Hope in Action Awards

Presented by Live 2 Give Hope

Honoring Foster Care Champions in Missouri’s 26th Judicial Circuit
Camden, Laclede, Miller, Moniteau, Morgan Counties

Each May, during Foster Care Awareness Month, Live 2 Give Hope proudly recognizes outstanding individuals who serve children and families within Missouri’s 26th Judicial Circuit.

The Hope in Action Awards celebrate those who go above and beyond in supporting the foster community. These individuals demonstrate compassion, dedication, advocacy, and excellence in action.

Four awards will be presented at our annual Hope in Action Luncheon in May.

Each recipient will receive the title:
Foster Care Champion

Awards will be presented in the following categories:
•  Foster Care Champion – Foster Parent
•  Foster Care Champion – Adoptive Parent
•  Foster Care Champion – Kinship Caregiver
•  Foster Care Champion – Caseworker

Eligibility
Nominees must:
•  Currently serve within Missouri’s 26th Judicial Circuit
•  Be active in one of the four listed roles
•  Demonstrate meaningful impact on children and families in foster care

Self-nominations are permitted.

Nominations open each year in early March and close in mid April. 

2025 Honorees

Ross and Amber Kula

Foster Parents of the Year

Devon & Megan Zimdars

Adoptive Parents of the Year

Kris & Janelle Keeth

Kinship Caregivers of the Year

Heather Lovell

Social Worker of the Year

Connie Dunham

Volunteer of the Year

Amber Kula
Voices of Hope

Amber Kula

I think I'm still just trying to save teenage me.

Read her story →
Devon and Megan Zimdars
Voices of Hope

Devon and Megan Zimdars

Two days after I turned three, I had a complete hysterectomy.

Read their story →
Connie Dunham
Voices of Hope

Connie Dunham

We can't always protect them. But we can help heal them.

Read her story →