At Clara's Hope, our mission is simple yet powerful: We help families
achieve success in foster care and adoption. Serving Livingston and
Genesee County, we bridge the gap between families and agencies by
providing essential resources, guidance, and community support.
Our mission is guided by four core values:
Excellence:
Delivering high-quality, impactful support to
families with care and efficiency.
Integrity:
Operating with honesty, transparency, and
accountability in every interaction.
Family-Centered:
Tailoring our support to meet the unique needs
of each family, ensuring holistic care.
Community:
Building strong partnerships to create
a network of support and connection.
While we are not a child-placing agency, we focus on building meaningful
connections and offering ongoing support to families navigating the
foster care and adoption journey.
Strong families create strong communities, and together,we can bring
hope, stability, and lasting change. Thank you for being a part of our
story.
Our story
Read December 2024 Newsletter
Financials
Clara’s Hope is a 501(c)(3) organization. Email us here request to see our 990.
Our staff
Meet our amazing team
At Clara's Hope, our dedicated staff is committed to providing
compassionate support to the families we serve. Through their expertise,
care, and hard work, they create a nurturing environment that
empowers families to thrive. We are grateful for their passion and
dedication every day.
I was a foster parent for 16 years with 40 children in foster care living in our home throughout that time. I'm the mother of 7 forever kids (3 biological, 3 adopted, 1 in process of adoption). Clara is my daughter and the catalyst for this organization. I have a passion to see the entire family learn to heal and work toward wholeness.
Tami Kromer
Executive Director
& Founder
With nearly eight years of experience in various areas of child welfare—including CPS, foster care, and adoption—I’ve developed a deep passion for supporting and connecting with families navigating the foster care and adoption journey. Over the years, I’ve learned that one of the most powerful tools a family can have is someone to walk alongside them with understanding and encouragement. That’s why I’m so grateful to be part of Clara’s Hope, where I can help families thrive as they take on this meaningful path. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your journey!
Jessica Staelgraeve
Program Manager
My background is in accounting, and I’m so grateful I get to use those skills at Clara’s Hope. I never imagined I’d be able to use my professional experience to truly help people. Being involved in connecting volunteers with our families is such an honor—our volunteers offer so much support and make a real difference. Clara’s Hope was there for me throughout my entire foster care journey, and I am blessed to be part of the team that stood by me. It’s incredibly meaningful to give back in this way.
Rachael Weise
Operations Manager
I have always been in the field of helping people. Starting out as a Sheriff Deputy, 14 years teaching preschool, 5 years Head start/Great Start advocate and 6 years as a foster care and adoption worker. I love what I do and helping every member of the family through the licensing, foster care or adoption journey is so rewarding to me. I have 3 biological children but have still faced similar challenges our families experience. I'm so excited to be part of Clara's Hope and work with families during their time of need but also helping them to build their community. As they say it takes a village to raise a child and I would love to be part of your village.
Debbie Verbison
Family Support
Specialist
With a background in nonprofit work and health education, I am passionate about building meaningful connections between the local community and the families Clara’s Hope serves. My goal is to strengthen support systems by cultivating community awareness and collaboration for foster and adoptive families.
Megan Suhs
Development
Coordinator
Resources
You are not alone. At Clara's Hope, we understand the challenges and
joys that come with the journey of foster care and adoption. Whether
you're just starting out or have been walking this path for years, we're
here to provide support and guidance. Below, you'll find a collection of
resources designed to equip, encourage, and empower you as you navigate
this meaningful journey.
Together, we can build stronger families, provide healing, and create
brighter futures for children in need.
Explore the resources below to find support, tools, and connections that
will help you every step of the way.
Tools to implement today
Hands on support
COPYRIGHT. ALL RIGHTS ARE RESERVED DESIGNED AT LAKEHOUSE STUDIOS