HopeTree Names Staton Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer

Home > HopeTree Names Staton Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer

Trent Staton to lead growth, fundraising, and innovation efforts across Virginia.

SALEM, Va. (September 29, 2025) – HopeTree Family Services, a leader in mental and behavioral health services, has appointed Trent Staton as Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer (CSIO). In this role, Staton will oversee the organization’s comprehensive development efforts, including fundraising, marketing and communications, business development, strategic partnership development, referral networks, and grant writing. He will serve as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, driving strategic initiatives that strengthen HopeTree’s visibility, impact, and long-term growth.

Staton brings more than 12 years of nonprofit leadership experience to HopeTree, with expertise in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, program expansion, and organizational growth. Most recently, he served as Director of Business Development at Children’s Home Society of North Carolina, where he led statewide partnership development, community relations, and sustainability strategies for new and existing services. Previously, he held leadership positions at Family Preservation Services of Virginia, overseeing operations across multiple Virginia regions.

Throughout his career, Staton has developed strategies that generated significant revenue growth, secured major partnerships, and advanced innovative services in child welfare, mental health, and family support. His leadership is based on a servant leadership model that values collaboration, being data-informed, and mission-driven, with a “no ego” policy that puts the needs of the community first in all things.

“My life’s calling is to help children, youth, and families experience stability and hope,” said Staton. “I was a youth who would have greatly benefited from support and services, especially from a faith-related organization, so this work is very personal for me.” Staton believes that when human service organizations and communities come together with intention and shared purpose, “together we can co-create spaces of healing that break the cycles of trauma and hardships that many experience, providing generational well-being that changes lives. HopeTree’s mission reflects that vision, and I am grateful to join in this work.”

“We are thrilled to welcome Trent Staton back to Virginia and to HopeTree Family Services as our first Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer,” Jon Morris, President and CEO of HopeTree, stated. “Trent’s business acumen, his proven track record in nonprofit leadership, and his commitment to servant leadership will be invaluable as we advance our mission and expand our impact across Virginia. We are excited to have his vision, energy, and passion to help us create new opportunities for healing, growth, and hope for the communities we serve.”

Staton is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in North Carolina and holds a Duke Nonprofit Management Certificate. He is completing his Master of Business Administration at Longwood University in October 2025 and earned a Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Liberty University. Staton has also served as a community leader with the Children’s Alliance in Charlotte, N.C., and as an advocate for early childhood mental health and men’s mental health.

HopeTree Receives Grant to Implement Accessibility Upgrades to Abingdon Group Home

Home > HopeTree Receives Grant to Implement Accessibility Upgrades to Abingdon Group Home

SALEM, Va. (September 19, 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 the Wellspring Foundation of Southwest Virginia. This funding will go toward accessibility upgrades for HopeTree’s Developmental Disability Ministry (DDM) group home located in Abingdon, VA.

“HopeTree Family Services appreciates the support from the Wellspring Foundation,” said Randi Paxton, vice president and chief operations officer at HopeTree Family Services. “The Foundation’s investment in Abingdon’s DDM program demonstrates their dedication to the region through empowering positive changes for lives for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.”

HopeTree’s Developmental Disabilities Ministry (DDM) provides compassionate, person-centered care for adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Through a network of 17 safe, supportive group homes across Virginia, the program offers a nurturing environment where individuals can thrive, achieve greater independence, and engage with their community. Through personalized care, life skills training, and community engagement, individuals are supported to reach their full potential while ensuring their dignity and well-being.

The program’s goal is to provide a safe and enriching home environment while fostering independence, personal growth, and a sense of belonging. With dedicated staff, and individualized care plans, the DDM program empowers residents to achieve their fullest potential. Each group home is licensed and monitored by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services.

The Wellspring Foundation of Southwest Virginia serves Virginia residents of Washington, Grayson, Russell and Smyth counties through investments in health, children & families, workforce development, education and economic development. More information on programs that the Wellspring Foundation supports can be found at wellspringva.org.

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.

