Biola University
Our Heart for Kids in Care
Over 400,000 children in the U.S. — including over 25,000 in Los Angeles county — navigate the trauma and uncertainty of foster care, often without consistent relationships.
Launched in 2025 with support from a generous donor, Hope for Kids in Care was born out of a shared longing that children in foster care would not only be protected and provided for, but embraced, discipled, known and loved as image-bearers within the family of God.
Our Vision
To see all children, particularly children in foster care, welcomed, loved, valued and included in all aspects of church life, including prayer and worship.
Our Mission
To educate, inspire, and equip church leaders to extend Christlike hospitality to vulnerable children and foster families by providing biblically based resources for worship, prayer, and involvement in the life of the church through education, creative resourcing and community partnerships.
I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.
Why Biola University and Talbot School of Theology?
Biola University long-standing commitment to biblical faithfulness and academic excellence, combined with Talbot School of Theology deep expertise in theology, spiritual formation and pastoral care, provides a uniquely strong foundation for Hope for Kids in Care.
Our School of Education brings critical insight into childhood development, learning theory and trauma-informed practice—essential dimensions for supporting children in foster care.
Together, these disciplines allow Hope for Kids in Care to integrate theological conviction with practical wisdom, equipping churches to care for children in ways that are both faithful and effective.
Our Approach
Hope for Kids in Care offers a two-pronged approach that combines accessible education with collaborative ministry innovation:
Collaborative opportunities for pastors and ministry leaders
Cohorts, workshops and partnerships that bring ministry leaders together to learn, share ideas and develop sustainable practices for supporting children in care and the families who serve them.
Free, high quality learning modules
Self-paced, theologically grounded courses that explore biblical foundations, early church history, trauma-informed care and practical strategies for welcoming children in foster care into worship and church life.
Our Team
Joanne Jung
Associate Dean of Online Education and Student & Faculty Engagement, Talbot School of Theology; Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies; Director of Hope for Kids in Care
Dr. Joanne Jung is a scholar of biblical and theological studies and spiritual formation with extensive experience designing accessible, transformative learning environments. Her passion for cultivating Christ-centered formation informs the theological and pedagogical foundations of Hope for Kids in Care, ensuring resources are both academically rigorous and spiritually enriching.
Dennis Eastman
Director of Secondary Education, Biola University and Co-Director of Hope for Kids in Care
Dr. Dennis Eastman brings expertise in adolescent development, education and trauma-informed practice. As an educator and foster parent, he bridges theory and lived experience, helping churches understand the complex needs of children in care while offering practical pathways for meaningful support.
June Hetzel
Faculty Emerita & Co-Director for Hope for Kids in Care
June Hetzel, Ph.D., Faculty Emerita and founding Dean of the School of Education at 91ÖÆƬ³§ University, currently serves in the role of Co-Director of Hope for Kids in Care. Her background includes four decades of teaching and administration in education, including work with K-12 students in public, private, mission, and homeschool settings. With a passion for spiritual formation, curriculum development, and serving children and families in need, she is excited to help Biola create resources for churches to help facilitate healing, spiritual growth, and hope in Jesus for children in care.
Robyn Roberts
Program Administrator for Hope for Kids in Care
Robyn is passionate about God heart for the orphan and the Church role in caring for vulnerable children. For the past 13 years, she has walked alongside children in foster care and the families who love them, serving in both professional and volunteer roles, most recently as an advocate for Foster the City. She dreams of a future where homes and churches stand ready to welcome children—so no child is left waiting to belong.
Ministries We Recommend
We collaborate with trusted organizations, churches and foster care agencies to amplify impact, strengthen support systems for children and families and unite churches, agencies and families in a shared vision of healing and hope for kids in care.
Join the Movement
Whether you’re a pastor, parent, foster family, volunteer or student, you have a role to play in offering hope and healing to children in care. Join us as we work together to transform lives.