Purpose sometimes comes to us out of the blue, like a lightning bolt showing us where we need to go and what we need to do. In Caroline’s case, it was the decision to take on a huge issue: foster care on a global scale. This is one of those huge, seemingly intractable problems that we all recognize as terrible but endlessly stuck, never to be improved. Once Caroline grabbed the rope, though, things started to change, and then they really changed.
There are few things more poignant than improving a powerless child’s life. That was what she saw, and that is exactly what she has decided to make her mission in life. She inspires us to see that big problems can be solved and prompts us to ask: What big problem could we improve if we put our minds to it?
How old are you?
54
Where are you from?
Lake Charles, Louisiana
How did you become interested in orphans and foster children?
At 28, I seemed to have it all—a thriving career as an account executive at a TV station in Austin, Texas; a beautiful home; a shiny new car; and an exciting social life. On the outside, I was living the dream. But inside, I felt a void. Despite the material success, I knew there had to be more to life. I sensed a bigger purpose calling, but I didn’t know exactly what it was.
In January 2000, we set off on our adventure. By May, we found ourselves in a rural village in India.
It was then that I made the bold decision to step away. I took a sabbatical from my job and life. My friend Chris and I came up with a wild plan: We’d spend a year chasing summer around the world. We plotted our route, and Chris insisted that one of our stops be India, where she had been sponsoring a young boy. I was skeptical and doubted her contributions were making a real difference. I even told her it was probably a scam.
In January 2000, we set off on our adventure. By May, we found ourselves in a rural village in India. There, Chris was finally able to meet Manus, the child she had been supporting. What happened next shook me to my core.
The village welcomed us with open arms, and Chris’s joy at seeing the tangible impact of her support was undeniable. Manus was real. His life was changing because of her, but that was just the beginning. We would soon learn that Manus was one of the lucky ones.
A few days later, we were invited to dinner at a local family’s home. Nothing could have prepared us for the sight that awaited us. Over 100 orphaned children greeted us, their faces filled with hope and longing. Each child, craving a simple touch or a smile, pushed their way to us. I had never seen such pure, unfiltered need before. These children had nothing—no parents, no soft bed to sleep in, no certainty of their next meal. Yet, despite their hardships, they were full of love.
Here I was, a traveler without a care in the world, while these children struggled just to survive.
One little girl, Sheebani, rested her head on my knee. I picked her up, and she melted into me. It was as if she had been waiting for someone to hold her her entire life. I sang to her and rocked her gently. When I laid her down to sleep, the sound of her tiny bones hitting the hard wooden slats broke my heart. In that moment, I realized how stark the contrast was between my life and hers. Here I was, a traveler without a care in the world, while these children struggled just to survive.
That day was Mother’s Day. Then and there, I made a promise to myself: I could no longer live as if these children didn’t exist. I had to act. That’s when the idea for Miracle Foundation was born. Almost immediately, I filed the paperwork to start a nonprofit. From the very beginning, people rallied to support these children. Miraculously, individuals from all walks of life came forward. We had people of all ages, backgrounds, and means—determined to make a difference. Together, we’ve directly impacted the lives of over 50,000 children. This is a result of our efforts to end the global need for orphanages and get children in the U.S. Foster System the forever families they deserve.
Today, Sheebani, the little girl I held in my arms, is a college graduate and a high school teacher. Like so many others, her story is a testament to one simple truth: Every child just needs one person to believe in them and help them reach their full potential. That’s what we’re here for—to be that person and to change lives, one child at a time.
Contrast the situations in Africa, India, and the U.S. for us.
We’re now working in Africa, India, and the United States. We know: Children are children—no matter where they are. While the places, food, religions, and customs may vary greatly, the fundamental value of taking care of children remains universal. In India and Africa, orphanages are the primary system for children separated from their families. The U.S. relies on foster care. Yet, both models are outdated and fail to provide what children truly need.
What we need are systems that ensure children not only survive, but thrive.
We all know this. What we need are systems that ensure children not only survive, but thrive. We need to allow them the chance to reach their full potential. That’s the mission of the Miracle Foundation. Thankfully, the commitment to change is growing. Africa has pledged to eliminate orphanages within the next seven years. India will be orphanage-free by 2040. The U.S. hasn’t set a concrete date yet. However, we are beginning to see momentum in the system and a growing recognition that there is a better way.
