A Bold New Chapter of Hope
By Ken Sparks, CEO and President of Children’s HopeChest
At Children’s HopeChest, we’ve always believed that sustainable transformation is rooted in dignity, ownership, and the belief that every community holds within itself the power to thrive.
For more than two decades, we’ve partnered with communities around the world, working together to create a future that doesn’t depend on outside support but is led by local leaders with a long-term vision.
Now, we stand at a remarkable threshold.
In late 2026, the first wave of CarePoints will graduate, marking a bold, new milestone in our global mission. These graduations mark the moment when a CarePoint transitions into a fully independent, locally led organization, equipped with the tools, leadership, and economic foundation to carry forward the work without HopeChest’s ongoing financial involvement.
This is the natural outcome of everything we’ve built together.
A Model Designed for Independence
From the beginning, the HopeChest model has focused on development—not dependency. Sponsorship funds haven’t just met the immediate needs of a few children. Instead, they’ve strengthened households in our programs, equipped local leadership, launched income-generating initiatives, and invested in community infrastructure that can stand on its own.
The goal has never been to remain in a community indefinitely. It’s to equip each one with what they need to thrive on their own terms.
In other words, graduation is not a surprise. It’s the plan. It’s the point at which we know the model has worked.
From Crisis to Capability
Each CarePoint follows a life cycle. It begins by building trust and meeting urgent needs for vulnerable children. Then, families are equipped to care for their own. Eventually, the community moves toward long-term sustainability through micro-finance initiatives and leadership development.
Along the way, something remarkable happens: Families become more self-sufficient. Youth and adults step into leadership. Communities begin to own their future.
The journey of a CarePoint follows a compelling arc:
In the early years, trust is fragile, and needs are urgent. But hope is planted.
As time passes, local leaders are equipped. Families grow resilient. Youth rise to lead.
Then comes the shift—the powerful moment when external support gives way to internal momentum.
This is what we call CarePoint Graduation—From no hope… to: “we can do this!”
Graduation doesn’t mean that a community no longer faces challenges. However, it means they are now facing those challenges with confidence, resources, and leadership that come from within.
And in just a short time, the first communities in the HopeChest constellation—in Ethiopia and Uganda—will celebrate this incredible transition. This is not only their graduation, but also our U.S. Partners’ realization of their investment in igniting hope. It is the moment we’ve all been working toward, praying for, and believing in.
A graduated CarePoint is:
- Running its own programs
- Generating its own revenue
- Raising up its next generation of leaders
- Owning its own vision for community transformation
Introducing the “Pathway to Graduation” Series
Over the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing stories, voices, and insights in a new content series called “Pathway to Graduation.”
You’ll hear from in-country leaders, U.S. Partners, and the families who have lived this journey firsthand. You’ll discover what graduation means, how it’s being prepared for, and why this transformative model sets HopeChest apart.You’ll hear from in-country leaders, U.S. Partners, and the families who have lived this journey firsthand. You’ll discover what graduation means, how it’s being prepared for, and why this transformative model sets HopeChest apart.
We want you—our partners, supporters, and friends—to be part of this historic moment.
Thank You
To everyone who has given, prayed, visited, and stood with these communities—thank you. Your faithfulness is bearing fruit in ways you may never have expected to see.
But soon, you will.
You’ll witness communities standing strong. You’ll see leaders you helped raise now leading others. You’ll see hope passed from one generation to the next.
Let’s continue to walk this journey together, celebrating what God has done and anticipating what’s still to come.
With gratitude and excitement,
