01/23/2026
As it celebrates its 20th year anniversary, the Children of Hope Society (COHS) is stepping into a new season of growth and maturity, guided by a ten-year Strategic Plan built around six key pillars. This plan was completed in October 2025 and at the core is a commitment to staying Christ-centred, making sure prayer, spiritual health, and biblical leadership shape everything the organization does. The plan also focuses on strengthening Mexican boards and supporting ministry staff through clearer roles, better training, and ongoing care, so Mexican and Canadian are equipped, supported, and able to work well together across cultures.
Alongside this, COHS is prioritizing stronger leadership presence in Mexico, deeper partnerships, and long-term sustainability. This includes improving communication between Canadian and Mexican leadership teams, growing donor and church relationships, and making fundraising and child sponsorship more effective. With careful, prayerful planning for future ministry sites and new care models, COHS aims to grow responsibly while staying faithful to its mission. Overall, these pillars reflect a desire to be more than a funding organization and transition into a genuine partner in ministry, helping ensure lasting, Christ-centred impact for children in Mexico.
Please pray for everyone involved in this ministry, both in Canada and Mexico, as they seek to faithfully live out the calling God has placed on their lives. We are also deeply thankful for Shepherd Consulting and Darren Roorda for guiding us through this process, and for all those, on both sides of the border, who have contributed their time, wisdom, and support along the way.
Below is a summary of the six key strategic pillars:
1. Spiritual Health & Missional Integrity
At the heart of COHS’s mission is a Christ-centred foundation. This pillar emphasizes care for staff and leadership through rest, retreats, and spiritual development. Training programs will integrate biblical leadership principles, and prayer will remain central to decision-making and organizational life. Directors and volunteers will receive pastoral support, ensuring that the work of COHS continues to flow from faith and missional clarity.
2. Board Development
Recognizing that strong governance sustains long-term vision, COHS is committed to equipping both its Canadian and Mexican boards with tools, training, and clear roles. Strategic oversight will be deepened through consistent evaluations, specialized roles, and alignment between budgets and mission priorities. Updated governance policies and training in financial literacy, trauma-informed care, and child discipleship will strengthen oversight across all ministry centres.
3. Staff Growth & Development
The plan underscores the importance of clear job descriptions, training, and support for missionaries, directors, and local staff. From pre-field missionary training to ongoing professional development in areas such as trauma-informed child care and fundraising, COHS seeks to empower its people with the skills and spiritual resilience they need. Clarity around roles will also reduce confusion and enhance cross-cultural collaboration.
4. Leadership
COHS will establish a stronger presence in Mexico to foster trust, strengthen relationships with government authorities, and support fundraising within the country. Orphanage directors will have structured input into strategic decisions, while the Executive Director will focus on oversight and partnership development. Regular coaching for leadership and improved communication between Canadian and Mexican offices will further align efforts.
5. Partnership Engagement & Fundraising
Building on a growing donor base, COHS will expand regional support in Canada, enhance church partnerships, and professionalize communications. A renewed emphasis on child sponsorship will make it more intentional and personalized, while broader marketing strategies, including rebranding and digital engagement, will connect supporters more deeply to the mission. Collaboration with parallel ministries will also expand fundraising capacity and training.
6. Site Development & Expansion
Looking ahead, COHS plans to grow by three additional ministry sites within seven years, while ensuring compliance with evolving Mexican regulations. Legal expertise will safeguard property ownership and non-profit status, and new care models will be explored in response to global shifts toward family-based care. Each
expansion will be prayerfully guided to balance opportunity with responsible stewardship.
