by Stefani Farris and Wendy Slaton | photos by Heart & Lens Photography
DETAILS
Hometown: Houston, TX • Education: Houston Community College • Career Highlights: “Books for Babies” and “Mommy Mentor Program (Girl Talk) • Hobbies: In my free time, I love to cycle, it’s my outlet when I need to clear my head • Favorite Restaurant: Peli Peli (Galleria Location) • Favorite Hangouts: Downtown Houston and any live music venue • Favorite Destination: Montego Bay Jamaica
Loving, kind, compassionate, inspiring, faithful, and dedicated, these are just a few words to describe the impeccable Hope Ewing. As the Founder and Executive Director of The Diaper Foundation, a Houston based recognized 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that helps underprivileged families acquire adequate diapering supplies for their children, Hope is living out her God designed purpose- making a difference in the lives of infants one diaper at a time.
She is a respected trailblazer in the community and her unselfish commitment to ensuring that underprivileged infants have the essential diapering supplies they need is remarkable. Hope started The Diaper Foundation in November 2009 after hearing about and seeing so many mothers struggle to provide the basic hygiene necessities for their babies. Many of the women she encountered shared with her that often times due to financial challenges their babies would have to go without a fresh diaper for hours, sometimes even days. This cry for help touched Hope at her core and being a child of God, she knew something had to be done so she raised her hand and said “God I’ll do whatever you need me to do.”
Since taking that leap of faith, through The Diaper Foundation, Hope has been able to assist in meeting the needs of thousands of the city’s most vulnerable population. However, her efforts extend far beyond the infants. She is a lifeline for the many of the mothers (and some fathers and other caregivers), providing them with additional tools, resources, and educational support to help them become better equipped to take care of their babies. She uses a holistic approach to helping them overcome challenges that centers on the faith, hope, and love of Christ. Since its inception, TDF has created several programs that aid in supporting infants and caregivers. In January 2014 TDF introduced its “Books for Babies” program and with a gentle nudge in her spirt, Hope officially started the “Mommy Mentor Program (Girl Talk) in February 2013. Girl Talk takes place once a month and provides an opportunity for mothers to come and receive an inspiring “Message of Hope” to encourage them to stay the course in spite of the obstacles and challenges they face.
While serving infants is her life work that she truly enjoys, her first love is being the devoted wife of Michael Anthony Ewing and the nurturing and supportive mommy to Michael Elizabeth Ewing. Her presence in this world is a reminder that no matter what we face, between faith and love there’s always HOPE!
Tell us a little about yourself.
I was raised in Houston, but spent every Summer in Livingston, Texas so I am a country girl at heart, which may explain my love for horses.
What do you think is the biggest challenge parents face today?
The challenges of trying to balance family, career and still try to find time to take care of your own needs.
What do you think is the biggest challenge our kids face today?
Between reality television and social media, I think our kids are being tempted to grow up too quickly.
How do you spend free time with your family (between work, school, homework/after-school activities?
In my free time, I love to cycle, it’s my outlet when I need to clear my head. As a family, we enjoy cooking together, live music concerts, hanging out in Downtown Houston, and driving to Galveston — just for a scoop or two of ice cream.
What do you love about living in the Houston area?
Houston is such a diverse community and I love being surrounded by people from all walks of life. I love that we live in one of the biggest cities in the United States but for me, it has a hometown feel.
How do you encourage your kids/family to give back to their community? Any tips to share?
I encourage my daughter and other children, to ALWAYS speak up for those who have no voice and to be the strength for those who are weak.
