As we end another year, we are left with countless HOPE-FILLED stories of all God is doing through faithful foster families. One of these is that of the Daniel and Stephanie Durocher. Their story is only possible because of your faithful support and generosity. We pray that you will be blessed by reading it.

In late 2021, Daniel and Stephanie felt God calling them to pursue adoption. Around the same time, their church, Radiant, highlighted the urgent need for foster families. Inspired by what they heard, they attended an information session with A Door of Hope, and quickly realized fostering was where God was leading them. Soon after becoming licensed, they welcomed Gracie*, a lively four-year-old girl who loved dancing and unicorns. Gracie’s case was complex, with hopes of reunification that gradually faded as circumstances unfolded, but through it all the Durochers were committed to her well-being, offering stability and love that grew deeper with each passing day.

There were long nights of nightmares, struggles with behavior, and moments of exhaustion that tested the family’s strength and unity. Yet, amidst the trials, there were incredible joys—like witnessing Gracie experience “firsts” with childlike wonder, laughing together as a family, and watching her grow secure in their love. In time, a profound transformation took place: Gracie came to know Jesus, someone she hadn’t heard about before joining the Durochers. With a child’s pure faith, she embraced Him into her heart and was baptized the same week she was adopted by the Durochers.

As Gracie prepared for her adoption day, she was filled with anticipation, counting down to the moment she would officially become part of the family. Supported by friends, family, and a close-knit church community, the Durochers celebrated Gracie’s adoption in a week she calls “the best of her life.” Baptism on Sunday, adoption on Wednesday, and a big party soon after became treasured memories in this little girl’s heart—a time when she experienced the fullness of belonging and unconditional love.

This journey has shaped the Durochers in unexpected ways, strengthening their faith and teaching them to rely on God through every joy and challenge. They’ve seen their community rally around them, experienced the ups and downs of foster care, and learned that God’s timing is always perfect, even when the road feels overwhelming. As they share their story, they encourage others to consider stepping into the calling of foster care, knowing that while it may not be for everyone, it is a place where God’s love can shine in transformative ways—both for the children and the families who welcome them.

As we reflect on this hope-filled story, we are reminded of the powerful impact that loving, Christ-centered families can have on vulnerable children like Gracie.

The Durochers’ journey would not have been possible without the support of A Door of Hope, made possible through the generosity of our donors. From the very beginning, A Door of Hope walked alongside Daniel and Stephanie, providing essential services like licensing them as foster parents and equipping them with trauma-informed training to navigate the unique challenges of fostering. Throughout their journey, they received personalized support from our staff, resources to create a stable and nurturing environment for Gracie, and connections to a network of foster families and comunity partners that encouraged and uplifted them. These critical services ensured that the Durochers were prepared and empowered to provide Gracie with the love and stability she desperately needed.

When you give to A Door of Hope, you are helping recruit, train, license, and support families who answer God’s call to foster. You are investing in stories of redemption, belonging, and transformation.

Today, we invite you to join us in making more stories like Gracie’s possible. Your generosity ensures that children in foster care have a safe, loving home where they can heal and thrive. Together, we can continue to bring hope to children and families in need. Will you help us make a difference? Every gift matters. Every gift changes lives. Give hope today.

*Child’s name changed for privacy reasons