Lisa Hoeve, founder of Hope Pkgs, was inspired to create the nonprofit because of her own experience as a foster mom. (Photo provided by Lisa Hoeve)Lisa Hoeve
HOLLAND, MI - Foster mom Lisa Hoeve always knew she wanted to provide support to the foster care system since witnessing children walk through her door without anything but the clothes on their back.
Hoeve and her husband were approved to be foster parents in 2013. The Holland couple noticed there was not enough awareness about the needs of children placed in homes on short notice.
She said she was inspired to create her nonprofit Hope Pkgs after taking in two young boys who came to them with brand new duffle bags thanks to a local church, which occasionally supplied care packs for kids entering foster care.
“We thought it would be great if the service was available all the time for any child,” said Hoeve, a realtor. “I checked in with the church and asked if they minded if we stepped in and provided for the foster agencies in Holland.”
By November 2015, Hope Pkgs was on Facebook, supporting 70 kids in its first year by providing “First Night Bags” filled with new pajamas, socks, undergarments, blankets, toiletries, and more.
“We realized that often kids will come to your home without anything with them,” Hoeve said. “We learned firsthand, and then as we started meeting other foster parents, we found out that it wasn’t that uncommon.”
Today, Hope Pkgs touts serving 4,254 Michigan children since its inception. The nonprofit moved into a space last December at Town Center Holland, 12330 James St.
Based on her foster care work, Hoeve was recently nominated for the 2022 Good Neighbor Award for making a difference in Michigan communities.
Hoeve was among 10 finalists, according to a news release from the National Association of Realtors. Rhw winner will be named Oct. 3. Nominees were judged on their contribution to volunteer work, as well as financial and material contributions, the release said.
Hoeve said finding out about the nomination was humbling, and she is excited to share what Hope Pkgs does.
“It’s been a cool experience,” Hoeve said. “To me, the biggest part is that more people will learn about the needs of foster care. We have a generous community. A lot of people have donated time and money.
And my big push is always that they understand a fragment of the foster care community and how they can make a difference. Everyone feels like they can foster, and that’s fine, but there are many different ways to get plugged in.”
From the moment her family took in their first foster child, Hoeve said her children were excited to share their rooms and split up common areas.
“They were a big part of our decision-making,” Hoeve said. “So a lot of it was their feedback to how they thought it would go. They have always been on board, so it has been neat to see them very open to that.”
For more information on donation drop-off locations or to donate a monetary gift of $25 or more, visit the Hope Pkgs website.
Forest Hills school board candidates talk student success, other top issues
Rebel Road, Muskegon Bike Time announce annual rallies will kickoff later in July 2023
Immersive light and sound show from Europe mesmerizes ArtPrixe audiences
Note to readers: if you purchase something through one of our affiliate links we may earn a commission.
Registration on or use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your California Privacy Rights (User Agreement updated 1/1/21. Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement updated 7/1/2022).
© 2022 Advance Local Media LLC. All rights reserved (About Us). The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local.
Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site.