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Uniting Hope is a tax-exempt nonprofit that reported $2.6 million in revenue for tax year 2023 and is led by Executive Director Kayla Merritt.

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Monthly Update – December 2025

We have had the joy of being in so many churches this year, and this Sunday, for Pure Religion Sunday, we will have members of our team serving at FOUR different church locations! We love this because it reflects what we believe God intended all along: the people of God, working alongside God, in community, to serve the world. At Uniting Hope, we believe the Church is a vital part of the answer to the foster care crisis. We partner with churches because when the Church shows up, families are strengthened, children are cared for, and communities are changed. We are grateful for every church that welcomes us, partners with us, and says YES to being part of this work. ❤️ #UnitingHope #PureReligionSunday #ChurchPartnership #FosterCare

❤️ Foster care isn’t always easy, so sometimes it’s about celebrating the little wins, the small milestones and growing trust. Meet the Albers family and hear about their fostering journey with Uniting Hope. We are grateful for families who open their hearts and homes to children, and for the opportunity to walk alongside them through the challenges and the victories, big and small. #UnitingHope #FosterCare #FosteringStories

Last month, our Uniting Hope team had an incredible experience at the CAFO Summit in Atlanta! 🙌 We each had the opportunity to attend breakout sessions tailored to our specific roles, gaining new insight and tools to better serve children and families. We were also deeply encouraged in the general sessions to continue pursuing the work of foster care with excellence, compassion, and hope. We are grateful for opportunities like this that strengthen our team and help us serve even better. 💙 #UnitingHope #CAFOSummit #FosterCare

A beautiful weekend of fellowship and fun in the great outdoors! 🍂⛺️ A few weeks ago foster parents, children, and Uniting Hope team members gathered for our annual Uniting Hope Family Camping Trip. From Friday night through Sunday morning, we shared five meals together, enjoyed special activities for the kids, and the parents even got a little time to relax 🙂 There were plenty of s’mores around the fire, beautiful fall weather and a special Sunday morning worship time together. ❤️ It is an honor to spend time with our families and make memories together! #UnitingHope #FosterCare #catchakitten

What a night! 🎪🎡 It has been a little over a month since our 2026 Gala brought together 200+ guests, 14 incredible sponsors, and a community committed to bringing hope to children and families navigating foster care. Together, we surpassed our fundraising goal, fueling Uniting Hope’s ability to serve more children and families. We are so deeply grateful to everyone who made this night possible. Take a look back at an unforgettable evening! 💙 #UnitingHope #UnitingHopeGala2026 #FosterCare

Curious about foster care but not sure where to begin? Our monthly virtual info sessions are a simple, welcoming way to learn more about foster care and how Uniting Hope walks alongside families every step of the way. Hosted on Zoom, these sessions offer an overview of foster care in Georgia, what it means to partner with Uniting Hope, and the support available to families who feel called to open their homes. You’ll hear from our team, learn what the licensing process looks like, and have the opportunity to ask questions in a relaxed, no-pressure setting. This photo is of the Molinas, a Uniting Hope foster family. 💛 Click the link in our bio to register! #FosterCare #Info #GetYourHopesUp #UnitingHope

For more than 10 years, the Moore family and the Bushway family have been saying “yes” to children and families impacted by foster care, together. ❤️ The Moores opened their home as a foster family, while the Bushways came alongside them as a respite family. We first shared their story at our Uniting Hope Gala in September, and we’re excited to share it with you now. Thank you, Moores and Bushways, for over a decade of faithfully showing up. Hope grows when we serve together. 💙 #UnitingHope #FosterCare #RespiteCare

A night full of laughter, beauty, celebration, and so much HOPE. ✨ Our “Night at the Fair” was certainly a lot of fun, but underneath all the lights, games, treats, and joy was something even more meaningful: a community coming together for children and families. Every photo holds a little piece of the night, but the real story is what happens beyond the gala. It’s foster families saying yes. It’s children finding safety and belonging. It’s churches stepping into the story. It’s supporters giving generously and reminding us that this work matters. We are so grateful for everyone who made this night possible and for the many ways you continue to stand with Uniting Hope. What a gift to celebrate the work God is doing through this community. 🎪🎟️🎩🤹🏽‍♂️

