Our Story
Our Story and How It All Began
Our Story
Our Story and How It All Began
A Vision Begins
How a Burdened Heart Sparked a Movement of Hope
Bringing Children Hope (BCH) started as Baptist Children’s Home and was founded in 1955 by Rev. Ernie Francis. Ernie and his wife Marie were burdened to help care for children in Indiana. Marie grew up in a children’s home in Illinois and stated that it was the best thing to ever happen to her as she met the Lord during that time. Along with their two children, the Francis family travelled around Indiana to raise funds to start a children’s home. During that time, the Indiana Fellowship of Regular Baptist Churches (IFRBC) voted to start the children’s home with Ernie as the leader. After a fundraising trip to a church in Valparaiso, a farmer donated 52 acres of land in Kouts, Indiana. That land became the location of the first group home. The first children came into care in 1959.
A Vision Begins
How a Burdened Heart Sparked a Movement of Hope
Bringing Children Hope (BCH) started as Baptist Children’s Home and was founded in 1955 by Rev. Ernie Francis. Ernie and his wife Marie were burdened to help care for children in Indiana. Marie grew up in a children’s home in Illinois and stated that it was the best thing to ever happen to her as she met the Lord during that time. Along with their two children, the Francis family travelled around Indiana to raise funds to start a children’s home. During that time, the Indiana Fellowship of Regular Baptist Churches (IFRBC) voted to start the children’s home with Ernie as the leader. After a fundraising trip to a church in Valparaiso, a farmer donated 52 acres of land in Kouts, Indiana. That land became the location of the first group home. The first children came into care in 1959.
The Francis Family’s Dedication
Laying the Foundation with Love and Sacrifice
“Uncle” Ernie and “Aunt” Marie did almost everything in the beginning years. They were parents to the kids. Ernie also took care of the administration, maintenance and promotion. He supervised the construction of the homes built on the Kouts property. Their passion for the Lord and their desire to help children sparked a ministry that has helped thousands of children and countless families.
The Francis Family’s Dedication
Laying the Foundation with Love and Sacrifice
“Uncle” Ernie and “Aunt” Marie did almost everything in the beginning years. They were parents to the kids. Ernie also took care of the administration, maintenance and promotion. He supervised the construction of the homes built on the Kouts property. Their passion for the Lord and their desire to help children sparked a ministry that has helped thousands of children and countless families.
Faithful Leadership and Growth
Building on the Legacy Through Decades of Service
In 1967 a new director was appointed, Rev. Donald Worch. Five years later Rev. James Geurink was hired and then became the director in 1995 upon Worch’s retirement. These two men carried on the legacy of the Francis family and BCH experienced tremendous growth. Worch and Geurink visited churches all around the United States while helping many children and families along the way. BCH would not be what it is today without their sacrifice.
Faithful Leadership and Growth
Building on the Legacy Through Decades of Service
In 1967 a new director was appointed, Rev. Donald Worch. Five years later Rev. James Geurink was hired and then became the director in 1995 upon Worch’s retirement. These two men carried on the legacy of the Francis family and BCH experienced tremendous growth. Worch and Geurink visited churches all around the United States while helping many children and families along the way. BCH would not be what it is today without their sacrifice.
Expanding Our Reach
Broadening the Mission to Serve More Lives
During those years, BCH merged with ministries in Ohio and Michigan and started a ministry in Iowa. At one point, BCH had nine group homes in operation in Indiana, Michigan, and Iowa. Other areas of ministry that were started were maternity/paternity counseling, adoption, family counseling, family life seminars and Independent Living Program for Women.
Expanding Our Reach
Broadening the Mission to Serve More Lives
During those years, BCH merged with ministries in Ohio and Michigan and started a ministry in Iowa. At one point, BCH had nine group homes in operation in Indiana, Michigan, and Iowa. Other areas of ministry that were started were maternity/paternity counseling, adoption, family counseling, family life seminars and Independent Living Program for Women.
Facing New Challenges
Navigating Transitions with Faith and Resolve
Despite the growth, BCH was met with challenges along the way. Due to aging buildings in Kouts, the group home property was sold in 2000. The ministries in Iowa and Ohio were closed in the 2010’s and in 2021, the group homes in Michigan were closed due to government restrictions, thus ending an era of group home care in the United States.
Facing New Challenges
Navigating Transitions with Faith and Resolve
Despite the growth, BCH was met with challenges along the way. Due to aging buildings in Kouts, the group home property was sold in 2000. The ministries in Iowa and Ohio were closed in the 2010’s and in 2021, the group homes in Michigan were closed due to government restrictions, thus ending an era of group home care in the United States.
A New Name, A Renewed Mission
Embracing Change to Reflect Our Heart for Hope
With this change of closing down group homes, the BCH Board voted to change to our new name of Bringing Children Hope in 2024. This change gave us a new identity in how we wanted to care for children and families.
A New Name, A Renewed Mission
Embracing Change to Reflect Our Heart for Hope
With this change of closing down group homes, the BCH Board voted to change to our new name of Bringing Children Hope in 2024. This change gave us a new identity in how we wanted to care for children and families.
