Hope Pkgs Founder and CEO honored with $25,000 gift; named among the 2024 L'Oréal Paris Women of Worth.
Holland Resident Lisa Hoeve deeply understands the care and compassion foster children deserve. A dedicated advocate and mother of six children, Hoeve has been fostering children with her husband since 2013, providing a loving and safe environment to more than 18 children in need of a place to call home.
It's because of her experiences she decided to found Hope Pkgs, a nonprofit organization that provides "first night bags" full of necessities for kids entering the foster care system.
Hoeve, who also serves as CEO of Hope Pkgs, has been chosen to be among the 2024 L'Oréal Paris Women of Worth, which honors extraordinary women who selflessly volunteer their time to serve their communities. The honor includes joining a multifaceted L'Oréal Paris Women of Worth honoree network, mentorship from the L'Oréal Paris community, the ability to share Hope Pkgs through the brand's national platform, and $25,000 in funding to support the endeavors of Hope Pkgs.
We caught up with Hoeve to learn more about Hope Pkgs, how she plans to use the $25,000 gift and more.
West Michigan Woman: What inspired you to start Hope Pkgs, and how did you first come up with the idea of creating "first night bags" for children entering foster care? Talk a bit about what it's all about.
Lisa Hoeve: As a foster parent, I quickly learned that too many children, when entering foster care, often have nothing but the clothes on their back or items in a trash bag when moving into a new home. Realizing this is what spurred my desire to change that. At one point, we did have two children that we fostered arrive with some new items which were so helpful. Our question was, 'How can we make this happen for all kids in care?' Considering Michigan has between 10,000-11,000 in care, we knew this was a big goal. Our family started with a local private agency. Once the community knew what we were doing, why and how to help, it grew tremendously.
WMW: As a mother of six and a foster parent since 2013, what challenges have you faced in fostering children, and how has it shaped your approach to helping children in need?
LH: As a mom of six and now an additional two more who just moved in a couple weeks ago, our family has learned so much. First, not everyone grows up in a safe healthy home. Stepping into foster care will burst your pretty little world bubble. Entering into messy situations and trauma is hard, but being a child going through that pain is even harder. Yes, it's hard to say good-bye to kids when they leave your home, but I have to remember I'm most likely an in-between mom. I'm there to advocate, to hug, to mend where I can, with whatever time I have with them.
WMW: How do you balance your roles as a mother, foster parent, and CEO of a nonprofit organization?
LH: Balancing 24 hours is so challenging for many of us. I'm sharing this now after I've attended a business meeting, followed up on my kids schooling as we are part of a homeschool co-op, soon will be catching up on emails as a realtor and just those daily tasks many of us have. I'm learning to delegate a bit better, saying 'no' to some things that aren't as urgent, and keeping my family and home a first priority. Hiring a business coach, marketing person and a house cleaner helps too, with five boys in the house. Let's not forget a standing weekly date with my husband, Kevin, who is my rock and supports me as Hope Pkgs grows.
WMW: Congratulations on being named a 2024 L'Oréal Paris Women of Worth honoree! What does this recognition mean to you personally and professionally? How do you plan to utilize the $25,000 in funding and the mentorship opportunities from L'Oréal Paris to further your mission?
LH: Receiving the L'Oréal Paris Women of Worth achievement has impacted me as a woman, to pause and see my value and what this nonprofit has done for thousands of kids in difficult circumstances. It's reminded me of my worth and how it can be used to show others their worthiness. Kids in care really need to hear that message. They are loved, wanted and worthy.
Professionally, it has awakened many opportunities and ideas. To be among many other women in the country doing phenomenal things is so inspiring. The national exposure, educational summit in New York, networking with previous honorees and of course the $25,000 gift from L'Oréal Paris will help us reach more children, providing them with hope and dignity. One of our goals this year is to provide more items for kids of color, such as hair and skin care items. This generous gift will help us do just that, as well as working with more agencies, items for our teens—who often are overlooked—and spreading awareness of how others can get involved.
WMW: What are your future goals for Hope Pkgs?
LH: Our future goals for Hope Pkgs would be to reach every county and agency that is in need of our help within Michigan. We will also continue to reach out to tribal agencies, expand some of our operational needs like staff and technology, and possibly an enclosed trailer for large deliveries.
WMW: What should people know if they want to get involved with Hope Pkgs and your mission?
LH: To get involved with Hope Pkgs, we invite them to visit our website. There are opportunities to make an online gift which helps pack a first night bag. We also encourage the community to host a collection at your place of employment or worship of specific items needed. Talk to us about charitable giving personally or from your business or place of employment. Annually, we offer sponsorships for a Fashion Show Fundraiser with Priscilla's Boutique. This is a great way to receive advertising for local businesses while showing your support for many kids in care.
WMW: Anything additional you'd like to add we haven't discussed?
LH: I'd like to once again thank L'Oréal Paris for their support of so many nonprofits across the U.S. For our friends here, we understand that not everyone will foster but everyone can foster care.
Written by Sarah Suydam, Managing Editor for West Michigan Woman.
Photos courtesy of L’Oréal Paris.