🎡✨ What a night! Thank you to everyone who made the Uniting Hope Gala so special and so successful! We are incredibly grateful for our community of supporters, sponsors, foster families, and church partners who continue to believe in this work and make it possible. Celebrating and advancing the essential work of foster care at our “Night at the Fair” was truly magical. Thank you for being part of the Uniting Hope story. We are so grateful for each of you! 🎠💫

🎪✨ TONIGHT’S THE NIGHT! ✨🎪 A little sneak peek of what is waiting for you! 🎠🎟️ Tonight, we will gather to celebrate HOPE. Hope for children. Hope for families. Hope for restoration. And hope for what God is doing through a community that chooses to say YES. 💙 The lights are going up, the fair is coming to life, and we can’t wait to welcome you! 🎪✨ See you tonight! #NightAtTheFair #UnitingHope #HopeForFamilies #FosterCare #GalaNight

Can’t make it to our event on Friday? You can still be part of the night! 🎪 Even if you can’t join us in person, there are still TWO ways you can support the mission: 🏡 Fund a Family — Make a contribution that directly supports foster families as they care for children. 🎟️ Golden Ticket — You can still purchase a Golden Ticket for your chance to win! (Must be a Georgia resident to participate.) You may not be in the room, but you can still make an impact. Thank you for helping us create more hope, one family at a time!✨🎪✨

🎪We’re just 1 week away from our Uniting Hope Gala! There’s a few seats left, we’d love for you to join us as we celebrate and advance our impact in local foster care. 🎪 Watch Brian & Kayla give a preview of all the fun we have planned for our theme - “A Night at the Fair”✨ You can purchase tickets or still participate in the Golden Ticket raffle and make a donation even if you can’t come to the event. Link in bio.

🎟✨ GOLDEN TICKET GIVEAWAY! ✨🎟 What if $100 could send you on the trip of a lifetime and support local foster care? We would love to see all of you at our Uniting Hope Gala on Sept 11th, but if you can’t make it, you can still donate & Play the Golden Ticket raffle! 🎉 One lucky winner will choose from FOUR incredible trips: 🌻 Tuscany – 6 nights in Italy + private chef dinner 🌺 Costa Rica – 5 nights all-inclusive - choose from luxury beachfront or rainforest resort 🌴 Napa Valley – 3 nights in a boutique inn, just 5 minutes from downtown Napa 🎶 Pro Sports Passport – 3 nights - Choose Boston, Chicago, Phoenix, or Denver 💛 Every ticket helps us care for vulnerable children in our community. Check out the event page here: https://app.betterunite.com/unitinghope-gala2026 #GoldenTicketRaffle #UnitingHopeGala #FosterHopeWinBig #VacationForACause #SupportFosterCare

We are SO grateful for all of our incredible Table Sponsors! 🤍 They aren’t just supporting the work of Uniting Hope and helping make our Gala night special, they are filling the room with people who believe in and support foster families, children, and the work of bringing hope to families in our community. We are honored by each person, buisness and organization who has chosen to partner with us in this way. Your support makes a difference, and we can’t wait to celebrate together! ✨ Thank you for helping us fill the room with HOPE! 🎪

The Uniting Hope Gala is coming up on Friday, Sept 11th & of course a big question is always “What do I wear?” 💃🏼🕺🏽 The attire is “Upscale cocktail,” which means men typically wear a sport coat ✨ with dress pants or a suit and tie. Women often choose a cocktail dress, elegant jumpsuit, or dressy separates. 👗👔🎩 If you attended last year & want to wear the same style, that’s fine too! We just can’t wait to enjoy a beautiful & impactful event with you.

