Let’s be known for the lives we live—not the things we can buy.
I have experienced countless benefits since deciding to minimize my possessions and remove the pursuit for more. Among the greatest, I have learned my life is too valuable to waste chasing material possessions. But beyond that, I have learned, when the pursuit of material possessions is removed, our lives are opened up to accomplish far greater things than we could ever imagine.
And so, with that as the backdrop, I am able to write a blog post today that years ago, I never would have dreamt possible. I am hoping, that together, we can literally change the world. And I don’t use that phrase as an idealistic cliché, I legitimately believe it is possible.
The Background
In 1978, as a newborn, my wife was left by her birth mother at a hospital in South Dakota. A call was immediately placed to a local attorney looking for some help. He was new to town, and with very little background in his new community, he didn’t have many answers. But he did know somebody, hours away, who might be able to help.
Later that night, on a warm Midwestern summer evening, he dialed the number of a young couple in Omaha, NE. At the time, they were unable to have kids but wanted a larger family. And the judge knew of their desire. The unsuspecting parents answered the phone that evening having no idea who would be on the other end or how their lives would change. But within hours, their bags were packed, and they were on their way to South Dakota to pick up their daughter.
Because of her past, Kim and I have always held a special place in our hearts for the orphan. It doesn’t always work out for others as it did for my wife—not every orphaned child is able to be raised in a loving family. And we think something needs to be done.
So we did something. Late last year, we founded a nonprofit organization, The Hope Effect, to change how the world cares for orphans.
The Problem Nobody Talks About
Over 26 million children worldwide live without parents. Less than 1% will ever be adopted, so how we care for the remaining 99% matters. And to be honest, on a global-scale, we don’t do a very good job.
Many people believe the orphan crisis is being adequately addressed… but the facts tell a different story.
For decades, research has pointed out the damaging effects on children of traditional, institutional orphan care—those orphanages around the world that most of us think about, usually involving high child to caregiver ratios.
Unfortunately, when children do not receive adequate personal interaction within a loving environment, development is stunted and learning abilities are delayed or lost. Many orphanages are simply unaware of the damaging physical and psychological impact institutional care has on children. Some studies reveal 60-70% of children who age out of these institutions end up homeless, incarcerated, or in prostitution.
There is a worldwide problem in how we care for orphans—but almost nobody is talking about it.
The Solution
Our nonprofit, The Hope Effect, is addressing this problem by changing orphan care around the world. Our model for orphan care provides solutions that better mimic the family.
Our campus setting will include an administrative building and smaller housing units. Each house will provide a home for 8 children and 2 parents. In so doing, these family-style homes will provide opportunity for each child to flourish and thrive. They will receive all the love, attention, and affection they would in a traditional family—and receive an example of how a family operates for when they start one of their own.
Additionally, access to health, dental, and social care is provided while each child is prepared for the future through education, responsibility, support, and the structure that parents were designed to provide.
We carry out our work with the highest level of excellence, treating each child as if he or she is our own.
With your support, The Hope Effect is building its first family-style home on the campus of La Providencia in Siguatepeque, Honduras (the second poorest country in Central America). La Providencia has proven experience with this model of orphan care and we look forward to partnering with them. Our goal is to raise $125,000 for construction and two years of operation.
Following the completion of this project, The Hope Effect will construct its first full campus in Mexico.
The Becoming Minimalist Community
I have often wondered what is next for the Becoming Minimalist community—selling t-shirts or mouse pads never seemed quite right.
You comprise one of the most engaged, highly sought-after communities on the Internet. I receive emails every day from people who want to guest post on this blog and get their name in front of you (and that doesn’t even count all the advertisement pitches I receive). But growth for the sake of selfish and personal financial return never felt quite right either.
And, yet, on any given month, 800,000 – 1,200,000 unique visitors stop by Becoming Minimalist. Almost 1 million people every month.
That’s 1 million people who have decided they don’t want to buy stuff. One million people who realize they were called to something greater!
What could we accomplish if we focus that energy and those resources? What if we bonded together and set out to solve a real problem in the world today—a problem that all of us could get behind, regardless of our faith background, social status, or political views. What if we rallied around a problem that has existed for decades but nobody is talking about? What about orphan care?
What if we set out to change how the world cares for orphans?
Together, as a community, we can change the course of history.
Get Involved
If you consider yourself a part of the Becoming Minimalist community, if you have received any value from this site, or if the desire to be generous lives in your heart, join me.
