EmberHope

05/29/2026

For this month’s Staff Spotlight, we’re excited to introduce Ruth Morales, Foster Care Supervisor at EmberHope. With more than 15 years at EmberHope and a career in social work spanning nearly three decades, Ruth has dedicated her life to supporting children, families, and the staff who serve them. Known for her encouragement, problem-solving, and unwavering faith, Ruth is a valued leader who helps guide our foster care team each day. Get to know more about Ruth, what she loves about her work, and a few fun facts you might not know about her!

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💜 How long have you been at EmberHope and/or working in child welfare?

I graduated from Bethel College in 1998 with my Bachelor's in social work. I then worked a couple of jobs in the field after college. Then I took a break from social work. I did come back to social work at Youthville in 2009 and have been here since then.

💛 What do you love most about your job and the work that you do at our organization?

I love our foster care workers and our Youthville leadership. Our foster care workers do the hard work and I’m glad I get to be a part of that. I like helping them problem solve, meeting with them and hearing how their families are doing, helping advocate for them and their families and children, celebrating successes together and figuring out problems together. We have some pretty great folks! We also have great leadership at Youthville and I am thankful to have them leading us.

💜 If someone were considering joining our team, what advice would you give them?

Don’t give up! Keep working hard, keep learning, accept feedback —you do make difference

💛 Over your tenure at EmberHope, what is one of your favorite memories or achievements?

My first job out of college was in Hutchinson, at Youthville, on an ACT team. I was a case manager and had to treat a sibling group for lice one evening in the office. Not fun, but my co-worker and I made it fun and kept each other laughing.

💜 What makes EmberHope a great place to work?

The people I work with. The fact that I am able to share my faith. The flexibility and PTO is nice too!

💛 Feel free to share a fun fact about yourself or something someone might not know about you!

I can play the piano and play about one time a month at my church.

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Inspired by Ruth's story? Whether you're just starting your career or bringing years of experience to the table, there's a place for passionate, purpose-driven people at EmberHope. Explore current openings and discover how you can help make a difference in the lives of children and families across Kansas!

🔗: https://www.emberhope.org/careers-at-emberhope/

05/28/2026

🔥 Ignite Hope Fest is almost here — and there is STILL time to register or grab your FREE concert tickets! 🔥

Join us THIS Saturday, May 30th in Hesston for an incredible day filled with live music, classic cars, motorcycles, food, prizes, and community fun — all benefiting the children and families served by EmberHope.

🏍 Poker Run
🚗 Car Show
🎶 FREE Concert
🍔 Food & Family Fun

Day-of registrations are welcome, so if you’ve been waiting to decide, come on out and join us!

🎟 Register or claim your FREE concert tickets here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ignite-hope-fest-2026-tickets-1983320827986?aff=oddtdtcreator

We also want to take a moment to say THANK YOU to our incredible sponsors and community partners who have helped make Ignite Hope Fest possible. Your support helps ignite hope for children and families across Kansas, and we are so grateful.

We can’t wait to see everyone Saturday in Hesston! ☀️

05/27/2026

We are in the final two weeks of our Care Drive, partnering with our friends at Susan's Kids! 💜 Head over to the KSN website to watch the interview and learn more. Thank you for having us, KSN!

During the month of May — National Foster Care Month — Susan’s Kids partners with EmberHope to host a drive to provide youth in foster care with essential items.

05/26/2026

We are just THREE days away from one of our biggest events of the year! ☀️🏍️🚗🎶

Have you registered for Ignite Hope Fest yet? Join us this Saturday for an unforgettable day filled with:
▪️ Poker Run
▪️ Car Show
▪️ FREE Concert
▪️ Delicious Food
▪️ Family Fun
..and all for an incredible cause supporting children and families across Kansas through EmberHope! 💜

Saturday’s forecast is shaping up to be a beautiful 80-degree Kansas day — the perfect weather to ride, cruise, and spend time with the community while making a difference.

Whether you’re bringing your motorcycle, showing off your classic car, or just coming out to enjoy the music and festivities, there’s something for everyone at Ignite Hope Fest!