In the U.S., the child welfare system has several points of failure. At Miracle Foundation, we focus on three critical areas. First, there isn’t a soft landing for children removed from their families. Often taken away in the dark of the night by police, these children are scared, alone, and unsure of what to bring. They’re sometimes placed in a stranger’s home that may not be equipped to care for a child in trauma. Because of this lack of preparation and support, 60% of foster families quit within their first year, leaving the child to be moved yet again. We’re working to change that by providing foster families with the resources they need—mental health counseling, support, and direct communication with a case manager—so they can focus on providing the love and care they signed up for.
Second, too many children age out of the system or never find a permanent family. Every child deserves a forever family. At Miracle Foundation, we’re dedicated to ensuring that no child is left longing for one.
Finally, our systems are outdated. The technology being used is the equivalent of a dentist tying a string to your tooth to pull it out—it’s archaic. That’s why we brought in a team of engineers and launched a platform that connects the entire ecosystem, enabling real-time decisions for children. It’s not just about improving the system; it’s about giving these children the future they deserve.
The typical journey of a child in the foster system is often filled with uncertainty and instability that starts with the moment they’re removed from their home.
What is the typical journey of a child in the foster system?
The typical journey of a child in the foster system is often filled with uncertainty and instability that starts with the moment they’re removed from their home. It usually happens suddenly, with police or child welfare workers arriving at the door. The child is confused, scared, and unsure of what’s happening or where they’re going. They don’t have time to pack or prepare, and they’re often taken to the home of strangers, who may not fully understand the trauma this child has endured.
Once in the foster care system, these children might move from one foster home to another. On average, a child in foster care will move more than seven times, often because their needs aren’t met or the foster family isn’t adequately supported. That instability leaves scars—emotionally and psychologically. Many children never find their forever family; instead, they age out of the system at 18 and are left to navigate the world without the support, love, or safety net that every child deserves.
At Miracle Foundation, we see this cycle and know it doesn’t have to be this way. We work to provide families with the support they need to offer real stability, and we fight to ensure every child finds their forever home. It’s not just about finding a child in a house—it’s about giving them a family, a future, and the chance to thrive.
How are you helping families stabilize?
We help families stabilize through our Thrive Scale methodology, which measures the five key areas every family needs to support their children: stability, livelihood, education, living conditions, and both physical and mental health. This model goes beyond just assessing a family’s current situation—it helps identify gaps and provides actionable interventions to fill these gaps. Whether it’s connecting them with resources, offering support, or guiding them to improve their environment, we work hand-in-hand with families to ensure their children have everything they need to truly thrive. It’s about creating sustainable solutions so that no family is left behind and every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
How is digital technology helping?
Digital technology is a game changer in our efforts to support children and families. By connecting the entire ecosystem, our technology ensures that children’s needs are assessed and addressed in real time. This integration allows for seamless communication between all stakeholders—caseworkers, foster families, social workers, and caregivers—ensuring that everyone has access to the most up-to-date information.
This year alone, we will directly help more than 18,000 children and over 10,000 families.
Our app continuously collects and analyzes data, allowing for timely interventions and support. This real-time access to information helps make informed decisions quickly, so we can address issues as they arise and adapt our strategies to better meet each child’s unique needs. By streamlining communication and data flow, digital technology not only enhances the efficiency of our work but also helps us provide more personalized and effective care, ultimately ensuring that every child receives the support they need to thrive.
How are you making an impact?
This year alone, we will directly help more than 18,000 children and over 10,000 families. Because our child and family well-being methodology is now digitized through our app, ThriveWell, it ensures we can scale and help as many children as possible in India, Africa, and the United States.
How can other people become involved?
There are three meaningful ways you can get involved and support our mission.
- Donate Money: Your financial contributions allow us to expand our reach and helps to provide critical support and resources to children and families.
- Use Your Social Megaphone: Help us amplify our message by spreading the word about our work. Whether through social media, community events, or personal networks, your advocacy can raise awareness and bring more attention to our mission, engaging others who might also want to help.
