HOPE FOR OUR CHILDREN

ABOUT US

Our STORY: Past, Present and the Hopeful Future

Established in 2013 by compassionate individuals who had been profoundly affected by their own experiences with at-risk children, Hope For Our Children (HFOC) was born out of a shared belief that more can be done for the most vulnerable in our community. Our founder, Nadine Wright, a guiding light in our mission, envisioned a brighter future for children who often find themselves facing unimaginable challenges.


Our journey began with a simple yet powerful initiative: providing backpacks for children on the brink of transition or removal from their homes. These backpacks, filled with essential items, replaced the garbage bags that children had been seen dragging from one uncertain place to the next. Our mission was clear – to reduce the turmoil caused by frequent placement changes in foster care, one backpack at a time.


Over the years, the dedication and unwavering support of our community allowed us to expand our programs, touching the lives of countless children and young people. Today, Hope For Our Children stands at the forefront of change, with a focus on empowering, nurturing, and uplifting those in need.

HOPE FOR OUR CHILDREN

Our STORY: Shaping the future

This journey has been instrumental in forging positive relationships with like-minded organisations, all working towards the same goal – improving the lives of children in care. Our dreams have grown, encompassing better reunification procedures, early permanency for children, and stability where there was once only heartbreak and rejection.


The future we envision is one where the shortage of children in care is a reality, where there is an abundance of high-quality carers, and where bio-families and carers join forces for the well-being of their children. We dream of a community where everyone realizes they hold the power to make a profound difference in a child's life.


This is the journey of Hope For Our Children – past, present, and the hopeful future. Join us in turning these dreams into reality.

HOPE FOR OUR CHILDREN STAFF

MEET THE BOARD

Clayton Menyweather

Chairperson

CLAYTON MENYWEATHER

Dorcas Woods

Deputy Chairperson

DORCAS WOODS

Will Curtis

Treasurer

  • Read Bio

    Position: 

    Treasurer


    Qualifications: 

    Bachelor of Ministry


    Experience:

    Will is the Pastor of Toowoomba City Church and Board Chair of Toowoomba Christian College and has had the privilege of being a volunteer in different capacities since Hope For our Children began. He has been involved in Governance of a variety of Not For Profit organisations and companies since 2003 and is currently serving on five diverse Boards. 


    Will is excited by the opportunity to develop and grow Hope For our Children as they seek to provide a better future for our children and he is committed to ensure the continuation of the Vision and Mission of the organisation


    Personal Interests:

    Will is blessed with a beautiful wife and five Children, Loves Cricket is torn between supporting Brisbane Heat and Sydney Sixers and his idea of a great holiday is reading a good novel at the beach.

WILL CURTIS

Phoebe Gibson

Board Member

PHOEBE GIBSON

Dr Lauren Humby

Board Member

DR LAUREN HUMBY

Mark Oliver

MARK OLIVER

Board Member

MEET THE OPERATIONS TEAM

SELENA PROTHEROE

Selena Protheroe

Rachael Carter

RACHAEL
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    Rachael Carter is a dedicated professional with a diverse background and a passion for community engagement. Holding a Bachelor of Nursing and a Certificate IV in Entrepreneurship and New Business, she has complemented her academic pursuits with courses like the Social Enterprise Leadership Program and Social Impact Evaluation Principles and Practices.


    With nearly two decades in the not-for-profit sector, Rachael has served as the Queensland Growth and Strategy Leader for MOPS Australia. As a registered nurse, she has worked in various capacities, from St Vincent's Hospital's emergency department to pioneering the role of Multicultural Health Nurse in the Darling Downs region.


    Her impactful journey includes establishing the operations of You Belong Australia, where she served as Managing Director, successfully obtaining a $670,000 grant for the CALD Women Learner Driver Program. Rachael is currently the Managing Director of Hope For Our Children, steering the charity towards expansion and program development.


    In 2022, she initiated the social enterprise Mosaic Hues, aiming to provide employment pathways for CALD individuals through ethically sourced gifts. Born and raised in Toowoomba, Rachael's love for her community is evident in her hands-on approach to crafting belonging and support.


    Beyond her professional endeavors, Rachael is a wife, mother, and grandmother, enjoying crafting, travel, and fostering a sense of belonging in her community. Her values of lifelong learning, kindness, and creativity drive her commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of others.

Lis Palmer

LIS PALMER
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