HopeTree Receives Coca-Cola Consolidated Grant to Support Foster Care Initiatives
Home > HopeTree Receives Coca-Cola Consolidated Grant to Support Foster Care Initiatives
SALEM, Va. (March 7, 2025) – HopeTree Family Services, a leading provider of mental and behavioral health services, is proud to announce that it has been awarded a grant from Coca-Cola Consolidated in Roanoke, Virginia. This funding will directly support HopeTree’s Treatment Foster Care program in the Roanoke region, which provides essential services to foster children and the families who care for them.
“Our mission is to ensure that every child in our program receives the stability, support, and guidance they need to thrive,” said April Estrada, director of foster care at HopeTree Family Services. “This generous grant from Coca-Cola Consolidated will strengthen our ability to provide high-quality, family-based foster care and offer critical resources to both foster children and parents.”
HopeTree Family Services operates foster care offices in Salem, Martinsville, and the greater Richmond area, supporting foster families across Virginia. In 2022-2023, the program assisted 132 youth, working toward long-term solutions such as family reunification and adoption.
Coca-Cola Consolidated, the largest Coca-Cola bottler in the United States, has been committed to serving communities across the Southeast, Midwest, and Mid-Atlantic regions for over 122 years. Through partnerships like this, the company continues to make a meaningful impact on local families and children in need.
About HopeTree Family Services
HopeTree Family Services, the premier faith-related human services organization in Virginia, offers a wide range of ministries for at-risk children and youth and their families across the state. Programs include Treatment Foster Care, Therapeutic Group Homes, Developmental Disabilities Ministry, HopeTree Academy, Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy, and Family Centered Treatment. Visit www.hopetreefs.org for more information.
Chris Morris, Education Supervisor at HopeTree Academy
Christopher Morris, an Education Supervisor at HopeTree Academy, has spent his career building relationships with students. His recent connection with a young boy from HopeTree’s residential program underscores how personal care and intentionality can change lives. With the support of Dr. Challen Mabry, Chief Clinical Officer of HopeTree Family Services, Morris exemplifies the profound impact of Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI®) in fostering connections and empowering youth.
A Troubled Start
The student, a 12-year-old with a history of foster care disruption, struggled with emotional regulation and social connection. After a challenging weekend, he refused to attend school. Despite efforts from clinicians, he remained withdrawn, raising concerns about his mental health and well-being.
Dr. Mabry, familiar with the boy’s positive rapport with Morris, reached out for assistance. Morris didn’t hesitate. “I walked over to the cottage, sat beside him on the sofa, and started a conversation,” Morris recalls. Their shared background—both having roots in the same community—sparked a bond. “We talked about where we grew up, and his face lit up. That connection deepened our relationship.”
What is TBRI®?
TBRI® is an attachment-based, trauma-informed intervention that is designed to meet the complex needs of vulnerable children. TBRI® uses Empowering Principles to address physical needs, Connecting Principles for attachment needs, and Correcting Principles to disarm fear-based behaviors. While the intervention is based on years of attachment, sensory processing, and neuroscience research, the heartbeat of TBRI® is connection.
TBRI® is designed to meet the complex needs of children who have experienced adversity, early harm, toxic stress, and/or trauma. Because of their histories, it is often difficult for these children to trust the loving adults in their lives, which often results in perplexing behaviors. TBRI® offers practical tools for parents, caregivers, teachers, or anyone who works with children, to see the “whole child” in their care and help that child reach his highest potential.
The Power of Showing Up
Instead of pressuring the boy, Morris offered understanding and support. He encouraged the child to return to school, framing it as a choice: “If you won’t do it for yourself, do it for me.” The approach worked. The next day, the boy came to school, smiling and carrying an unopened Dr Pepper, a meaningful gesture for someone with few personal possessions.
