Places of Hope (POH) is an American nonprofit (Palm Beach Gardens, Florida) that was founded after Senior Pastor Tom and Donna Mullins led a Christ Fellowship Church trip to Romanian orphanages in 1993.

Soon after Place of Hope USA was formed as a faith-based community organization to provide residential care in the USA for children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect or abandonment. With the success of the USA operation, Place of Hope International was formed to work together with international organizations to transform the lives of abandoned and abused children.

In addition to the USA, Place of Hope assists international programs for children in Bolivia, Brazil, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, India, Mexico, Peru, and Romania.

Programs involve childcare, health care, education, ministry outreach, economic development and training local leaders to bring positive change in their communities.

In Romania, communist dictatorial rule ended in 1989 and approximately 100,000 children live in state orphanages and foster care. Romanian programs are supported that provide food, shelter, education, healthcare and hope for the young.

In Costa Rica, Banyan Resources is working to fund and build a children’s home on its Guayabo property.

In Mexico, Places of Hope International has partnered with Lucio and John Cook and ‘Mano de Ayuda’ ministry in the state of Michuachan. The Cook family have adopted over 200 children since 1979 and have provided them with food, shelter, education and a foundation in Christian faith. The ministry has expanded to include 13 churches, a bible institute and a rural medical clinic, which has provided medical care to over 100,000 patients.

More information on their donation opportunties, volunteering or program details can be found on their website.