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Transform Lives Today: Your Gift Will Be Matched!

 
 
 

25 Years Ago, One Little Girl Walked Through Our Doors.

Today, Thousands Have Been Healed.

 
 
As we reflect on another year of God’s faithfulness, our hearts are full of gratitude — for the children whose lives have been restored, for the families who have been lifted out of homelessness, for the survivors who have found peace and healing, and for friends like you whose prayers and generosity make this work possible.
 
We look back to that very first child who arrived at our Paxson campus — a little girl, five years old, stepping off a run-down bus all alone, wheeling her tiny princess suitcase. As Charles watched her take those brave steps toward safety, he thought, “If all of this was done just for her, it would be worth it.”
 
That little girl represented the thousands who would follow — children who would find love, family, and the truth that they are never forgotten by God.
 
Since the beginning Place of Hope has been a refuge — a God-honoring ministry meeting the needs of children, youth, and families who have endured abuse, neglect, and unfathomable hardship. Together, through the grace of God and your faithful support, over 250,000 lives have been impacted, transformed, and given the chance to experience hope and healing.
 
Your generosity is fueling exponential growth across our campuses, at the same time, our statewide initiatives are now reaching thousands annually, all while we continue to build a healthy endowment for the future.
 
 
 

This year-end, you can make an eternal impact in two powerful ways:

 
 
 
Help Today — Honoring Marla Paxson
Your gift helps meet the immediate, everyday needs of the children, youth, and families we serve — providing safe homes, essential resources, and high-quality, targeted care that restores hope and dignity.
 
Endowment for the Future — Honoring Donna Mullins
Your investment in our Donna Mullins “Isaiah 1:17 Endowment for Our Future” fund ensures that Place of Hope’s mission will continue for generations to come — securing a legacy of compassion and faith that began with a vision from God.
 
 
 

Every year-end gift will be matched, dollar for dollar — doubling your impact and multiplying hope for those who need it most!

 
 
 
Thank you to our long time friend and supporter who is anonymously matching each dollar that comes in by December 31.
 
As we close this year, we invite you to consider a gift — to Help Today or invest in Our Future — and join us as we continue to interrupt generational cycles of child abuse, neglect, homelessness, poverty and human trafficking.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
I WANT TO DONATE AND HAVE MY GIFT MATCHED
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DONATE
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
As one of the nation’s top-ranked, faith-based children and families charities, Place of Hope is entering a milestone year filled with gratitude, momentum, and purpose.
 
This season marks a defining moment — 25 years of transformational impact, the public celebration of the “God’s Children. Our Future.” Campaign, and a series of high-profile events that honor the organization’s legacy and bold vision for what is ahead.
 
This is more than a celebration of our past — it’s a commitment to the future,” said Founding CEO and Board Member Charles Bender. “For 25 years, we’ve watched lives transform through faith, family, and accountability. Now we’re building on that foundation to reach even more children and families.”
 
Three years ago, Place of Hope quietly launched the “God’s Children. Our Future.” Campaign, a 10-year, $100 million initiative aimed at expanding capacity, strengthening infrastructure, and ensuring long-term sustainability. To date, we are 75% of the way there!
 
Through consistent growth in Place of Hope’s annual operating budget, we now reach more than 100,000 children, youth, and families every year through direct care, outreach, and prevention programs. We continue to expand our human trafficking prevention initiatives statewide, launching a partnership with the Florida Human Trafficking Victims Fund, the Florida Association of Crime Stoppers, and enhancing services for survivors and those at risk.
 
“The momentum of this campaign is incredible. It’s about sustainability, innovation, and breaking cycles of hopelessness,” said Place of Hope South Region Campaign Chair Amy Kazma.
 
 
 
 
 
Place of Hope’s excellence and accountability has been consistently recognized by independent evaluators including Charity Navigator and Candid, ranking us among the nation’s top charities for transparency, stewardship, and measurable outcomes.
 
“Together, we’re ensuring vulnerable children, youth, and families find hope, healing, and a brighter future,” shared North Region Campaign Chair Sal Tiano.
 
“We’re celebrating 25 years of real, life-changing impact — and inviting others to join us in creating the next 25,” said Hope Bash Palm Beach Co-Chair Marla Paxson. “It’s been remarkable to see what Place of Hope has done with my initial gift over 25 years ago.”
 
The strength of this campaign will come from people who see beyond the moment — those who believe in lasting impact,” said Bender. “Together, we’re building a future where every child and family can experience healing, hope, and independence.”
 
For 25 years, Place of Hope has been a light for children and families in desperate need. With the continued success of the “God’s Children. Our Future.” Campaign, that light is shining brighter than ever.

“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.” — Isaiah 1:17
 
 
Join Us. Be part of the story. Help shape the next 25 years of hope.
 
 
 
 
 
 

Dear Someone - Episode 1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Episode 2 of The Dear Someone Project - read by our dear friend Bob Goldfarb
 
“I was 7 when everything changed — she slumped over the steering wheel and crashed the car.”
 
Episode 2 shares the heartbreaking yet redemptive story of a child who grew up in the shame and fear of a mother’s addiction — an addiction that stole her ability to care for her two young daughters.
 
This is a story of pain, resilience, and ultimately, healing — a story that reminds us that behind every tragedy is a child longing to be seen, loved, and safe.
 
Through Place of Hope and Villages of Hope, children like her are finding refuge, faith, and family — discovering that their past does not define their future.
 
As we reflect back on the thousands of lives like this young lady, and the thousands more who need our help, we ask you consider supporting our mission with a gift today. All gifts through the end of the year will be matched, doubling our impact.
 
 
 
I WANT TO DONATE
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Place of Hope In The News

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Last weekend as Hurricane Melissa began her approach on the Caribbean, we began preparations to support those who would be impacted by Hurricane Melissa. Our Shade Tree Family Outreach Program was created to help families and children in crisis. All week we mobilized resources and put out a call for critical relief items.
 
Thank you to everyone who participated in this effort to collect items. Today our Hurricane Melissa Disaster Relief drive is being deployed to the Caribbean to bless all of those impacted.
 
We are praying for all those impacted by this storm.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Upcoming Events - Mark Your Calendar

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Light in the Shadows

 
 
Almost sold out! Only a handful of sponsorships remain!
 
December 9, 2025
10AM
Mar-a-Lago
 
 
RESERVE NOW
 
 
 
 
 

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
 
 
 
 
 

Inaugural Palm Beach Dinner

 
 
Join us for a special evening to benefit Villages of Hope on our Sam & Connie Frankino KidSanctuary Campus. Villages of Hope is a sister entity of Place of Hope.
Thursday, January 22, 2026
6PM, The Colony Hotel
 
 
RESERVE NOW
 
 
 
 
 

Hope Bash Palm Beach

 
 
Sponsorships are available for this epic 25 year jubilee!
 
February 27, 2026
6PM, Mar-a-Lago
 
 
RESERVE NOW
 
 
 
 
 
CAREERS
 
 
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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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