Your decision to no longer pursue material possessions has freed you for something greater. It has freed you to provide homes and families to the most vulnerable in our society… and I can’t imagine ever experiencing a greater joy or level of fulfillment.
We have created two very simple ways for you to get involved. Choose one (or both) of the options below to get started:
1. Participate in our Homes for the Holidays Campaign. Got enough stuff already? Of course you do! Here’s a solution for your holiday season.
Rather than adding to the clutter in your home this holiday season, ask your friends and family to help you provide homes for orphans by making a donation rather than purchasing another present. It’s easy to do: Create your very own personalized fundraising page and share it with your friends and family. Sign-up today and we’ll send you a reminder e-mail on December 1st.
Our goal is to have 5,000 people participate in our Homes for the Holiday Campaign this year. I’ve already created my page. Join me this holiday season.
2. Join our $10 team. The simplest and most effective way for you to get involved changing orphan care around the world is to commit to donate just $10/month. We call it our $10 Team. Consider this, for the price of a Netflix subscription, you can provide loving homes and families for orphans around the world. It’s simple and safe to sign-up. The commitment is small, but the impact will be significant.
Our goal is to get 2,000 people to sign-up and join our Team. Providing the foundation for our work, they would generate nearly $250,000/year for orphan care—not just construction, but food and clothing and education and continuing medical care.
Our commitment to you is that 100% of your donation will be used exclusively for orphan care (construction of homes and operation of orphan care communities). My investment into The Hope Effect has provided the administrative funding so all public donations can be used for the reason it was intended. You can read more here. And because we are a registered 501(c)(3) organization, your donation is tax-deductible.
PS: If you are a blogger, we have a special opportunity for you to get involved in other ways. Read more here.
*UPDATE. I am overflowing with excitement. Only one day after announcing The Hope Effect, we have already received more than $25,000 in donations from 350+ people. And our $10 Team has grown to over 100 recurring donors. Thank you to everyone who has chosen to participate already.
**Over 55 Fundraising Pages have already been created.
What to Expect
This is an important day for me and one of the most significant in the history of Becoming Minimalist. Because of our collective desire to own less and pursue greater things with our lives, we are on the brink of making history and changing the lives of orphans around the world.
Let’s be known for the lives we live—not the things we can buy. (tweet that)
From time to time on this blog, I will make announcements concerning The Hope Effect and offer continuing opportunities to get involved.
But through it all, Becoming Minimalist will always stay true to its core message that there is more joy to be found in owning less than can be found in pursuing more. And we will continue to invite as many as possible to discover this truth in their lives. I hope you will join us.
To receive more-regular updates about The Hope Effect, visit the website, start your own fundraising campaign, join our $10 Team or make a one-time donation. You can follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
I intend to be very active this week answering any questions you might have in the comment section below. If this cause resonates in your heart, I urge you to take action today.
Rho says
I think this is a great idea. I was actually just researching earlier today how to get involved in helping kids in foster care, especially those ready to age out of the system. I volunteered at a food bank who has a program specifically for these teens and it broke my heart how they get turned out on the street with a garbage back for their belongings. There is also an organization in my town who does something similar to what you are trying to achieve. They have x number of kids to 2 parents in houses. They could be a good resource for you as you get these homes up in running. It’s called Sunshine Acres. http://sunshineacres.org
Your project definitely seems like something I’d be interested in getting involved in. Congratulations on actively working towards making this world a better place.
Kendra says
Josh, I wanted to put you in contact with another orphanage located in Mexico that I strongly believe has the same vision that you do. Esparanza Viva (http://lovehopemercy.org/esperanza-viva-youth-homes.html) It has been our complete joy for the past 6 years to know and sponsor a child at this orphanage. It is always an encouragement to know that there are other people out there who are also doing the kind of work you are doing, and so I thought I would send you this connection.
joshua becker says
Thank you Kendra for the recommendation. One of the greatest blessings of the past year has been getting to meet so many amazing people giving their lives to this issue.
Meghann says
I have been part of the Becoming Minimalist community for over 2 years. For 2 years I have been giving things away. My house is still far from spartan. My hope is that when my husband and I retire in 5 to 10 years, we will have only enough to fill our new small retirement home. But the bigger change has happened in my heart. I no longer have the desire to aquire. It is about learning to be content with having a little OR a lot. I am choosing “a little”. Having less means I can do more. My house is still full with 6 people. I am unable to foster or adopt. I have sponsored children through Compassion and Dalit for 25 or more years. My new goal is now to sponsor as many children as I have grandchildren. Number 6 is due in March. But…I can do more. I will be sponsoring your project beginning today. May God bless you and your family for stepping out in faith and giving orphans the homes that every single child in this world wants and needs. I want to be a part of giving children hope. Thank you.
joshua becker says
Thank you Meghann. Know that 100% of your donation will be used for orphan care and we work diligently to use our contribution sin the most efficient manner.