Register today and help us ignite hope for youth in foster care:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ignite-hope-fest-2026-tickets-1983320827986?aff=oddtdtcreator

05/26/2026

A huge thank you to Ava Johnson for stopping by our Wichita office today to deliver socks, underwear, and other essentials for youth in EmberHope’s care! 💜

This year marked Ava’s 4th Annual Socks and Un**es Drive — a project inspired by her own family’s experience with foster care. Ava shared: “When my mom had her foster care license, we were always going out buying socks and underwear, so I decided to make Ava’s Socks and Un**es an annual thing.” Ava, who was adopted by her grandmother, also understands just how impactful these items can be.

Through her drive, Ava helps provide often-overlooked essentials that make a meaningful difference for children entering foster care. These items will now be distributed by staff to youth and families we serve across our community.

We are incredibly grateful to Ava, a Princess of America: Junior Ambassador, for using her voice, platform, and heart to help others. Thank you for continuing to show foster youth that they are seen, valued, and cared for. 💛

05/26/2026

Autumn Huerter, Marketing Director for EmberHope, and Tamber Rouse, Director of Donor Relations, recently joined the HCTalk Podcast to talk about the upcoming Ignite Hope Fest on May 30th, ways our community can support children and families impacted by foster care, and the importance of showing up for youth in need.

During the conversation, they also shared a deeply personal connection — years ago, Autumn was once a youth on Tamber’s caseload when Tamber served as a case manager. Today, they work side-by-side advocating for children and families across Kansas. Their story is a beautiful reminder of the lasting impact caring adults can have in a young person’s life. 💜

🎥 Click below to watch the full interview and learn more about Ignite Hope Fest, foster care, and how you can make a difference.

05/25/2026

Today, we pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice made our freedoms possible, and we are deeply grateful.

At EmberHope, we also recognize the many military families, veterans, and loved ones within our community who carry the impact of that sacrifice every day.

This Memorial Day, may we reflect with gratitude, lead with compassion, and never forget those who gave everything for others. ❤️🤍💙

05/22/2026

Every graduate deserves to know their accomplishments matter. 💙

This year, EmberHope celebrated 65 graduating foster youth with personalized tumblers filled with practical gifts, encouragement, and heartfelt notes reminding them they are seen, supported, and deeply valued as they step into their next chapter.

We are incredibly grateful to our generous donors — including the amazing team at Hope Fostered, Pathway Church, and more— for helping make these special gifts possible.

Read the full story here: https://www.emberhope.org/more-than-a-gift/

05/20/2026

We are so grateful that Avery Osen from Good Day Kansas joined us at our Newton Campus to learn more about our upcoming Ignite Hope Fest! Avery chatted with Virginia Lewis, Development Coordinator for EmberHope, along with Kristin Strole of Twister City Harley-Davidson, to get all the details about this event.

Head over to the KSN website to watch the interview and catch a sneak preview of some of the beautiful cars we will have at our car show: https://www.ksn.com/gooddaykansas/emberhopes-ignite-hope-fest-a-community-rally/

Ready to claim FREE concert tickets or register your car or bike for the poker run or car show portion of the festivities? Head over to our website and get signed up! Ignite Hope on May 30th will be an event you won't want to miss: https://www.emberhope.org/events/ignite-hope-fest-2026/

05/20/2026

This is so incredible to see - thank you to everyone who has donated so far! 💜 We appreciate YOU making a difference in the lives of youth in foster care.

There is still time to donate! You can find a drop location near you using the Google map embedded on our website: https://www.emberhope.org/events/2026-care-drive/

Our donation box is filling up fast 💜🤝

But we’re not done. Susan's Kids Care Drive, partnered with EmberHope, is still going, and we’re continuing to collect blankets, backpacks, duffle bags, shoes, and more for youth in foster care.

Every donation makes a difference, and we’re so thankful for the support our community has shown so far! 👏

05/20/2026

🚗 Calling all car, truck, and bike enthusiasts!

The Ignite Hope Fest Car Show is happening May 30th at Hesston High School, and there’s still time to register your ride!

🏆 Compete for awards such as 'Best of Show', 'People’s Choice', 'Best Classic', and so much more!

🕓 Car show begins at 4:00 PM, entries please check in between Noon - 3:00 PM
📍 Hesston High School | Hesston, KS
💲 $25 per vehicle to enter
👀 Free for the public to attend and view!

Enjoy food, community fun, and FREE concert tickets as part of an unforgettable evening supporting children and families served through EmberHope.

Register today:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ignite-hope-fest-2026-tickets-1983320827986?aff=oddtdtcreator