“He shared the soda with me, which meant a lot,” Morris says. “It wasn’t just a drink—it was a symbol of trust and gratitude.” Dr. Mabry highlights the importance of these small yet transformative moments. “Chris modeled connection over compliance, showing the student that he mattered. That’s what TBRI is all about—building trust and meeting kids where they are.”
Beyond Academics
Since that day, the student has thrived, attending school consistently and forming healthier relationships. Morris continues to provide individualized support, greeting students by name and prioritizing their needs. “No matter what I’m doing, it’s not as important as what a student needs at that moment,” he says.
Dr. Mabry emphasizes that creating connections doesn’t require a professional degree. “Chris’s willingness to sit with the boy, listen, and share a moment made all the difference. It’s a reminder that anyone can play a role in transforming lives.”
A Philosophy in Practice
Morris’s dedication stems from his belief in the transformative power of relationships. After over three decades in public education, he has embraced TBRI as a guiding framework. “I’ve learned that connection is key,” he says. “If students know you care, they’re more likely to respect boundaries and work through challenges.”
For Morris, this philosophy extends beyond his professional life. “The boy reminds me of my own son,” he shares. “That personal connection drives me to show up and support him, just as I would for my family.”
A Model for HopeTree
Morris’s actions serve as a powerful example for HopeTree Academy staff, who gather daily to reflect on TBRI® strategies and celebrate successes. “Chris’s involvement demonstrates the importance of modeling the behaviors we want to see,” says Dr. Mabry. “He’s not just an administrator—he’s in the trenches, making a real difference.”
Through the combined efforts of HopeTree Academy and HopeTree Family Services, students like this young boy are finding stability, connection, and a sense of hope. It’s a testament to the power of intentional relationships and the belief that every child deserves to feel seen, valued, and supported.
As the leaves change colors and we gear up for the holidays, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the year. Fall is also the perfect time to think about giving back. And guess what? Your last chance to make those tax-deductible donations before 2024 wraps up!
At HopeTree Family Services, we’ve had a year filled with promise, growth, and impact thanks to incredible supporters like you. Whether you’ve volunteered, donated, or spread the word about our mission, we are so grateful. But as the end of the year approaches, we’re reaching out to you one last time to help us continue transforming lives.
What’s In It for You?
What’s In It for You? We know that giving is about the heart, but let’s not forget the benefits to your wallet too! Your year-end donation is not only an opportunity to support those in need, but it’s also tax-deductible. That means you can lower your tax bill while making a direct impact on our community. It’s truly a win-win!
Where Does Your Gift Go?
Your donation helps us fund a variety of life-changing programs:
Therapeutic Group Homes for Youth: Our dedicated teams provide safe homes and caring support for at-risk youth.
HopeTree Academy: Our Academy team empowers a-risk youth with personalized education and support, helping them thrive academically and emotionally.
Treatment Foster Care Services: We work with compassionate families who provide loving homes for children in need.
Developmental Disabilities Ministry: We support adults with developmental disabilities, helping them lead fulfilling, independent lives.
Sponsored Residential: HopeTree provides individuals with developmental disabilities a supportive, family-like environment where they can thrive and live independently with personalized care.
Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy: At HopeTree, we harness the healing power of horses to foster emotional growth and well-being for individuals facing life’s challenges.
Family Centered Treatment: Our FCT team strengthens families by providing intensive, in-home support, and therapy to help them overcome challenges and build healthier, more resilient relationships.
Why Now?
By donating before December 31st, you not only get valuable tax deductions, but you help ensure that our programs are fully funded and ready to make an even bigger impact in 2025. Every dollar counts, and every act of generosity brings us closer to fulfilling our mission.
So, as you wrap up 2024, will you help us finish strong? With your support, we can continue to provide support for those who need it most.
How Can You Help?
It’s easy! Visit our website to make your year-end contribution.
Prefer a more traditional route? You can also send a check or money order using the business reply mail envelope attached to this newsletter. Whether it’s $25 or $2,500, your gift will go directly to the programs that are changing lives every day. Let’s make this holiday season one of hope, love, and generosity!
