“The person who trusts in the Lord whose confidence indeed is the Lord, is blessed. He will be like a tree planted by water: it sends its roots out toward a stream, it doesn’t fear when heat comes, and its foliage remains green. It will not worry in a year of drought or cease producing fruit.”

Jeremiah 17:7-8

Words of Gratitude

On a strip of land along the coast of California, the world’s tallest and oldest trees tower like sentries, withstanding fires, floods, and powerful winds. Their trunks are majestic, their canopy breathtaking. But it is their root system, the unseen tapestry beneath the surface of the earth, that is especially captivating. Reaching only 10 to 13 feet into the soil, the redwood’s roots are not anchored by depth. Rather, their secret to standing fast lies in their interconnected root system. The source of a redwood’s success is not found in its individual strength, but in the support it receives from its fellow trees.

Dear friends, FHC could not be a loving home and haven without you. Our vision is that with God’s guidance, every vulnerable child in Ecuador has a loving and stable family. This requires the interwoven unique giftings of many to ensure vulnerable children can grow healthy and strong and reach their potential. One act at a time, you are helping to build God’s kingdom, a thriving forest that compels others to look up in awe at the One who sustains them.

Jennifer Thomas, Executive Director

Financial summary based on the consolidated budget from the US and Ecuador.

2023 Contributions

82.6%

of total contributions came through general fund

7.3%

of total contributions came through sponsorship

7.9%

of total contributions were restricted funds for specific needs

2.2%

of total contributions were other net revenue

2023 Expenses

84.2%

of total expenses were for program services and delivery

13.6%

of total expenses went to administration and savings

2.2%

of total expenses went to fundraising to carry out the mission

YOUR

impact

When asked what does “home” mean for eighteen-year-old Lucas*, Veronica, who has helped care for him since he was a baby, responds without hesitating, “Familia. Todos somos una familia.” (Family. We are all family).

Indeed, that is what Casa Esperanza has been for Lucas, who has a diagnosis of Down syndrome. It has been more than a place providing him with shelter, meals, and clothing. It has been a refuge, a haven, a home. It is where his family of tias (caregivers), therapists, and peers have taught him, recognized his needs and giftings, played alongside him, and given him unconditional love. Because of your support, Lucas’s days are fulfilling and enriching.

Since graduating high school, Lucas now enjoys working as an assistant to the tias in the home. Veronica affectionately describes Lucas as a sweet, loving, caring, helpful young man who is a team-player. His character is a reflection of the loving home he has been raised in.

Thank you for providing more than his basic needs. Thank you for making it possible for Lucas to be raised in a loving family through FHC.

At just two and three years of age, they arrived at FHC in early December crying and dirty from living on the streets. Inseparable their first few weeks in the home, Laura* and Franco* would start anxiously crying any time they had to be apart. Their beds had to be adjacent so they could fall asleep holding hands.

After just a few weeks, however, Laura and Franco began to adapt to their new home. Now they are less insecure when apart, and though they share a bedroom, they no longer need to be side-by-side.

Besides the attention and care from the caregivers, FHC prioritizes the emotional and psychological well-being of each child. Because of your support, Laura and Franco are able to receive professional therapy sessions. Through songs, books about safety, dolls, stuffed animals, and role-playing, Josue (FHC’s psychologist) is helping them process their past trauma. He constantly reminds them of how special they are and that they are in a safe and protected place.

Because of you, Laura’s and Franco’s quick, wide smiles are evidence of a hopeful future for these two precious siblings!

“Why are you crying?” he asked with sincere surprise. Andy’s* tia (caregiver) had given her best attempt to hide her tears and muster a smile. This was a joyous occasion after all. Andy was leaving the home because he had finally been adopted into a forever family. But he was going to be missed.

“You don’t need to worry!” Andy said with simple confidence when his tia explained her tears. “Remember what you taught us? We will see each other again in heaven!”

This recent exchange illustrates the spiritual calling and responsibility of each of FHC’s caregivers. Whether through reading Bible stories before bedtime, praying before meals, attending church, or simply talking about God throughout the day, our prayer is that such interactions will leave lifelong imprints on a child’s life, and impact him or her for eternity. Andy’s certainty of a reunion in heaven is evidence of that impact.

We don’t know each child’s future, but FHC’s tias, pastors, Sunday school teachers, and counselors have faith that the seeds they are planting today will reap a harvest in each child’s heart and life someday. Please be praying the Holy Spirit continues to provide our staff with guidance, patience, and wisdom. And thank you for making this spiritual care possible through your generosity.

*Childrens’ names have been changed to protect their privacy.

YOU MADE POSSIBLE...

Children & young adults received 24/7, loving care

Family

Reunifications

Adoptions

As we begin 2024, we continue to strive to maintain quality, individualized care for each child and young adult at FHC. Your support has allowed us to provide for their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Thanks to your generosity, the children and young adults have been able to enjoy nutritious meals, personalized education that meets each child’s specific learning needs, medical treatment, various types of therapies, loving care from their tias, and Biblical discipleship from our spiritual leaders and volunteers.

At FHC, we endeavor to create a warm and nurturing environment where children, adolescents, and young adults know they are loved, accepted, and embraced. FHC is more than a haven for Ecuador’s most vulnerable children. It is a home. It is our prayer that we continue to be a place where they can thrive, dream, and reach their God-given potential.

While most children are reunited with their biological families or adopted into forever families, there are those who have more severe special needs who will remain at FHC indefinitely. With this reality comes adaptations we must make related to an aging and growing population.

Through your support, FHC is intentionally providing meaningful and purposeful opportunities for the young adults, whether it be employing them as tias’ assistants so they can earn their own income, providing classes and courses such as gardening and culinary arts, and encouraging them to pursue their own interests and hobbies during their free time.

As we adapt to caring for all ages, we aim to foster an environment where each child and young adult can continue learning and engaging in fulfilling and enriching activities in each season of his or her life.

Finally, as we look ahead in this new year, we reflect on our purpose and vision: “With God’s guidance, every vulnerable child in Ecuador has a loving and stable family.” This compels us to expand our vision beyond the walls of FHC and seek God’s guidance in how we can make a greater impact to ensure this vision becomes a reality. This requires understanding the various social and economic situations in Ecuador that directly affect children and their families. Caring for children under our roofs in Quito and Latacunga addresses only one part of a much greater need.

Our strategic plan includes expanding to include outreach staff to reach local communities in order to provide training and counseling to parents. We recognize that vulnerable children and families need to have access to various services such as healthy meals, quality education, and therapies. We will be working with local churches to educate on how to best support the work of caring vulnerable children. As is apparent, there is still much work to be done. It is our joy and privilege to have you partner with us as we look to the future, asking our Heavenly Father to continue to guide us in caring for His precious children - both in our homes and in our greater communities.

20

24

Board of

Directors

(left to right)

Augusto de la Torre

Rachel Gunderson

Erin Corniea

Jennifer Thomas

Rebecca Carpenter

Beatriz Valverde

Jhonatan Ayala

Andres Valenzuela