Caring Through Compassionate Homes
A Shift from Homes to Hospitality-Driven Care
Since 2013, we were able to care for families in crisis by providing temporary homes for children in need. This no longer requires group homes but rather volunteer families from the local church to carry out this method of hospitality. In 2022 we were able to roll out our own program called Homes of Compassion which we operate today. We care for children and families but our goal is to strengthen the family unit and empower them to stay together.
Caring Through Compassionate Homes
A Shift from Homes to Hospitality-Driven Care
Since 2013, we were able to care for families in crisis by providing temporary homes for children in need. This no longer requires group homes but rather volunteer families from the local church to carry out this method of hospitality. In 2022 we were able to roll out our own program called Homes of Compassion which we operate today. We care for children and families but our goal is to strengthen the family unit and empower them to stay together.
Equipping and Empowering Families
Providing Tools for Healing, Growth, and Unity
In the last few years, we have rolled out new programs for the community and beyond. We offer trauma-informed training as well as over 240 courses through BrightCourse which blends practical lessons and parenting skills with spiritual components. We offer those courses online and in our Hope Hub, which allows for a community setting within our current office in Valparaiso.
Equipping and Empowering Families
Providing Tools for Healing, Growth, and Unity
In the last few years, we have rolled out new programs for the community and beyond. We offer trauma-informed training as well as over 240 courses through BrightCourse which blends practical lessons and parenting skills with spiritual components. We offer those courses online and in our Hope Hub, which allows for a community setting within our current office in Valparaiso.
Bringing Hope Around the World
Extending the Mission Across Continents
Another integral step in history was the start of our international ministry. In 1995, a group home in India was begun. Shortly thereafter, a ministry in Myanmar was established. In 2002, BCH formed a partnership with fellow believers in Liberia in caring for orphaned children. More recently, ministry partnerships were formed in Nepal, Zambia, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic.
In addition to our international group homes and foster care, we extend the heart of BCH to serve vulnerable children and families worldwide with our renewed focus to help keep families together. We are watchful to provide holistic Christian care—meeting physical, emotional, educational, and spiritual needs—through trusted local leaders and church-based communities.
We work to see children thrive—and see God’s design for family restored one relationship at a time. Through this mission, BCH continues to walk alongside international partners, empowering families, equipping leaders, and building lasting hope in Jesus’ name. We underwrite our international ministry, in part with a sponsorship program.
In addition to our international group homes and foster care, we extend the heart of BCH to serve vulnerable children and families worldwide with our renewed focus to help keep families together. We are watchful to provide holistic Christian care—meeting physical, emotional, educational, and spiritual needs—through trusted local leaders and church-based communities.
We work to see children thrive—and see God’s design for family restored one relationship at a time. Through this mission, BCH continues to walk alongside international partners, empowering families, equipping leaders, and building lasting hope in Jesus’ name. We underwrite our international ministry, in part with a sponsorship program.
Bringing Hope Around the World
Extending the Mission Across Continents
Another integral step in history was the start of our international ministry. In 1995, a group home in India was begun. Shortly thereafter, a ministry in Myanmar was established. In 2002, BCH formed a partnership with fellow believers in Liberia in caring for orphaned children. More recently, ministry partnerships were formed in Nepal, Zambia, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic.
In addition to our international group homes and foster care, we extend the heart of BCH to serve vulnerable children and families worldwide with our renewed focus to help keep families together. We are watchful to provide holistic Christian care—meeting physical, emotional, educational, and spiritual needs—through trusted local leaders and church-based communities.
We work to see children thrive—and see God’s design for family restored one relationship at a time. Through this mission, BCH continues to walk alongside international partners, empowering families, equipping leaders, and building lasting hope in Jesus’ name. We underwrite our international ministry, in part with a sponsorship program.
In addition to our international group homes and foster care, we extend the heart of BCH to serve vulnerable children and families worldwide with our renewed focus to help keep families together. We are watchful to provide holistic Christian care—meeting physical, emotional, educational, and spiritual needs—through trusted local leaders and church-based communities.
We work to see children thrive—and see God’s design for family restored one relationship at a time. Through this mission, BCH continues to walk alongside international partners, empowering families, equipping leaders, and building lasting hope in Jesus’ name. We underwrite our international ministry, in part with a sponsorship program.
Share Your Story
Your Journey is Part of Ours
Throughout the years, God has used BCH in powerful ways to care for children and lead them to the hope of the Gospel. If BCH has impacted your life in any way, we’d love to hear your story. Call us at 219.462.4111 or email [email protected]—we would be honored to connect with you. Your story is part of our story, and the history of BCH is shaped by lives like yours.
Share Your Story
Your Journey is Part of Ours
Throughout the years, God has used BCH in powerful ways to care for children and lead them to the hope of the Gospel. If BCH has impacted your life in any way, we’d love to hear your story. Call us at 219.462.4111 or email [email protected]—we would be honored to connect with you. Your story is part of our story, and the history of BCH is shaped by lives like yours.
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