EmberHope

🎒 More than 4,000 items. Thousands of Kansans. Countless moments of hope.

What started five years ago as a response to the heartbreaking reality that many children enter foster care with their belongings in a trash bag has grown into an incredible movement of compassion and community.

This year's Susan's Kids Care Drive shattered records, collecting more than 4,000 items for children entering care—including backpacks, duffel bags, shoes, blankets, and even 53 custom STEM-career Barbies created by local students. Thanks to generous donors, church partners, volunteers, and organizations like Day1Bags, hundreds of children will receive comfort, dignity, and a reminder that their community cares.

💜Read the full recap, hear from EmberHope's Associate Marketing Director, Britt English, and discover the impact your support made possible: https://www.emberhope.org/the-2026-care-drive-recap/

As Foster Parent Appreciation Month comes to a close, we want to share the following letter from EmberHope Youthville's President, Lori Gonzales. Thank you so much for answering the call. Thank you for being the one. 💜

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Dear Foster Families,

Every day, you provide safe places, steady support, encouragement, and hope to youth who need it most. The work you do is not always easy, but it is deeply meaningful, and the impact you make reaches far beyond what can often be seen. You are true guides for children navigating difficult paths, helping light the way toward healing, growth, and stability.

As Foster Parent Appreciation Month comes to a close, we hope you feel celebrated, appreciated, and valued. Whether you are just beginning on this journey or a seasoned veteran, we are grateful you are part of this community.

Thank you for continuing to answer the call, weather the storms, and help children find their way to care, belonging, and support.

We are so thankful for each of you and hope this month has left your cup a little fuller.

As always, many thanks for all you do. May God bless each one of you.

With gratitude and admiration,

Lori Gonzales
President of EmberHope Youthville

For this month’s Staff Spotlight, we’re excited to introduce Ruth Morales, Foster Care Supervisor at EmberHope. With more than 15 years at EmberHope and a career in social work spanning nearly three decades, Ruth has dedicated her life to supporting children, families, and the staff who serve them. Known for her encouragement, problem-solving, and unwavering faith, Ruth is a valued leader who helps guide our foster care team each day. Get to know more about Ruth, what she loves about her work, and a few fun facts you might not know about her!

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💜 How long have you been at EmberHope and/or working in child welfare?

I graduated from Bethel College in 1998 with my Bachelor's in social work. I then worked a couple of jobs in the field after college. Then I took a break from social work. I did come back to social work at Youthville in 2009 and have been here since then.

💛 What do you love most about your job and the work that you do at our organization?

I love our foster care workers and our Youthville leadership. Our foster care workers do the hard work and I’m glad I get to be a part of that. I like helping them problem solve, meeting with them and hearing how their families are doing, helping advocate for them and their families and children, celebrating successes together and figuring out problems together. We have some pretty great folks! We also have great leadership at Youthville and I am thankful to have them leading us.

💜 If someone were considering joining our team, what advice would you give them?

Don’t give up! Keep working hard, keep learning, accept feedback —you do make difference

💛 Over your tenure at EmberHope, what is one of your favorite memories or achievements?

My first job out of college was in Hutchinson, at Youthville, on an ACT team. I was a case manager and had to treat a sibling group for lice one evening in the office. Not fun, but my co-worker and I made it fun and kept each other laughing.

💜 What makes EmberHope a great place to work?

The people I work with. The fact that I am able to share my faith. The flexibility and PTO is nice too!

💛 Feel free to share a fun fact about yourself or something someone might not know about you!

I can play the piano and play about one time a month at my church.

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Inspired by Ruth's story? Whether you're just starting your career or bringing years of experience to the table, there's a place for passionate, purpose-driven people at EmberHope. Explore current openings and discover how you can help make a difference in the lives of children and families across Kansas!

🔗: https://www.emberhope.org/careers-at-emberhope/