From our family to yours, thank you for being part of HopeTree’s circle of support. Together, we are changing lives, one donation at a time!
How HopeTree Helped a Determined Youth Reach Ole Miss
Picture shows Rocky Belcher in front of a University of Mississippi School of Law backdrop. Credit: Rocky Belcher
In a time where many struggle to find their footing, Rocky Belcher’s story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of opportunity. Today, Rocky walks the campus of the University of Mississippi as a pre-law student, thanks in large part to the unwavering support he received from HopeTree. His journey, however, began with immense challenges.
Growing up in Franklin County, Virginia, Rocky’s childhood was marked by instability. Raised in a single-parent household, he faced hardships that many would find insurmountable. At just ten years old, he and his siblings were taken from their mother due to unsafe living conditions and entered the foster care system. “Life wasn’t good,” Rocky shared, reflecting on his early years. Despite being uprooted multiple times, he clung to football and school—his only constants.
HopeTree came into Rocky’s life during one of his darkest periods. After struggling with depression and a suicide attempt, Rocky found himself with nowhere to turn. Enter HopeTree, which not only provided him with a safe place to stay but also gave him the tools and support he needed to start addressing his trauma. “One of the great things that HopeTree does is show kids it’s okay to talk about what’s happened to them,” he said. “They create a space where you feel cared for and listened to.”
“Every step I take on campus…wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity of HopeTree and its supporters. You’re not just changing my life; you’re changing the lives of so many others like me.“
– Rocky Belcher
While at HopeTree, Rocky’s resilience began to shine. He achieved “level four” in the organization’s therapeutic system, a recognition voted on by peers and staff that celebrated his growth and maturity. This milestone symbolized his ability to overcome his past and embrace his potential.
But Rocky didn’t stop there. Despite being the first in his family to pursue higher education, he didn’t let the daunting application process deter him. His dream of attending Ole Miss became reality, inspired in part by watching The Blind Side. When financial barriers threatened his future, HopeTree stepped in again, providing a critical scholarship that covered a significant portion of his tuition.
“Every step I take on campus is a step in the right direction,” Rocky reflected. “It’s a step that wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity of HopeTree and its supporters. You’re not just changing my life; you’re changing the lives of so many others like me.”
Today, Rocky is on a mission. His experiences have inspired him to pursue a career in law, with hopes of advocating for others who feel voiceless. “Kids like me need someone who believes in them,” he explained. “If someone believes in you, it can change everything.”
Looking to the future, Rocky envisions starting a nonprofit to support at-risk youth, providing resources such as tutoring, clothing, and funding for college essentials like computers. “There are so many kids out there with all the potential in the world. They just need an opportunity,” he said.
Rocky’s story is more than a tale of personal triumph; it’s a reminder of the incredible impact a community can have when it invests in its young people. For donors, supporters, and friends of HopeTree, his journey is proof that your contributions create ripples of hope and transformation.
As Rocky works toward his law degree, he carries with him the lessons learned at HopeTree: that everyone has worth, every dream is valid, and every step forward—no matter how small—is a victory.
Picture shows Rocky Belcher and a friend during a Franklin County High School graduation. Photo credit to Rocky Belcher
HopeTree Shines Light on Foster Care Awareness Month: Urges Community Action in Becoming Foster Parents
Home > HopeTree Shines Light on Foster Care Awareness Month: Urges Community Action in Becoming Foster Parents
SALEM, Va. (May 15, 2024) – As May marks Foster Care Awareness Month, HopeTree Family Services is calling attention to the critical need for foster parents and inviting individuals and families to explore the rewarding journey of fostering a child in need. With thousands of children across the nation longing for stable and loving homes, HopeTree is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of foster care and empowering communities to make a difference.
Foster Care Awareness Month serves as an opportunity to highlight the significant role that foster parents play in the lives of vulnerable children and youth. According to recent statistics, there are over 5,000 children in the foster care system in Virginia alone, and the need for caring and supportive foster families continues to grow.
