About Us

janet@lovefostershope.org

Janet joined Love Fosters Hope in Spring 2022. Before joining the organization, she served as Chief Development & Communications Officer for AVANCE-Houston, an organization providing early childhood development, parenting, healthy relationships, and adult education programs across the Greater Houston area.  

 She held the same role with two other institutions empowering families and students, and has served in the nonprofit sector for 18 years. She also volunteers with another nonprofit serving children and families in her native country, El Salvador.  

Janet is grateful for the amazing Love Fosters Hope community, and their genuine heart for foster children and youth, which is reflected through their generosity, investment of time and resources, and unwavering commitment to sharing the love of Christ with them. 

She looks forward to strengthening partnerships in order to continue to serve and impact more precious young lives.  

Janet graduated from the University of Houston with a degree in communications/journalism.

Fun Fact- Janet has 3 shoe boxes filled with hand-written letters (old form of texting) from middle school friends. She remains connected to some of those friends today, and they laugh reading letters together from time-to-time. 

Hobby: Nature walks and almost any outdoor activity

A Bible verse that stands out: Matthew 16:24- Then Jesus said to his disciples, Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.

Cynthia@lovefostershope.org

Cynthia joined Love Fosters Hope in Summer 2022.  She has served in the nonprofit sector for 25 years, including leadership roles for housing programs in the mental health arena, and serving women in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. Her past employers include Volunteers of America, Next Step Behavioral Health and Santa Maria Hostel. She is a certified Christian counselor and enjoys empowering women and vulnerable families through God’s word either at her church, employment, or wherever God’s calls her to. 

At Love Fosters Hope she oversees the day-to-day operations of camps, mentoring, outreach to residential treatment centers, camper reunions and The Net, for young adults aged out of foster care.  

Fun fact: Cynthia’s newfound passion is singing to her plants even though they still die.

Hobby: Listening to podcasts

A Bible verse that stands out: Ephesians 3:20-Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us. 

Why do you serve with Love Fosters Hope? About 3 years ago, my church, Restoration Church Woodforest, showed a video about how we can get involved and become the hands and feet of Jesus with the foster youth. While I was watching the video, my heart was pounding out of my chest. I knew this is where God wanted me to serve. That day, I signed up to volunteer and the rest is history !

How long have you served? 3 years

What is the most fulfilling part about leading camp and serving the kids? This will be my first year leading camp, so this is new territory for me. However, while I’m preparing for camp, I’ve been praying for Gods hand. I know with His hand, this could be the most life changing experience for these kids. This could be the very first time they hear of the love of Jesus. There is no greater service than to share the love of Jesus. 

What is the impact you have seen in the lives of the kids? When kids get off the bus, the majority of them are quiet, shy, and scared. But by the end of the first day, you see smiles, giggles and trust. To me, that is one of the most rewarding feelings, knowing we have provided a safe, fun environment, to show them that they are loved. 

Is there a favorite memory (or one that stands out the most)?  My favorite memory is being asked by a child if I could pray with them. It was a special moment because it showed that they felt comfortable and safe with me. He took my hand, and bowed his head as I prayed over him. When I finished praying for him, he had tears in his eyes and he gave me a hug and said thank you.  I will never forget this moment – as this is the reason I choose to volunteer. To show them that there is hope and that they are loved. 

Why should others get involved in serving?   Foster children come from difficult backgrounds and often need extra support to succeed in life. By serving, you can make a real difference in these children’s lives. You can provide them with a safe and supportive environment, help them to learn and grow, and show them that they are loved and valued. 

Jessica is a proud mother of two amazing boys, ages 10 and 13. She is involved serving in her church weekly in the children’s ministry, as well as works as a Respiratory Therapist at Texas Children’s Hospital in the Woodlands. She believes working with children in all different avenues allows her to make an impact on their lives. 

A Favorite Bible Verse: Psalm 139: 23-24 

Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting ways .

Why do you serve with Love Fosters Hope? 

I don’t really think of it as serve. I grew up going to camps, and knew I would one day help run them. Love Fosters Hope is my home, each year with new and familiar faces. 

How long have you served? Going on a decade now.

What is the most fulfilling part about leading camp and serving the kids/teens?

Each year you discover a part of yourself that you lose when you become an adult. Seeing the kids have genuine fun and are able to truly be themselves, it’s contagious.

What is the impact you have seen in the lives of the kids/teens?

As a former camper, I can speak first-hand on the impact of the volunteers, and it’s life-changing. Over the course of a few days, we see the kids learn to love themselves, and learn that no matter hardships and trails, they are loved and they matter. 

Is there a favorite memory (or one that stands out the most)?

I remember the first time I became a volunteer, it was for the girls TRAC camp. We had spent all day preparing for the Prom Night event, gathering and working on all the girls’ dresses. Nearly exhausted, it dawned on me how much effort Love Fosters Hope puts into organizing the best experience for the campers. As the girls danced with joy, I remembered when that was me wearing a dress at camp, and being filled with that same joy that I could help give them the same experience I had. 

 Why should others get involved in serving? 

It’s a very humbling experience. It allows the connection of people who feel called to serve, while helping to shape the hearts and minds of children that need love and assurance the most. 

Being part of this organization is more than just volunteering at a camp. It means becoming part of a family that you know will be there for you for the rest of your life. 

Mayra is a proud wife, and mother of a 4 year old, has adopted 2 dogs, has started her own small business and loves to be outdoors if possible.

Fun fact: She was one of the campers at the very first girls TRAC camp. 

A Favorite Bible Verse:  Isaiah 41:10: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” 

Why do you serve with Love Fosters Hope? I love sharing God’s love and his light to the kids. On the outside, my upbringing looked picture-perfect, but on the inside, I held in so much hurt and felt so lost. Once I gave my life to Christ in 2019, I kept praying to God about my ministry purpose. I volunteered with Love Fosters Hope at the Jingle Bell event, and did Girls TRAC and Bridge camps, and in my heart I felt so fulfilled and wholesome working and ministering to the kids. And that’s when I knew this was my purpose.

How long have you served at LFH? I have served with Love Fosters Hope for 2 years now.

What is the most fulfilling part about leading camp and serving the kids/teens? The most fulfilling part is seeing the teens’ smiles throughout the week. I have one-on-one conversations with them, and see them open up, and let them know God has a plan for them and always to have hope. I like to let them know they are loved, and enjoy seeing them have fun, smile and be joyful. 

What is the impact you have seen in the lives of the teens? On the first day of meeting the teens, some of them are shy and quiet. As the week progresses, seeing them smile and come out of their shell and show their personalities. I loved waking up early, and going fishing with the teens and having them listen to worship music.

Is there a favorite memory (or one that stands out the most)? My favorite was the last day of camp, and I was doing bible study with some of the girls. They shared that they enjoyed doing bible study and learning God’s word, and how I made it fun.

Why should others get involved in serving?  Children in the foster care system, come from difficult and unimaginable situations. God said his greatest command is love. Being able to share God’s love and joy to children that might feel unloved and forgotten is such an amazing feeling. Just showing the teens you care for them and want to spend time with them, and get to know them; it makes such a lasting impression on them, but also they’ve helped change my life. 

Tatyana Dow is vibrant and energetic. She is a leader in student ministry at her church, and she is also on the welcome team, and special needs ministry, and also serves in the foster care and adoption ministry helping with events and organizing the foster closet.

She works as a full-time compliance specialist for a staffing agency.  

Fun Fact: I grew up on a farm, and I used to love chasing our cows and bulls

A Favorite Bible Verse: Philippians 1:6. And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.