- Give Minutes: Consider how you can contribute your time and skills. Whether it’s volunteering, sharing your expertise, or simply supporting our cause through your actions and conversations, every minute you give can make a significant difference. By engaging with us, you help create a ripple effect that can improve the lives of the most vulnerable children among us.
Your support, in any form, plays a crucial role in our efforts to create a better world for children in need.
What was your experience before becoming interested in foster care?
Before becoming involved in foster care and orphanage systems, I had no direct experience with either. My background was in a different field altogether, and my life was focused on other pursuits. But once I learned about the harsh realities children face in these systems, I knew I had to step in and make a difference. It struck me deeply that these systems, which are supposed to be solutions, often fail to provide the stability and care children need. Continuing to fail and doing the same thing over and over again, expecting different results, is the definition of insanity.
I realized that we have the power to transform these systems. It’s not just a possibility—it’s already happening, and it’s time for a change. By reimagining and improving how we support children, we can create systems that truly work and make a meaningful difference in their lives.
Storytelling is at the heart of what we do.
How did your skills from that career help you now?
My background in advertising taught me the power of storytelling, which has been a game changer in my work now. In marketing and advertising, you’re constantly trying to connect with people on a personal level—understanding their needs, telling a compelling story, and engaging them emotionally. I’ve brought those corporate principles into the nonprofit world, and it’s helped us tremendously.
Storytelling is at the heart of what we do. Whether I’m sharing the journey of a child who has been reunited with their family or explaining our mission to donors, my advertising career gave me the passion and talent for telling these stories in a way that resonates. Connection is vital in making real change, and my career has allowed me to use these skills to make a difference for children and families.
What does your typical workday look like?
There’s no typical day for me—each day is uniquely filled with opportunities and challenges. For instance, today, I’m at the airport en route to India. I’ll be visiting our projects and meeting the children who were once in orphanages. My partner, our CEO Leslie Beasley, is joining me, and, together, we’ll tour various sites, engage with our board, connect with donors, and explore a local prevention program.
After this trip, I’ll head to New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly, where I’ll be involved in launching new initiatives. Every day presents a new adventure, and I’m continually amazed by the impact we’re making. I used to have everything money could buy, but now I find true fulfillment in the things money can’t—purpose, passion, and the joy of making a real difference in the lives of others.
How are you taking care of yourself?
I make sure to take care of myself by maintaining a balanced lifestyle. I focus on eating nutritious foods and staying active through regular workouts. Plus, I prioritize spending quality time with my family, which helps me recharge and stay optimistic about the future. Taking care of my physical health and nurturing my personal relationships are essential for staying energized and effective in my work.
Who are some of the people you are most inspired by?
My partner and our CEO, Leslie Beasley, is a daily source of inspiration for me. Her exceptional business skills and deep understanding of how to make a meaningful impact on children’s lives are truly remarkable. My husband, Ed, and my family also profoundly inspired me. Their support and love are invaluable, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have them in my life. Their strength and dedication continually motivate me to push forward and strive for positive change.
What are the three nonnegotiables in your life?
The three nonnegotiables in my life are prayer, exercise, and having fun! Prayer is essential for me; it helps me stay grounded and intentional. I pray every day. It’s like a compass that reminds me of what truly matters and helps me stay connected to something bigger.
Second is taking care of my body through exercise and eating right. When I do this, I feel better overall and better equipped mentally and emotionally to handle whatever life throws my way.
My last nonnegotiable is having fun! I make sure to prioritize fun and keep joy in my life through the little things. One thing most people don’t know about me is that I love to rollerblade while listening to Michael Jackson. It is my way of bringing fun back into my day, and it always fills me with good energy and happiness.
Connect with Caroline:
Miracle Foundation
LinkedIn
The ideas expressed here are solely the opinions of the author and are not researched or verified by AGEIST LLC, or anyone associated with AGEIST LLC. This material should not be construed as medical advice or recommendation, it is for informational use only. We encourage all readers to discuss with your qualified practitioners the relevance of the application of any of these ideas to your life. The recommendations contained herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. You should always consult your physician or other qualified health provider before starting any new treatment or stopping any treatment that has been prescribed for you by your physician or other qualified health provider. Please call your doctor or 911 immediately if you think you may have a medical or psychiatric emergency.
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