HopeTree Receives Anne Felder Fund Grant to Enhance Developmental Disabilities Ministry Homes

Home > HopeTree Receives Anne Felder Fund Grant to Enhance Developmental Disabilities Ministry Homes

SALEM, Va. (March 31, 2025) – HopeTree Family Services, a leading provider of mental and behavioral health services, is honored to receive a grant from The Community Foundation’s Anne Felder Fund. This funding will support much-needed updates to HopeTree’s Developmental Disabilities Ministry (DDM) homes in Fredericksburg, Virginia, providing communal furniture for residents of the Kelly and Cates Homes. These improvements will enhance the comfort, quality of life, and sense of community for the individuals who call these homes their own.

“HopeTree Family Services appreciates the partnership and support from The Anne Felder Fund and The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region,” said Randi Paxton, Chief Operating Officer of HopeTree Family Services. “The Community Foundation’s investment in Fredericksburg’s DDM program continues to demonstrate their dedication to the legacy of service for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.”

HopeTree’s Developmental Disabilities Ministry operates 17 homes throughout Virginia, offering residential services, life skills training, and community engagement to help individuals achieve greater independence while ensuring their dignity and well-being. Each home is licensed and monitored by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, ensuring the highest standards of care.

The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region manages charitable giving for Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, and Caroline counties, as well as the City of Fredericksburg. The Anne Felder Fund is dedicated to improving the lives of intellectually disabled and disadvantaged individuals in the Fredericksburg area, making a lasting impact through strategic investments in local programs.

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

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HopeTree Awarded Grants from Multiple Foundations

Home > HopeTree Awarded Grants from Multiple Foundations

_{Grant contributions awarded for HopeTree programs that enhance quality of life for residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities and expand educational programs.}

SALEM, Va. (June 18, 2024) – HopeTree Family Services, a leader in mental and behavioral health services, is proud to announce they have won received grants from multiple foundations that will assist with various projects to enhance HopeTree programs. Beneficiary programs include the Development Disabilities Ministry (DDM) and HopeTree Academy.

A grant won through The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region will provide funding for updates designated for the Kelly Home, a Fredericksburg, Virginia-based DDM group home for adults with intellectual disabilities. Proceeds from this grant will go toward renovation projects that will enhance the quality of life for the home residents including painting and trim updates. Additionally, a grant won through the Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia will fund a back-up generator for the Horne Home in Martinsville, Virginia. This project supplies a much-needed secondary power supply, to ensure residents’ comfort.

“The DDM program through HopeTree Family Services wishes to express our gratitude for the long-standing support and collaboration with The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region and The Community Foundation Serving Western Virgina,” said Kristen West, Director of HopeTree’s Developmental Disabilities Ministry. “These investments in the DDM program demonstrate their continued dedication to the legacy of service for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We look forward to continuing our relationship and are deeply appreciative for these investments.”

The Kelly and Horne Homes are part of HopeTree’s Development Disabilities Ministry (DDM,) which provides residential services while encouraging independent living for adult individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The DDM program’s main priority is to provide a comfortable and supportive environment where individuals can make choices in their daily living for maximum quality of life, supported by staff and resources. Each group home is licensed and monitored by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. HopeTree operates 17 DDM homes throughout Virginia.

The Community Foundation serves the Rappahannock River Region by managing charitable giving in Virginia for the counties of Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, and Caroline, and the City of Fredericksburg. The Anne Felder Fund provides support to improve and enrich the lives of the intellectually disabled and disadvantaged population of Fredericksburg. The Community Foundation Serving Western Virginia supports non-profits in the Roanoke and Martinsville service region through various grant and donor fund programs.

HopeTree has also been awarded a grant by the Kiwanis Club of Roanoke, that is designated to provide funding for expansion of HopeTree Academy’s science program through the purchase of five new microscopes.

“HopeTree Academy was sincerely honored to have been selected to receive the Kiwanis grant to purchase microscopes for our students,“ said Dr. Laurie McCracken, Director of HopeTree Academy, “Thank you for your generosity in allowing our students to be able to use the microscopes in the science lab, enabling them to learn better through hands-on experiences. Our students were thrilled to be able to visualize all kinds of tiny objects, such as cells, microorganisms, tissue structures, materials, and electronics.”