A BIG thank you to the @truetts_chickfila_grayson team for partnering with us for National Nonprofit Day by hosting a diaper drive to support the children and families we serve! ❤️ We are so grateful to everyone in the community who donated and helped fill the diaper collection with much-needed supplies. Your generosity makes a real difference! Everyone can do something to support kids and families impacted by foster care. Maybe it’s donating diapers, volunteering your time, opening your home, making a financial gift, or simply sharing the mission. It all matters.🫶 Thank you, Truetts Chick-fil-A Grayson, for helping bring our community together to care for kids and families! 🐮❤️ #NationalNonprofitDay #UnitingHope #FosterCare #SupportKidsAndFamilies #CommunityPartners ItTakesAVillage

🎪The Uniting Hope Gala is Friday Sept 11th… and Dean Crownover is with us again! 🎟️ Dean Crownover will bring the energy as we... -Plays “Heads or Tails” to win a Tennessee Mountain Cabin Getaway -“Paddle Pull” to win Athens staycation, Chick-fil-a for 1 year & Savannah Bananas swag -Donate to “Fund-a-Family” to directly support the work of hope in foster care -Raffle for the “Golden Ticket” to win an epic trip Join us for a beautiful & fun event! If you can’t be present but still want to contribute, you can still purchase Raffle tickets or donate to Fund-a-Family ➡️ Swipe to see the details #UnitingHopeGala #UnitingHope

🎟✨ GALA GOLDEN TICKET RAFFLE! ✨🎟 What if $100 could send you on the trip of a lifetime and support local foster care? 🎉 One lucky winner will choose from FOUR incredible trips: 🌻 Tuscany – 6 nights in Italy + private chef dinner 🌺 Costa Rica – 5 nights all-inclusive - choose from luxury beachfront or rainforest resort 🌴 Napa Valley – 3 nights in a boutique inn, just 5 minutes from downtown Napa 🎶 Pro Sports Passport – 3 nights - Choose Boston, Chicago, Phoenix, or Denver Only a limited number of tickets available! 💛 Every ticket helps us care for vulnerable children in our community. #GoldenTicketRaffle #UnitingHopeGala #FosterHopeWinBig #VacationForACause #SupportFosterCare

Some days, hope can look like… Clothes, favorite snacks, and a freezer meal—all gathered with love to support families on their reunification journey. 💙 #ReunificationBaskets #GetYourHopesUp #SupportFamilies #Love #Care

We’re excited to recognize Graystone Church as one of our Presenting Sponsors for the 2026 Uniting Hope Gala on September 11! 🎡 Thank you Graystone Church for your generous ongoing partnership. This support makes a powerful difference in the lives of children and families we have the privilege of serving. Interested in becoming a corporate sponsor or attending the event? Learn more on the event page linked in our bio or email bburchik@unitinghope.org #UnitingHopeGala #GetYourHopesUp #UnitingHope

The official theme for this year’s Uniting Hope Gala is... 🎪 A Night at the Fair 🎡 Think twinkling lights, nostalgic summer evenings, great food, and a beautiful night with friends…all in support of children and families impacted by foster care. 📅 Friday, September 11, 2026 📍 Bethlehem Church 👗 Attire: Upscale Mocktail Reserve your seat today! We can’t wait to see you there! #UnitingHope #Gala #GetYourHopesUp

What a (summer family fun) day! ☀️ Last weekend, our Uniting Hope families and staff enjoyed a summer party hosted by our Board Member, Kevin Boeckman, and his family. From swimming and water activities to sharing dinner together, the day was filled with laughter, connection, and fun. It truly was the best time! 💙💦 #Summer #GetYourHopesUp #Family #UnitingHope

You’re invited! ✨ Join us for the 2nd Annual Uniting Hope Gala on Friday, September 11 at Bethlehem Church. Experience a beautiful night to celebrate and support the impact Uniting Hope is making for children and families navigating foster care. Theme reveal next week! 👀 Get your tickets at the link in our bio. 🎟️ #Gala #UnitingHope #GetYourHopesUp

