by Hurricane Melissa through our Shade Tree Family Outreach Program. This week, our Place of Hope team—together with incredible community partners and volunteers—prepared and shipped 25 barrels of emergency relief supplies to Jamaica, filled with essential items like first aid kits, food, hygiene products, and more.


These barrels represent more than just supplies—they carry love, hope, and compassion from our community to families who need it most. We are especially grateful to our friends at The Benjamin School, Cleveland Clinic, Prep Obsessed, Community of Hope, Palm Beach Gardens Women's Club and more for their generous support and to every individual who donated and helped pack supplies.


At Place of Hope, we are reminded daily of how blessed we are to serve. Whether locally or abroad, together we are igniting hope, restoring dignity, and reminding families that they are not forgotten.


“We’re able to respond in that moment, ignite hope, and remind them that they are a person of value.” — Joy Tomaselli, Community Engagement Coordinator


Learn more or host your own drive!

A Legacy of Hope and Healing is Rising!

We are thrilled to announce that the Herrendorf Family Foundation/Moms Offering More has generously named one of the new triplex residences under construction on our Sam & Connie Frankino KidSanctuary Campus in West Palm Beach—a powerful gift that will transform lives.


This will provide safe, supportive housing for:
- Youth aging out of foster care
- Otherwise homeless youth
- Single mothers with children
- Survivors of human trafficking


Infrastructure is going in, and soon we will be going vertical! This residence is part of a greater village of four residences (triplexes), designed to offer dignity, stability, and opportunity to those in crisis.


Thank you to the Herrendorf Family Foundation for helping us build brighter futures.

Dear Someone - Episode 5

Dear Someone Episode 5 - Read by longtime friend Rene Espinal


In this powerful episode, Rene shares the heartbreaking story of a single mother who often went without food so her son could eat. Her story is one that hits too close to home for too many families — parents who are doing their best, yet just one paycheck away from losing everything.


No food. No place to sleep. The fear of losing her son to foster care. Would she ever get him back?


Because of Place of Hope, she is not facing that fear alone. Together, we are preventing family separation, lifting her up, and helping her rebuild — so she and her children can not only survive but thrive.


Rene did not know why he was called to show up that day and read this letter — but he did.


Will you? Will you use your voice, time, talent, or resources to make an impact?
You may not know who you will help, but you can know you will.
I WILL HELP. I WILL DONATE.
This holiday season, Place of Hope will serve hundreds of children, youth, and families across our campuses and throughout the greater community.


Many of our children and youth will experience the joy of Christmas or Hanukkah for the very first time, creating new, hope-filled memories with their foster siblings and Cottage Parents. Our young single mothers will celebrate their first holidays as moms, while many local families in need would go without gifts or celebration—if not for you.


Your generosity helps make the season bright. Your gift helps a child unwrap joy and feel loved. Your gift helps a young mom create her first family tradition. Your gift brings light, warmth, and hope to a struggling family.

 

We have several ways you can support Place of Hope this year.



Help us cross off our Christmas and Hanukkah wish lists by shopping from these registries and have the items shipped directly to our campuses. All gifts should be unwrapped. Click the hyperlinked wish lists to start shopping!


Shop for our Palm Beach County children and families


Shop for our Martin County children and families


Shop for our aged-out foster youth, homeless youth, and single mothers in our Villages of Hope program at Donna’s Place at the Villages


Shop for our aged-out foster youth, homeless youth, and single mothers in our Villages of Hope program on our Leighan and David Rinker Campus


Shop for our campus littles (the children of our young single moms)


OR purchase a gift card! Gift cards during Christmas and Hanukkah are especially helpful, making them a thoughtful and practical choice for holiday giving! We accept VISA, AMEX gift cards of any amount, as well as Target, Walmart, Amazon, and restaurant gifts cards.


Deliver all gift cards to Place of Hope at 9078 Isaiah Lane, Palm Beach Gardens by December 10.

Win A Rolex. Change A Life!

Win a brand new 2025 Rolex Submariner Date — featuring the iconic green bezel, known as the “Kermit” or “Starbucks.” This timeless timepiece is valued at $15,900 and could soon be yours!


Tickets are 1 for $100 or 6 for $500, and every ticket helps support Place of Hope’s life-changing programs for children, youth, and families across our community.


Winner will be drawn on Friday, January 9, 2026.


Purchase your tickets as see official rules and drawing details below. Limit 500.
PURCHASE RAFFLE TICKETS HERE

Upcoming Events - Mark Your Calendar

Sporting Clays Fun Shoot

Sponsorships and teams are available for this great day of clays for a cause!
Friday, January 9, 2026
Two Flight Times (AM/PM)
Quail Creek Sporting Ranch
RESERVE NOW

Artisans of Wine & Food

One-night only special charity dinner and auction to benefit Place of Hope! Purchase tickets using the special POH link!
Saturday, January 17, 2026
6PM, The Boca Raton
RESERVE NOW

Hope Bash Palm Beach

Sponsorships are available for this epic 25 year jubilee!


February 27, 2026
6PM, Mar-a-Lago
RESERVE NOW
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Place of Hope is dedicated to providing a stable and loving environment for children, youth and families in crisis. We are committed to meeting desperate needs in our community by sharing God’s love and placing hope in their lives- one life at a time.
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