By April Estrada | March 25, 2026

When Robert and Hannah Leslie heard the message at their church about the need for foster families, they didn’t exchange a long list of reasons to wait or think about it later. Instead, they looked at each other and felt the same stirring – this is our call.

They didn’t know who would one day walk through their front door. They didn’t know what challenges might come. What they did know was that there was a child somewhere who needed safety, stability, and a family willing to show up. And so, they said yes.

Robert and Hannah were approved on December 2, 2024. On December 23, just two days before Christmas, they opened their door to a tiny, four-year-old boy. From the day he arrived, the Leslies embraced him fully, treating him not as a placement but as one of their own.

Slowly, the Leslies became his people. Their support extends beyond their home. Hannah’s mother regularly travels from North Carolina to help care for this child, wrapping him in even more family connection and stability. Hannah herself is now coaching his basketball team, cheering him on from the sidelines, and pouring into his growth both on and off the court.

The Leslies also make intentional space for sibling bonds, scheduling fun outings with the child and his sisters to ensure those relationships stay strong. Their love doesn’t stop with the child in their home – they stand ready to welcome his sibling, should the need arise.

Even as new foster parents, Robert and Hannah quickly discovered the realities many families face: delayed communication, conflicting information, and system challenges that can be both frustrating and disheartening. But rather than step back, they stepped forward. They asked questions. They persisted. They pushed for what the child needed, even when doing so required patience and grit they didn’t know they had.

Robert and Hannah don’t just provide care for this now almost 6-year-old boy; they advocate fiercely for him. They celebrate every small victory and cheer through the hard days, too, offering calm in moments when the world feels uncertain.

Their story reminds us that foster care is not just a system; it is people. People like Robert and Hannah, whose “yes” changes a life forever. Thank you, Robert and Hannah, for answering the call.

By April Estrada, Director of Foster Care | March 25, 2026

Every foster parent’s story is unique, but when we asked HopeTree foster parents why they foster, a powerful theme emerged: love that shows up, faith that says yes, and a calling to stand in the gap for children who did not choose their circumstances.

Many shared that fostering is deeply rooted in their faith.

“I believe it is God’s work to stand in the gap for kids who did not choose their circumstances.”

For some, the call came early – clear and personal. For others, it grew over time through prayer, marriage, church community, and lived experience. Some were recruited through their church. Others felt a quiet but persistent nudge that wouldn’t go away. All described a shared belief that kids matter deeply to God.

“Kids are made in the image of God, and we want them to know the love of Jesus through a safe and secure home where they belong.”

Foster parenting isn’t about being perfect. Our parents named that, too.

“I’m not perfect – but I am present.”

Presence. Consistency. Showing up again tomorrow. In a system that is often complex and imperfect, HopeTree foster parents step in with open hearts and open homes – knowing that even a short stay in a loving, stable environment can change the trajectory of a child’s life.

“Even a short time in that environment can make a positive impact.”

Many shared that they foster not because it is easy, but because it is right.

“Choose your hard. These kids didn’t get to choose – we get to choose to love them.”

That choice often comes with uncertainty, heartbreak, and stretching beyond comfort zones. Yet again and again, parents spoke of trusting God in the unknown.

“God is sovereign, trustworthy, and loves these kids more than we do – so we can trust Him in the midst of the uncertainty.”

For some families, fostering is a way to live out empathy and generosity – sharing what they have been blessed with, whether that’s space, time, patience, or love. Others shared that while they couldn’t have children biologically, they felt called to raise and nurture children in this way.

“Someone has to do it.”

Teachers, couples, and individuals from all seasons of life spoke about wanting to do more, to go beyond wishing things were different for children who have experienced trauma.

“After teaching public school and wishing there was more I could do, we decided to foster so kids could experience love and normalcy – no matter how long or short their stay.”

HopeTree foster parents don’t see themselves as rescuers. They see themselves as faithful companions for a season, supporting children while honoring the goal of reunification whenever possible.

“Ultimately, we want to support children in returning to their original caretakers or natural supports to avoid more loss.”

Again and again, responses returned to this simple truth: kids deserve safe, loving homes – whether for a night, a week, a year, or a lifetime.

“The gospel compels us to step into hard and broken places with the hope of Jesus.”

Fostering brings joy alongside challenge. It teaches us, as adults, resilience, humility, and growth – sometimes more than we expect.

“These kids are the best part of my day. I learn so much from them, and about myself – my strengths and weaknesses.”

And perhaps most beautifully, many shared that fostering gives them a deep sense of purpose.

“It gives me the greatest sense of purpose.”

At HopeTree, foster parents are not alone in this calling. Together, we show up. Together, we create spaces of safety and belonging. Together, we live out love in action – one child, one family, one moment at a time.

Thank you for saying yes. Thank you for standing in the gap.

Next Yes
Many of you shared that you were invited into foster care by someone you trusted – a friend, a family member, a church, or a simple conversation.

Now, YOU are that someone for others. If you know a person, couple, or family who has a heart for kids, space in their home, or curiosity about foster care, we invite you to start the conversation. You don’t need all the answers. You don’t need to convince anyone. Simply share why you foster and let HopeTree walk with them the rest of the way.