Hope for Hilltribes | Who We Are

Who We Are

Hope for Hilltribes is a Christian 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to restoring hope and fostering lasting change within vulnerable Hilltribe communities in northern Thailand. We believe in tackling the root causes of exploitation and poverty, particularly human trafficking. As a US-based organization, we achieve this by partnering with trusted local foundations in Thailand, whose proven programs have collectively made an impact for over 30 years through love, education, and hope for children, families, and people with disabilities.

Mission

To empower vulnerable Hilltribe people in northern Thailand, helping them overcome poverty and protect their children from exploitation.

Vision

We envision tribal people in Thailand with HOPE for their future; where children and families can make empowered and informed decisions, free from exploitation of trafficking.

Our Values

Faith

As a Christian organization, we believe our actions reflect God’s care and compassion for humanity, whom He loved so much, He sent His Son to die for.

People

We believe every person is worthy of love and we provide services without discrimination of race, faith, gender, sexual orientation, or financial status.

Education

We believe that education equips individuals with knowledge and skills, fostering societal progress and economic development.

Empowerment

We believe that empowering people with tools, resources, and opportunities leads to greater long-term well being.

Personalization

We believe in offering a diverse range of services to better serve the unique circumstances of vulnerable people.

Family

We believe that many challenges children face are family issues,requiring solutions which focus on the well-being of the entire whole family unit. We consider “family” to be the building block of society and the church.

Hope

We believe that hope significantly influences resilience, overall well-being, and clarity of thought in individuals and families.

Partnership

We believe local operations possess a deep understanding of cultural intricacies and are best positioned to create significant impact within families and communities, which is why we partner directly with Hilltribe people to accomplish our mission.

Our History

Our story is one of adapting to urgent needs, learning from communities, and a steadfast commitment to the Hilltribe people.

1991-2000

Early Years & Genesis

The seed of Hope for Hilltribes was planted in 1991, amidst the devastating HIV crisis in Hilltribe communities. American missionary nurse Kim Brown stepped in, providing education and hospice care through what became the House of Love. As the crisis evolved, so did the House of Love, transitioning by 2000 into an orphanage for children left behind.

2009-2010

Changing Needs And Expansion of Programming

By 2001, the House of Love expanded to support children in unsafe situations by taking in children who were orphaned, abused, or at-risk to trafficking. Along with the expansion in children it could support came a new facility. 2001 Also marked the establishment of the House of Blessing preschool as a response to community needs in Chiang Mai, and the pioneering community-based rehabilitation program of the Center for Hope in Mae Sariang."

2001-2008

Formation of Hope for Hilltribes

Inspired by their firsthand experiences in Thailand, Americans Fred Haring and Bill Sjoblom founded Hope for Hilltribes in 2009. Their vision was to establish a US-based nonprofit that could amplify the impact of dedicated local programs like those they witnessed, providing vital support to Hilltribe communities.

2021-2024

Evolution to Family-First

A pivotal shift occurred between 2021 and 2023, reflecting our deepening commitment to family preservation. When a child from the House of Love successfully reunified with extended family, the profound positive impact was undeniable. This spurred a strategic re-evaluation, leading to 12 children transitioning back to family care. In 2024, this culminated in the formal emergence of The Family of Love program, building on the House of Love's work to proactively support families in poverty, educate them, and foster self-sufficiency, ensuring children remain safely within their families whenever possible.