23 homemade frozen meals made with so much love by students during FBC Monroe’s Serve Week! 🫶🏼 These meals will go to our foster families for those nights when having dinner already taken care of makes all the difference. A huge thank you to Melinda Walker, one of our faithful Uniting Hope volunteers, for leading the way! We’re so grateful for her heart to serve! #ThankYou #SupportFosterCare #FrozenMeals #GetYourHopesUp

At Uniting Hope, we are privileged to walk the kids in our care home, wherever that journey leads. While every foster care story is different and not every journey ends in adoption, we are thrilled to celebrate with the Irby Family on their adoption that took place earlier this year! “These two beautiful kiddos bless us daily. When we started our fostering journey, we had no idea we would end up with a forever family. Oakley and Jacob are so special to us.” Thank you for saying “yes” to foster care! ❤️ #UnitingHope #Adoption #FosterCare

Curious about foster care but not sure where to begin? Our virtual info sessions are a simple, welcoming way to learn more about foster care and how Uniting Hope walks alongside families every step of the way. Hosted on Zoom, these sessions offer an overview of foster care in Georgia, what it means to partner with Uniting Hope, and the support available to families who feel called to open their homes. You’ll hear from our team, learn what the licensing process looks like, and have the opportunity to ask questions in a relaxed, no-pressure setting. This photo is of the Holders, a Uniting Hope foster family. 💛 Click the link in our bio to register! #FosterCare #Info #GetYourHopesUp #UnitingHope

Our hearts are so grateful to First Baptist Monroe for this incredible donation of diapers and wipes! These much needed items were collected during their Vacation Bible School. 🩵 The children who participated in VBS also created sweet cards for the children in our care. Thank you, First Baptist Monroe, for your generosity and for making such a meaningful impact! #ThankYou #Partnership #GetYourHopesUp #EveryoneCanDoSomething

We’re excited to recognize Brand & Britt Insurance Agency as one of our Presenting Sponsors for the 2026 Uniting Hope Gala on September 11! 🎡 Thank you, Brand & Britt, for your generous partnership. This support makes a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families we have the privilege of serving. Interested in becoming a corporate sponsor? We’d love to partner with your business! To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, visit the event page linked in our bio or email bburchik@unitinghope.org. #UnitingHopeGala #GetYourHopesUp #UnitingHope #ThankYou

Partnership parenting is a trauma-informed approach to foster care that encourages foster parents and the child’s parents to work collaboratively to support the child’s well-being and maintain important family connections. Here are a few practical tools that can help strengthen connection, communication, and trust between foster parents, children, and their parents throughout the foster care journey. It is our honor to walk alongside families and support partnership 🤝one step at a time. 🩵 #GetYourHopesUp #Partnership #ReunificationMonth #UnitingHope

Our Board has a special invitation for you! Join us for the 2nd Annual Uniting Hope Gala on Friday, September 11th at Bethlehem Church! 💙 For more information about Sponsorships and tickets, click the link in our bio. See you there! 🎟️ #UnitingHope #GetYourHopesUp #UnitingHopeGala #FosterCare #SupportFamilies

Cornerstone Church Athens! We are so grateful for the time we spent with you on May 17th and 24th for a Lunch & Learn! Thank you for giving us the opportunity to connect with your congregation and discuss how we can work together to support vulnerable children and families. Partnering with the Church to answer the call to support children and families impacted by foster care is so important to us. Thank you for your encouragement and support!❤️ #ThankYou #Partnership #UnitingHope #CornerstoneChurch

