As we spring forward into March, this month we will feature five incredible "Stories of Hope" to provide you encouragement in this season. First up, meet Whitney and Demetrius.

Whitney and Demetrius have been cottage (foster) parents with Place of Hope for five years. They have cared for 21 children to date. Each one of those children came in scared, confused, or angry. However, after having experienced love, safety, structure, family, and consistency at Place of Hope, they were filled with hope for their bright futures.

"It is a challenge. But it is a challenge we agreed on together. And watching them transform, grow up and go on to their next step in life is so rewarding. We could not be prouder or more honored that we had a hand in that." Whitney shares.

"I look at it like a butterfly effect. We wrap around them, pour in to them, and overtime, they spread their wings and fly." Demetrius explains.

What makes Whitney and Demetrius' story so remarkable, is that when they both were kids, they too were in foster care at Place of Hope. "When these girls come in to care, we can see that they are nervous and scared, and often will guard themselves. We see it because that was us - we lived through that experience. But overtime, by being consistent, doing what we say we are going to do, keeping our word, loving on them, spending time with them - we see them open up and begin to heal," says Whitney.

This amazing couple met as kids in foster care while living across the street from each other on Place of Hope's flagship Paxson Campus in Palm Beach Gardens. The campus, designed to look like a regular gated neighborhood, provided a foundation of what life could look like. The two bonded, and became friends. Eventually, both Whitney and Demetrius were adopted separately and lost touch.

A few years later, they reconnected through a friend from church and began dating. After starting a family of their own, they felt God calling them back to Place of Hope to be foster parents and to sow back into the ministry that helped them when they needed it most.

Whitney and Demetrius' lives were dramatically impacted because of our committed and dedicated friends, like you. It is because of God's provision and you, your support, your advocacy, your time, talent, and resources that Whitney and Demetrius received the care they needed and deserved, and then could in turn sow into another 21 children's lives.

THANK YOU.

You are one life, helping impact generations of lives. We appreciate you.

On behalf of our children, families, board members, and staff at Place of Hope, we want to extend our deepest gratitude for your participation in Place of Hope’s 2025 LEXUS Hope Bash. We are incredibly thankful that you chose to share this meaningful evening with us, and your support is invaluable.

We are especially grateful for our Event Chairs—Marla Paxson, Nicole Paxson, and Dr. Arghavan Welch—whose leadership and dedication were vital in bringing this event to life. Our heartfelt thanks to our sponsors, committee members, and volunteers who generously gave their time, resources, and talents. Without your support, this evening would not have been possible.

A special thank you to our Title Sponsor, LEXUS Palm Beach, and our Presenting Sponsors, The Paxson Family Foundation, Gardens Orthodontics, Jupiter Orthodontics, and Welch Law. Your generosity has played an essential role in raising the critical funds necessary to continue and expand our programs and services.

Place of Hope is dedicated to offering a secure and nurturing setting for children, youth, and families facing crisis. Your support has enabled us to continue to provide neighborhood foster care, affordable transitional housing, maternity care, human trafficking prevention and intervention, education, enrichment, and health and wellness.

These essential pillars have contributed to our recognition, by Charity Navigator, as the top nonprofit in the nation for Youth Development, Shelter, and Crisis Services. This esteemed accolade is a testament to both God’s provision and your support.

THANK YOU!

Over the years, Gina Franano has served as Executive Director for several noteworthy groups including the Gary & Vivienne Player Foundation and Connected Warriors, and was the Development Director for notable foundations including the ARC, Home Safe, Big Dog Ranch Rescue, and the Hanley Foundation. Today, Franano is Vice President of Advancement - Mid County.

"My heartfelt purpose is to raise funds to benefit children and families in need. Working with such a phenomenal team at Place of Hope inspires me every day to add to their incredible success." 

As the newest member of our team, Robin Friedman has 25 years of diverse business development experience including financial and asset management, sales, marketing, and philanthropic management and fundraising.

Most recently Robin spent eight years with Big Dog Ranch Rescue as Executive Director of Philanthropy where she led the Development Department responsible for donor development, major gifts, capital campaign, and events raising $20 million in 2024.

Robin joins us as our new Vice President of Philanthropy and we are thrilled to have her!

Congratulations and happy 23rd Anniversary to our Board Chairman, Mickey Nocera!

We are so blessed by your visionary leadership and your commitment to the children, youth and families we care for each day.

It is an honor and a privilege to serve along side you!

Children are being exploited and abused. Families are facing homelessness and are desperate for a safe place to call home.

Thanks to the Schmitt Family, our Boca Raton Campus now has more safe and stable, affordable transitional housing for those in need. Together, we have launched a campaign to help end child abuse and homelessness.

As we look to the future, we are excited to announce the launch of our "God's Children. Our Future." Campaign. This 10-year initiative will enable us to continue providing life-changing care to children, youth, and families, while also expanding our efforts to meet the growing demand for affordable transitional housing and creating a sustainable endowment for the future legacy of Place of Hope.

Please join us and many others like The Schmitt Family - and take action today.

Contact Place of Hope's Founding CEO and Board Member, Charles Bender at CharlesB@placeofhope.com or call 561-775-7195.

Check out Dr. Chris Meek's podcast, "Next Steps Forward," featuring Place of Hope Founding CEO, Charles Bender.

On the podcast, Charles shares insights on how Place of Hope is creating lasting change through its wide range of programs, from foster care initiatives to restoration services. With a passion for building brighter futures, Charles highlights the powerful impact of community support and the importance of offering hope during uncertain times.

Whether you are looking to get involved with impactful organizations or simply seeking a dose of inspiration, this episode is sure to leave you motivated to take action and make a difference. Check it out anytime on VoiceAmerica - Live Internet Talk Radio. Click the link below to listen to the podcast.

When you include Place of Hope in your estate plan, your generosity helps families break the cycles of abuse, neglect, homelessness, poverty and human trafficking. We are committed to meeting desperate needs in our community by sharing God’s love and placing hope in their lives – one life at a time.

Planned giving is a way to make a lasting impact on the future of Place of Hope. By designating gifts in your will or through other long-term plans, you create a legacy that supports children, families, and individuals in need for generations to come.

Born Joseph, Barnabas was given the nickname "Son of Encouragement" by the Apostles. Throughout scripture, we see him as a loving and supportive figure, consistently encouraging others and demonstrating selfless generosity. His actions inspired those around him and earned him a reputation as a champion of goodness and nobility.

Naming our Legacy Society in honor of Barnabas reflects the spirit of those who are making provisions for Place of Hope through their estate planning.

Whether your gift is a bequest, a charitable gift annuity, a gift from your IRA, a trust or a simple gift of cash, we invite you to join the Barnabas Legacy Society by making a planned gift. Become part of an esteemed group of leaders who are championing the transformative work being done in the lives of children, youth, and families in need through Place of Hope.

To learn more about Place of Hope's Legacy Society, The Barnabas Group, contact our Vice President of Philanthropy, RobinF@placeofhope.com or call 561-775-7195 ext 58.