“Every child deserves a safe and nurturing environment where they can thrive and reach their full potential,” said April Estrada, Director of Foster Care at HopeTree Family Services. “Foster Care Awareness Month is a reminder of the urgent need for more individuals and families to step forward and open their hearts and homes to children in foster care. By becoming a foster parent, you have the power to make a profound and lasting impact on a child’s life.”
HopeTree Family Services, a leading nonprofit organization specializing in foster care and adoption services across Viriginia, is committed to supporting and equipping individuals and families throughout their foster care journey. Through comprehensive training, ongoing support, and personalized resources, HopeTree strives to ensure that every foster parent feels empowered and prepared to provide a stable and loving home for children in need.
“Choosing to become a foster parent is a life-changing decision, and we are here to guide and support you every step of the way,” added Estrada. “Whether you’re considering fostering for the first time or have prior experience, HopeTree Family Services offers the resources and expertise to help you navigate the foster care system and make a positive difference in a child’s life.”
Individuals and families interested in learning more about becoming a foster parent with HopeTree Family Services are encouraged to visit www.hopetreefs.org/foster-care or to call 540-389-5468 for more information. By opening your heart and home to a child in need, you can be a beacon of hope and stability during their time of uncertainty.
Join HopeTree Family Services this Foster Care Awareness Month in making a difference in the lives of children in foster care. Together, we can build brighter futures and create a world where every child knows the love and support they deserve.
About HopeTree Family Services HopeTree Family Services, the premier faith-related human services organization in Virginia, offers a wide range of ministries for at-risk children and youth and their families across the state. Programs include Therapeutic Foster Care, Therapeutic Group Homes, Developmental Disabilities Ministry, HopeTree Academy, and Family Centered Treatment. Visit www.hopetreefs.org for more information.
Media Contact Chris Dodd, Director of Marketing & Communications HopeTree Family Services p. (540) 389-5468 ext. 2190 e. chris.dodd@hopetreefs.org
HopeTree Appoints Paxton to Vice President and Chief Operations Officer
Home > HopeTree Appoints Paxton to Vice President and Chief Operations Officer
Randi Paxton
SALEM, Va. (April 16, 2024) – HopeTree Family Services, a leader in mental and behavioral health services, has appointed Randi Paxton as Vice President and Chief Operations Officer. In this role, she is responsible for leading the agency’s programs and services lines that include Therapeutic Foster Care, Therapeutic Group Homes, Developmental Disabilities Ministry, HopeTree Academy, and Family Centered Treatment. Paxton will work with countless internal and external teams to improve and implement changes to increase efficiency and productivity.
Paxton has 22 years of experience working with youth, adults, and families in residential and community-based settings. Before joining HopeTree, Paxton served in a variety of leadership roles in a community-based mental health organization for the past seventeen years, most recently as Executive Director. In addition to her leadership experience, Paxton has worked as a clinician working with high-risk populations, primarily children and families.
“We conducted an exhaustive search for our VP & COO and I could not be happier with Randi’s appointment,” said Jon Morris, President and CEO of HopeTree. “We ultimately chose Randi because of her strengths in balancing the goals of developing people and strong teams while producing growth and quality outcomes that improve the lives of those we serve. Randi is not only a great fit to our current culture, but she will help us build and improve our culture moving forward.”
“Through my career I have devoted my life to helping underserved populations and improving the communities I have lived in,” said Paxton. “I believe that the core of human decency is kindness and compassion, but also serving as the foundation for strong leadership and strong organizations. That’s why my focus will be working with each of our programs to strengthen our services and their quality, ultimately supporting our goal to be the premier faith related human service provider in Virginia.”
A Roanoke native, Paxton holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work from James Madison University. She previously served on the Board for the National Alliance on Mental Illness for six years, and on the Board of Directors for the Virginia Association of Community Based Providers for a total of eight years. Passionate about advocating for those who cannot advocate for themselves, Paxton believes it takes everyone’s involvement to change the landscape of human services to ensure that vulnerable populations have the resources needed to be successful in life.