Thank you, First Baptist Church Monroe! 🤍 Robin and Laura had the privilege of speaking with 1st–6th grade students during the Missions Rotation of VBS about the ministry of Uniting Hope and what hope looks like in tangible ways, like collecting diapers, wipes, and books, planning special events for foster families, and being a friend who says, “Sit by me.” The students put their compassion into action by collecting diapers and wipes for our resource room, creating encouraging cards for children in foster care, and giving a mission offering to support our ministry. We are so grateful for their generosity and for the opportunity to share how even small acts of kindness can make a big difference in the lives of children and families. #UnitingHope #FosterCare #HopeInAction #ChurchPartnership #VBS

Thank you, First Baptist Church Loganville! We were honored to partner with you to share about foster care and the work of Uniting Hope on May 10 and to continue the conversation during the Lunch and Learn on May 17. Meaningful partnerships with churches like yours help make it possible for children and families to receive the support they need. Thank you for being part of this important work! 🫶🏼 #ThankYou #FosterCare #Partnership #UnitingHope

Curious about foster care but not sure where to begin? Our virtual info sessions are a simple, welcoming way to learn more about foster care and how Uniting Hope walks alongside families every step of the way. Hosted on Zoom, these sessions offer an overview of foster care in Georgia, what it means to partner with Uniting Hope, and the support available to families who feel called to open their homes. You’ll hear from our team, learn what the licensing process looks like, and have the opportunity to ask questions in a relaxed, no-pressure setting. This photo is of the Thomases, a Uniting Hope foster family. 🩵 Click the link in our bio to register!

Reunification pantry stock for a biological family, spearheaded by members of the FBC Monroe Missions Committee! Thank you for helping make this transition a little smoother and for supporting this family as they reunite and move forward together. 💙 June is National Reunification Month! #Reunification #Support #FosterCare #Support #EveryoneCanDoSomething

For Foster Care Awareness Month, one of our longtime foster moms, Jamii Caudle, shared about her experience as a foster parent on social media and invited her community to donate diapers, pull-ups, and wipes for our Family Resource Room. Just look at this generosity! 🥹 💙 2,004 diapers 💙 367 pull-ups 💙 60 packs of wipes We are so grateful for her heart and for everyone who gave. These donations will go directly into the hands of families caring for children in our community! #FosterCareAwareness #FosterCare #GetYourHopesUp #ThankYou

We want to say THANK YOU for following along for Foster Care Awareness Month 🧡 Even though May is ending, the need for safe, loving homes and supportive communities continues. We’d love for you to stay connected with us 🤝 Follow along, share the message, and let us know how we can help you find your place in this work! #FosterCareAwareness #UnitingHope #GetYourHopesUp #EveryoneCanDoSomething

We believe foster care is worth caring about. 💙 #FosterCareAwareness #GetYourHopesUp #UnitingHope

A few of our favorite things to receive from the community that help us support foster families! ⭐️ • Diapers + wipes (amazon wishlist link in bio) • Frozen meals for busy days and new transitions • Gift cards for restaurants, groceries, gas, or last-minute needs These things go such a long way for families welcoming children into their homes. Thank you for helping us care for families well! 💙 #SupportFosterFamilies #FosterCareAwareness #EveryoneCanDoSomething #GetYourHopesUp

From referral to placement, we work to support children and foster families well. Hear from our Foster Care Director, Hailee Lyles, as she shares about the intake and referral process with DFCS…and how we seek safe, thoughtful matches to help walk kids home, whatever that journey looks like. 🩵 #Placement #FosterCareAwareness #GetYourHopesUp #DFCS #FosterCare

Myth: “You can’t work full-time and foster.” Reality: Many foster parents successfully balance work and fostering every day. 💙 Foster care isn’t about having a “perfect schedule”. It’s about creating a safe, stable, and supportive environment for a child. With routines, trusted childcare, flexibility, and a willingness to show up consistently, many working individuals and families are able to foster well. ✨ #MythMonday #FosterCareAwareness #FosterParenting #SupportFosterFamilies #GetYourHopesUp

Meet the team (part two)! This is who we’re committed to being for the foster families we serve. #GetYourHopesUp #FosterCareAwareness #MeetTheTeam #ThisIsWho

