Hope's Heart

BY: Kellie Houx, Associate Editor
Wednesday, September 5, 2007 12:39 PM CDT

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Heather Williams has a heart for China.

After spending two weeks at a social welfare institute in south central China in July 2004, she decided that December, with the help of her parents Judy and Ken, Olathe, to start a foundation to help orphaned infants, toddlers and children.

Hope's Heart is a charitable, tax-exempt foundation administered by the Servant Christian Community Foun-dation.

“The foundation is a personal venture,” Heather, who lives in Olathe and works at ABC Adoptions in Lenexa, said. “When we went as a family in 2004, we played with kids and helped the staff. I knew I wanted to continue to help. I wanted to see children adopted and those who are not adopted – I wanted to see the best life possible for them. From this side of the world, I knew I could help supply funds that could benefit these children's health, overall care and education.”

Heather's parents stand beside their daughter in her decision to reach out to Chinese orphans. Ken traveled with Heather and Judy so the women would not travel alone, but he said he found himself happily consumed by children in need of love and care.

“I really feel that our actions are a visible representation of our faith,” Ken said. “It is how we show the love of Christ. We know words and actions speak louder. We get to live out our faith as we meet the needs of some of China's children and those who care for them.”

Hope's Heart seeks to raise more money and help more children. The Williams' ultimate goal is to build a private orphanage in China in 10 years.

The name Hope's Heart came about after the 2004 visit when Judy became attached to a girl and dubbed her “Hope.”

“We feel that God has a heart of hope for the children in China, so we just combined the two ideas and came up with a great name,” Heather said.

Heather, who received her bachelor's and master's degrees in social work from Avila University and the University of Kansas, respectively, said some donated funds are being used for medical procedures. As the family gets reports on children, their hope increases.

“We see children who have cleft lips and palates and they are so underweight,” Heather said. “The after pictures are so amazing as we see them gain weight and know they are going to have a better life. Their chances look better.”

Family support has kept Heather focused on her passion. Ken said the girls in China touched Heather's heart.

“I love being a father to a daughter,” he said. “I could not understand the decision to place a child in an orphanage. Of course, culturally, it is something they do.”

Contributing to Heather's concern for Chinese children is the country's one-child policy, in place since 1979. The policy sprang from the communist government's attempt to control its burgeoning population, which currently stands at 1.3 billion – one-fifth of the total world population of 6.4 billion.

Judy said her heart got tied up quickly too.

“Making a difference in every child's life is a giant step. But if we make improvements for one child at a time, that is so critical for our young foundation,” she said. “When we help one child rather than five, it is hard, but visible improvements are rewarding. We know there are huge numbers that need basic life care and someday we want to have the capacity to reach every one of them.”

The foundation also is working to create a school for special needs children in one of the government-run orphanages. Heather said she wants to give 20 students a chance to gain an education so they have skills to call on after being released.

“Five years ago, I knew nothing about China or their policies on children,” she said. “I had a passion to learn and an even greater passion to experience this. I knew I hated feeling helpless and wanted to make a difference.”

In July, the Williams' led a group of 17 friends to China to help children in various orphanages.

“As an only child, I always wanted a sibling, so I think I have a connection with them that has fulfilled part of that need,” Heather said. “As a family, we had some seed money and a couple grants. We are applying for others. Adoptive parents and folks in the community have helped. We have had a few fundraising events, but our biggest effort is to spread the news and our story. We are a grassroots group that God continues to bless.”

Heather attributes her values, years at Avila and profession for helping shape her interests.

“We have been in six different orphanages,” she said. “We have seen awesome nannies that give so much love to the children, but the orphanages are understaffed.”

Judy handles Hope's Heart's day-to-day operations. She gets financial help from Ken, who serves as the Fellowship of Christian Athletes chief operating officer.

“I wish we had millions and we could help every child,” Judy said.

For more information, visit www.hopesheart.org.