Programs
Fostering Hope in Michigan is the umbrella 501c3 that operates local chapters of FTC Royal Family KIDS (RFK) and Teen Reach Adventure Camp (T.R.A.C.) programs. We serve Mid-Michigan kids and teens who are in or have been in the foster care system. The organization is 100 percent volunteer operated, with volunteers donating 30,000 hours each year to confront abuse and change lives. These volunteers also fundraise a $140,000 operational budget each year.
For The Children (FTC) chapter of Royal Family KIDS® (RFK)
Provides hope and creates positive memories through camps and mentoring program designed especially for foster youth between ages 7-12. FHIM operates two RFK summer camps (one in June and one in July) and one RFK Group Mentoring Club throughout the school year.
Teen Reach Adventure Camp™ (T.R.A.C.)
Provides hope through camps designed especially for foster youth between ages of 13-17. Fostering Hope in Michigan operates two T.R.A.C. summer camps (one girls and one boys).
FHIM Teen Mentoring
FHIM Teen Mentoring is a local program that offers T.R.A.C. campers mentoring through age 18, helping them navigate their teenage years.
Young Adult Program: YAP exists to provide spiritual, social, and practical help to young adults who have aged out of other Fostering Hope in Michigan programs. The only requirement is that participants be willing to pursue a joyful, productive, and Godly lifestyle – not that they will fully achieve that, but they at least will seek to build their life in that general direction. We provide training based on Biblical concepts, working with young adults to develop goals, while providing accountability and help as they pursue their life goals.
For the Children (FTC) chapter of Royal Family KIDS Camp (RFK)
FHIM in Michigan hosts two Royal Family KIDS camps, one in June and one in July. Children who have suffered some form of neglect or abuse in the mid-Michigan area, are invited to a five-day camp, where they have fun in a safe environment. Camps include swimming, crafts, chapel time, games, singing, sports and many other fun activities. We have an "everybody's birthday party", where we celebrate each child as the special person that they are.
These camps not only give the kids great memories, but also provide their caregivers with 5 days of respite.
Each child goes home with a memory book of their time at camp.
Royal Family Kids®Group
Mentoring Club
In 2009, after hosting RFK camps for over 10 years, the leaders of RFK decided to start the RFK Mentoring Club program. The
Club runs from September through May and met once a month. Kids were matched with a mentor with whom they met with four hours month. Eventually, For the Children changed the program to group mentoring, which met once a month. Today, on club day, it is similar to being at a mini-camp for the kids. They meet up with other campers and the volunteers they know from camp. Each camper is matched with a mentor who stays with them throughout our time. We sing fun worship songs, have a Bible story, a puppet show, which the kids put on, play games, and eat. The kids then break into "cabins", where they discuss how the Bible story applies to their life, share prayer requests, pray for one another (all by their own choice). The effectiveness of this is heard and the kids comment that being at "camp" is what makes them happy.
Young Adults Program (YAP)
Launched in September 2024, the program has many facets to appeal to a broad audience of young adults. Currently, three facets are operational:
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Monthly meetings- the meetings feature social time, a meal and Biblical instruction with practical life applications.
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Zoom Check-Ins – these occur virtually between the monthly meetings and are designed for those who want to deepen their faith or want to explore the Christian faith in greater detail.
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Daily Bread Devotional Club- this is a group of YAP participants who have agreed to use the Daily Bread Devotional books to mutually encourage one another. Each day individuals red the daily devotional and share insights via text messaging.