Summer NTDC Training starts in June! ☀️ NTDC is a foundational training for foster and adoptive parents and a meaningful next step for anyone considering saying yes to foster care. 📍 Held on Zoom 🗓 Mondays & Thursdays ⏰ 6:00–9:00 PM 📅 June 15 – July 16 So far this year, 14 families have participated in NTDC, and we’re excited to continue supporting families on their journey toward foster care. Our goal is to open 30 new foster homes this year! If you know someone who’s been thinking about fostering, share this post with them. For next steps, they can reach out to Laura at lburton@unitinghope.org. #SpreadTheWord #NTDC #FosterCareAwareness #FosterParents #GetYourHopesUp

Looking for ways to support foster families? Swipe through for a few ideas that can make a real impact… no matter your season of life. 🧡 #SupportFosterFamilies #FosterCareAwareness #GetYourHopesUp #EveryoneCanDoSomething

What are some qualities that make a great foster parent? We asked our foster parents, and their responses surprised us...but also made a lot of sense. Listen as Brian unpacks what foster parents really need to do this work well. #FosterCareAwareness #Flexibility #Structure #Willingness #GetYourHopesUp

It’s Myth Monday 💭 Myth: “You have to be married, wealthy, or own a home to foster.” Reality: Foster parents can be single, rent their home, and come from many different financial backgrounds. What matters most is stability, safety, and a willingness to care for a child in need. 💛 Want to learn more about what it would look like to become a foster parent? Click the link in our bio to register for our info session this Thursday night! #MythMonday #FosterCareAwareness #FosterParentsNeeded #FosterCare #GetYourHopesUp

Foster and adoptive dad Larry Hattaway shares about their experience being part of the reunification process for one of their foster care placements. The love and determination the children’s biological mother showed in working to reunify with her kids forever impacted Laura and Larry’s perspective. To watch the full video, click the link in our bio to head over to our YouTube. #FosterCareAwareness #GetYourHopesUp #Reunification #Love #FosterParentPerspective

Curious about foster care but not sure where to begin? Our virtual info sessions are a simple, welcoming way to learn more about foster care and how Uniting Hope walks alongside families every step of the way. Hosted on Zoom, these sessions offer an overview of foster care in Georgia, what it means to partner with Uniting Hope, and the support available to families who feel called to open their homes. You’ll hear from our team, learn what the licensing process looks like, and have the opportunity to ask questions in a relaxed, no-pressure setting. This photo is of the Dunns, a Uniting Hope foster family. 🤍 Click the link in our bio to register!

Save the Date - Friday, Sept 11th 2026 - for the Uniting Hope Gala! We are so excited to be back at Bethlehem Church for a fun & powerful night advancing the work to serve children and families navigating foster care. Sponsorship opportunities available (email bburchik@unitinghope.org) & more details at the link in our bio. Join us!

Listen to Hailee share about how, in TBRI (Trust-Based Relational Intervention), attachment is key. The attachment cycle is built through repeated moments of connection between a caregiver and child…when needs are expressed, met with care, and followed by felt safety. Over time, this consistent response helps rebuild trust and strengthen relationships. For kids in foster care or from hard places, behavior is often communication. TBRI helps us look beyond behavior and focus on connection as the foundation for healing. 🩵 #TBRI #TrustBasedRelationalIntervention #Attachment#FosterCareAwareness #GetYourHopesUp

Hannah, our Administrative Assistant, is back for Myth Monday! Myth: Foster care is basically adoption. Truth: The main goal of foster care is reunification… helping children safely return to their biological families whenever possible. While adoption can become an outcome, foster care is first about foster families providing safety and support during a biological family’s time of need. 💙 #MythMonday #FosterCareAwareness #GetYourHopesUp #Reunification #Adoption

Meet the team (part one)! This is who we’re committed to being for the foster families we serve. 💙 #GetYourHopesUp #FosterCareAwareness #MeetTheTeam #ThisIsWho

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