HopeTree Appoints Estrada to Director of Foster Care & Adoptions
Home > HopeTree Appoints Estrada to Director of Foster Care & Adoptions
April Estrada
SALEM, Va. (April 5, 2024) – HopeTree Family Services, a leader in mental and behavioral health services, has appointed April Estrada as Director of Foster Care & Adoptions where she will be responsible for ensuring the Foster Care program operates in accordance with all licensing and best practice regulations and must ensure that all offices have consistent practices led by leaders who embody the mission and core values of HopeTree. Estrada will work with internal and external teams to improve and implement changes for HopeTree’s Foster Care program with a focus to increase efficiency and productivity.
Estrada has nearly 30 years of experience in foster care and human services, working with youth, and families in residential and community-based settings. Prior to joining HopeTree, Estrada served as the Foster Care Director at Impact Living Services where she started the foster care program. In this role she managed all operations and admissions, wrote policies and procedures, onboarded foster parents, and implemented electronic records for all the organization’s programs.
“I am so excited for April to join our team and be the next leader of our Foster Care Program,” said Jon Morris, President and CEO of HopeTree. “She not only has tremendous passion for serving children and families, but she has a proven track record of leading and growing foster care programs and she is a trusted leader and voice in child welfare across the Commonwealth.”
Estrada admires HopeTree’s dedication to living out the mission and core values and feels that it is easily discernable to anyone in the community who interacts with the organization. “Whether it’s their services, programs, or the people, I have always had deep respect and appreciation for HopeTree,” said Estrada. She says that she is excited about being part of a culture that focuses on enhancing the lives of clients, communities and staff through servant leadership, intentional relationship building, striving for excellence, being good stewards of what we are given and being accountable to each other and others they serve. “Cultivating relationships is the most important thing any of us can do to bring health and healing to any situation. HopeTree gets that.”
Estrada holds a Master of Science degree in Clinical Psychology from Radford University. She has served as past president of the Virginia Association of Licensed Child Placing Agencies, along with serving as a member of Governor Youngkin’s Safe and Sound Task Force, the Floyd County Family Assessment Planning Team, and the Piedmont Region Child Fatality Review Team.
HopeTree Presents HopeGrows Fundraising Event
Home > HopeTree Presents HopeGrows Fundraising Event
SALEM, Va. (July 12, 2023) – HopeTree Family Services, a leader in mental and behavioral health services, is delighted to announce its highly anticipated annual fundraising event, HopeGrows, taking place on Thursday, September 7 at The Taubman Museum of Art in downtown Roanoke. This premier event will bring together philanthropists, community leaders, and compassionate individuals who share a common goal of elevating HopeTree’s programs while making a positive impact on those they serve.
Venue: Taubman Museum of Art, 110 Salem Avenue SE, Roanoke, Virginia, 24011
Guests attending HopeGrows can look forward to an enchanting night of unforgettable experiences. The event will feature:
Master of Ceremonies Jenna Zibton: WSLS 10 news anchor Jenna Zibton will serve as the evening’s master of ceremonies. Jenna has been pivotal for WSLS 10’s ’30 Days of Hope’ program that brings awareness to the successes and challenges of foster care and adoption. Every November since 2017, Jenna has featured children who can be adopted across Virginia, telling their stories along with those of families touched by the foster care system.
Keynote Speaker Tori Hope Petersen: Tori Hope Petersen is the bestselling author of ‘Fostered’ and a sought out national speaker, inspiring audiences to be resilient, suffer well, and change the world with what they have, right where they are, by loving the people in front of them. Tori is a leading advocate in foster care, and has been featured on Good Morning America, Essence, and many other publications sharing her story about being a former foster youth and overcoming to serve others. Tori has equipped and empowered countless churches, organizations, and people to serve the underserved. She also founded the Beloved Initiative, a nonprofit where in community people learn how to become professional lovers of people.
