About 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 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.

Why do you serve with Love Fosters Hope? 

I love watching the switch turn over for the kids, once they realize that they are not just some number, but that they are someone special and see what qualities they have in them self that they didn’t think they had before. 

How long have you served?

This will be my 11th year volunteering at camp.

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 girl’s dresses. Nearly exhausted, it dawned on me how much effort Love Fosters Hope puts into organizing the best experience for the campers. As the night went on the girls danced with joy and you could see not one ounce of care in the world. You saw the sparkle in their eyes. I could just tear up knowing this was healing them. 

How have you seen God move at Camp?

I have seen God move in so many ways, last year we had this teen boy who was upset that he found out we were a christian camp and wanted to go home. By the end of camp he had dedicated his life to the lord and told us camp saved his life. 

What is #1 on your packing list?
Mosquito spray! I won’t go anywhere without it.

Favorite camp snack?
Definitely camp cookies!

Fun fact: I was one of the first set of campers at the first TRAC girls 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.” 

What would you say to someone considering volunteering with LFH?

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.