Fostering Hope is an organisation raising awareness about foster care among Christians. Our vision ultimately is to see a movement of Christian foster carers in Tasmania strengthened by churches who support carers and children in their community.
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Our mission is to advocate for Christians to open their home to children in care and we help churches support the carers in their community to create loving and safe homes for children in care.
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Our board
Our founders
Al and Mary Dickins
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Mary and Al Dickins are a Christian couple that live in Hobart, Tasmania with their two sons, dog and cat.
When they got married they decided they would foster after they had their own children and were settled in a home. The first phone call Mary made when they purchased a home was to the local Child Safety Services to enquire about training to become foster carers.
In 2014 they took their first placement, a newborn, this was then followed 17 months later with his little brother. Then a couple of years later they took on an eight year old boy.
It was only when they began fostering that God revealed what a powerful means it is to show His love in our community, transform lives for eternity, be forced to rely on Him, and ultimately live out our call as Christians to love the orphan and vulnerable in our community.
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Prior to fostering, Mary worked policy in the community sector. Al continues to own and run a medium-sized business that works throughout Australia.
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Al is a passionate public speaker, motivator and encourager. He organises all the Champions and Advocates for Fostering Hope and is available for sermons and talks.
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Mary heads up the Care Teams and devotional series for Fostering Hope.
Advisory group
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Mary and Al are being advised by a group of Tasmanians from different churches and communities passionate about fostering and Fostering Hope’s vision.
If this is something you would like to be a part of, or feel you could contribute to, please let us know.