Tori Hope Petersen
Live Entertainment by Flat Five Jazz: Flat Five Jazz is a modern jazz combo based out of Lynchburg, Virginia. A menagerie of backgrounds and influences create a unique, yet beautiful soundscape that is both pleasing and engaging.
Silent Auction: Bid on exclusive items and experiences generously donated by our partners and sponsors. Every contribution made through the auctions will directly benefit HopeTree’s programs.
We are grateful to our event sponsors, whose unwavering support has made HopeGrows possible. Their commitment to HopeTree’s mission and dedication to transforming lives demonstrates the power of collaboration in effecting real change.
Individuals and organizations interested in attending HopeGrows are invited to visit our website at hopetreefs.org/hopegrows for more information and ticket purchases. Limited sponsorship opportunities are also available for those who wish to contribute to the success of this significant event.
HopeTree Showcases Emergency Housing For Displaced Children With Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, Open House
Home > HopeTree Showcases Emergency Housing For Displaced Children With Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, Open House
HopeTree Family Services, a leader in mental and behavioral health services, is addressing the need for safe placements for children in foster care with the unveiling of temporary housing for displaced children. At today’s ribbon cutting and open house, guests were able to tour the building that will serve as a stopgap for those children unable to find immediate placement in a foster home. Attendees included representatives from Roanoke City Department of Social Services, Roanoke County Department of Social Service, the office of Delegate Joseph McNamara, the office of Delegate Sam Rasoul’s offices, Elevation Church, Molina Healthcare, and officials from the City of Salem.
There is a massive shortage of foster homes, kinship family placements, and staffed beds in group homes and residential treatment centers. When a child in foster care is displaced, a social worker or law enforcement personnel must stay overnight with the child. This adds to the stress of an exhausted workforce. Over a six-month period in 2021, 163 children, ranging in age 7-17 years old, in foster care were displaced for at least one night in unsuitable sleeping arrangements.
Working with the Roanoke City and Roanoke County Departments of Social Services, HopeTree is renovating Titmus Cottage, located on their Salem, Va. Campus, to house such children when there is not a foster family readily available. These efforts align with Governor Glenn Youngkin’s initiative outlined in the Foster Care Safe And Sound Task Force Work Plan that launched on April 1, 2022. In total, the cottage will have four bedrooms to accommodate up to eight children until a more permanent placement can be arranged. The average length of stay will vary depending on factors such as available homes or arrangement. Many children may only need a bed for one night, although some have waited 10 or days more to find a suitable placement.
“We are excited to partner with Roanoke County and Roanoke City DSS to utilize Titmus Cottage as a hospitable option when an appropriate placement is not possible,” said Jon Morris, President and CEO of HopeTree. “It can be traumatic when a child is displaced, so we will continue to collaborate with DSS and other partners to ensure that those children who need a safe place to stay can find one as soon as possible.”
The need for this building is so great that HopeTree will start housing displaced children beginning today, November 10. Limited to children within Roanoke City and Roanoke County, other localities are inquiring about placement availability.
Efforts to update and stock Titmus Cottage included a number of purchases for the building to be move-in ready. These items included:
New roof, windows, and carpeting
New furniture: trundle beds, rollaway beds, kitchen cabinets, dressers, sofas, chairs, desks, tables, and countertops
Hygiene Products: Shampoo, conditioner, hair care products, deodorant, toothbrushes and toothpaste, and soap
Food, snacks, games, and televisions
Many of these items could be obtained through the generosity of donors such as Molina Healthcare, Elevation Church, and the Titmus Foundation. “We have committed supporters helping us achieve the financial needs for the project,” explained Lisa Clause, Chief Advancement Officer of HopeTree. “By investing in the future hope of HopeTree, these groups are helping us remedy this community crisis. We thank them for making this home a reality.”