Carolina P. says
Your contribution to a better world is so wonderful. It touched my heart and I would love to be part of this! Will be donating :)
joshua becker says
Thank you also for your contribution to a better world.
Emily says
Thank you for your commitment to care for orphans.
One thing I would like you to consider as an adoptive mom is to make sure you train the caretakers. I don’t know if you are looking for native families or maybe American families to move there, but many countries have ideas and stigmas about certain types of health issues. You need to make sure that ignorance is addressed before assuming all children will be treated equally. For instance, my daughters groupa had decent nannies and many of the kids were loved and cared for well. My daughter on the other hand was abused and starved because they were scared of her, they believed that her birth parents did witchcraft and that is why she was different (she has a genetic condition).
Also, my son received medical care, but it was bad and he may never walk because of it. It may have been better had they not tried to fix him, in his country of birth.
These are just things to consider as you work out the details of your program.
Again, thank you for doing this.
joshua becker says
Great thoughts Emily. And you raised an important question. We will use local parents to care for the orphans. Because we have set-up on the campus an administrative building/director position, we will absolutely be able to train parents and offer oversight when required.
Irene says
Emily, I’m so glad that you brought up and pointed out the difference in beliefs about bringing up children and what is “good” and “normal”. We (in the U.S.) tend to assume that others will care for children “the way we would”, but even in this one country there are so many ways of child-rearing, many very destructive. Awareness of pitfalls is so important. Thanks.
Aly says
I am currently unemployed and have been for a while so I cannot donate. I will share this wonderful message to my Friends and Family and ask them to share as well. Bless You!
joshua becker says
Thanks Aly, we offer several opportunities for people to raise money without needing to spend any. Our Homes for the Holidays campaign is one such example. But there are plenty of others that you can find here: http://hopeeffect.com/campaigns/
Anjali Kelling says
Being happily adopted myself, I commend your work and your vision. The world is a better place thanks to people like you. Thank you.
cecilia coutiho says
Really inspired by this site. Good luck with all your endeavor!
Lexi says
What a beautiful vision and purpose for your family and the world! I’ve always considered adopting as something I will do in my life.
When you compare the impact of a small gift vs. what I currently pay for my Netflix, my Ipsy bag, and some new software monthly pay, I will gladly replace those and set up my own fundraising campaign for this. Blessings to you and I’m thrilled about the future of this organization!
joshua becker says
Thank you Lexi. It really is astounding to consider how much good can be accomplished when a large number of people are focused on a single issue.
Allison McCrady says
Please check out the children’s home my church sponsors in Thailand: Ban San Faan (The Home of Fulfilled Dreams). This is a place much like you’ve described where our church members sponsor an individual child, we support the home as a whole, and we send groups regularly to visit the kids and support the staff. It’s a win-win for everyone and the kids are growing up to be so terrific!
http://www.bansanfaan.com/
Thanks for your great work!
joshua becker says
Thanks Allison.
Amie says
My daughter was left at the door of a police station in China. She was lucky enough to be taken to a Half the Sky sponsored orphanage in China. This is an American sponsored organization trying to improve conditions in Chinese orphanages. We know the difference you can make with your work in Central American orphanages! Because my daughter was lucky enough to be in the orphanage with American trained nannies and mandatory “tummy” and play time…at 10 months she was crawling and on the verge of walking! We met children from other orphanages that were 2 years old and couldn’t sit up because they had been left in cribs all day, every day. Your work in Central America will make a difference!
Last year we went to Haiti and volunteered in an American sponsored orphanage run by Healing Haiti. They have done the same thing you are planning to do – family styled living – 2 adults living in a home on campus with 8-10 children. They also provide schooling.
If you are looking for help with food – do you know the organization Feed My Starving Children? They are based out of MN and I know they send food to Central America. It only costs $80 to feed one child for an entire year with their food. It has made amazing changes in the lives of children in over 50 countries.
I am very excited that you are pursuing this adventure and we will support you. Thank you for caring for children that need advocates! We can make this world a better place.
joshua becker says
Thank you Amie for sharing your story and offering those potential partnerships.