Activating your church to champion families

Ten years ago, two friends and foster moms sparked an idea to help families like theirs in a very practical way. Because kids often come into care with nothing, providing for their immediate, tangible needs can be expensive. So with their church’s blessing and full support, they started Closet of Hope.

This volunteer-led ministry—hosted at Together Church in Wyoming, Michigan—provides gently used items for families caring for children through foster care, adoption, guardianship/kinship, and Safe Families for Children.

Families and kids can find clothes, shoes, books, toys, freezer meals, and more. But they also find community with other families who understand, like few can, the joys and challenges of their specific parenting journey. Beyond the name on the sign, “together” captures the church’s philosophy of how they want to show up and serve. Closet of Hope intentionally partners with local churches, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and community donations to bless families. All from the simple premise that everyone can do something to make a difference.