The Need + Our Mission

The month of November is National Adoption Month, and we hope you’ll join us as we dive deeper into the why behind what Show Hope does. 

“Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.” — James 1:27

At the very core of humanity is a desire and need for connection, belonging, and security found primarily within loving relationships—first expressed and experienced within the context of family. For more than 15 million children who have been orphaned around the world, having lost both parents, and the estimated 125,000 children currently in the U.S. Foster Care system who have had parental rights terminated, these foundational relationships have often been disrupted.

Adverse childhood experiences, including the loss of biological family, have profound implications for these children. However, in the words of the late Dr. Karyn Purvis, “When you connect to the heart of a child, everything is possible.”

Founded in 2003 by Mary Beth and Steven Curtis Chapman, Show Hope’s mission is to care for orphans by engaging the Church and reducing barriers to adoption.

First, the Financial Barrier. Every year, countless individuals consider pursuing adoption as a means to growing their family, but with the average cost of adoption often ranging between $25,000 and $50,000, this is simply outside the financial reach of most families, hindering many from even taking the first steps.

Secondly, the Medical Barrier. Many children who have been orphaned live with mild to acute healthcare needs, requiring access to medical and therapeutic intervention. But securing that access and overcoming associated costs are overwhelming for many children and families.

Third, the Knowledge Barrier. Many who have the ability to make a difference in the lives of waiting children do not take action because they are unaware of the need or feel helpless to do anything. As the wise saying goes, “When we know better, we do better.” 

For some, these barriers may seem insurmountable.

But since 2003, by God’s grace and with his help, Show Hope has grown in her efforts, and served as a living picture of hope and help.

As Show Hope’s Co-founder Mary Beth Chapman often says, “Not everyone is called to adopt, but everyone is called to do something.”

So what will you do?