Our Story
From Personal Heartbreak to a Mission of Hope
Owen’s Hope Foundation was born from love, loss, frustration, and an unwavering commitment to ensure that no child or family is left behind.
We are VanHung and Stephanie Porter, parents who experienced firsthand the challenges of navigating systems that often struggle to meet the needs of children with complex mental health, behavioral, developmental, and medical challenges. Like many families, we searched tirelessly for answers, resources, and support, only to discover that comprehensive services were fragmented, inconsistent, and often inaccessible.
Our family’s journey revealed a painful reality: too many children are labeled “too complex” for traditional programs, while families are left to navigate overwhelming challenges on their own.
Named in honor of our grandson Owen, whose life continues to inspire our mission, Owen’s Hope Foundation was created to build the kind of support system families deserve—a place where children are seen, valued, and given every opportunity to thrive.
Today, our mission extends far beyond our own family’s experience. We are committed to serving children, young adults, caregivers, grandparents raising grandchildren, and veteran families throughout Arkansas who are seeking hope, healing, support, and a pathway toward greater independence.
We believe every individual deserves the opportunity to build life skills, pursue meaningful goals, participate in their community, and achieve the highest level of independence possible.
WHY OWEN’S HOPE EXISTS
Building the System Families Have Been Waiting For
For too long, families caring for children with high-functioning autism, ADHD, behavioral challenges, trauma histories, and mental health conditions have been forced to navigate disconnected systems that were never designed to work together.
Parents often find themselves coordinating medical appointments, educational services, behavioral supports, counseling, and community resources with little guidance and few comprehensive solutions.
Owen’s Hope Foundation exists to change that.
We believe families deserve more than referrals, waiting lists, and promises. They deserve coordinated support, compassionate care, meaningful resources, and a community that understands their journey.
Our goal is simple: create a model where children, young adults, and families receive the support they need to heal, grow, succeed, and prepare for the future. Through coordinated care, life-skills development, family support, and community partnerships, we help individuals move from dependence toward confidence, self-sufficiency, and independence.
WHO WE SERVE
Every Child Deserves the Opportunity to Thrive
Owen’s Hope Foundation proudly serves:
• Children ages 6 through adulthood
• Individuals with high-functioning autism
• Individuals with ADHD and executive functioning challenges
• Children and young adults experiencing mental health conditions
• Individuals impacted by trauma and adverse childhood experiences
• Young adults preparing for independent living
• Individuals seeking vocational readiness and employment opportunities
• Families facing food insecurity and economic hardship
• Grandparents raising grandchildren with special needs
• Veteran and disabled veteran families
• Caregivers seeking support, education, advocacy, and resources
We recognize that every family faces unique circumstances. Our approach is centered on meeting people where they are and helping them move toward a brighter future.
Our mission extends beyond childhood support. We help individuals develop the skills, confidence, and opportunities necessary to live meaningful, self-directed lives as they transition into adulthood.
Our Mission and Impact
Restoring Hope. Strengthening Families. Building Independent futures.
Through a family-centered approach, we focus on the whole child and the entire family system—addressing emotional, behavioral, developmental, social, and practical needs that impact long-term success.
Our mission is guided by three simple beliefs:
• We believe no child should ever be told they are “too complicated.”
• We believe every family deserves real support, not just good intentions.
• We believe healing should feel like hope.
These beliefs drive everything we do and inspire us to build solutions that create lasting impact throughout Arkansas.
WHAT MAKES OWEN’S HOPE DIFFERENT
A Whole-Family Approach to Care and Independence
Many organizations focus on treatment alone.
Owen’s Hope Foundation focuses on the entire journey—from childhood support to adulthood success.
We understand that true progress requires more than services. It requires helping individuals develop the confidence, life skills, social connections, and opportunities needed to participate fully in their communities.
Our model integrates:
• Mental health support
• Behavioral services
• Family education and advocacy
• Nutritional assistance
• Therapeutic activities
• Life-skills development
• Independent living preparation
• Employment readiness
• Community partnerships
• Caregiver support
By addressing the full picture, we help create meaningful and sustainable outcomes that extend far beyond treatment.
Executive Overview
Owen’s Hope Foundation was established by VanHung and Stephanie Porter after experiencing firsthand the systemic failure to serve children with complex behavioral and mental health needs in Arkansas.
Like many families, they were forced to seek fragmented and often out-of-state services after being told their child was “too complex” for traditional programs. The experience revealed a critical gap in Arkansas’ support systems and inspired a mission to create something better.
Named in honor of their grandson Owen, the Foundation is developing a comprehensive model of care and support for individuals ages 6 through adulthood facing overlapping developmental, behavioral, and mental health challenges.
Our vision includes residential support, therapeutic services, family engagement, life-skills development, vocational readiness, community integration, and independent living opportunities that empower individuals to reach their fullest potential.
Key Objectives and Projected Impact:
Providing residential, outpatient, and community-based support services for children, young adults, and families.
Support 95% of participating families through education, counseling resources, advocacy, training, and wraparound services.
Equip participants with life skills, self-advocacy tools, employment readiness, financial literacy, and community integration opportunities.
Create a sustainable, community-based system that bridges healthcare, behavioral health, family support, vocational development, and independent living services.
OUR PROGRAMS AND SERVICES
OUR VISION FOR ARKANSAS
Building a Community of Hope and Independence
We envision an Arkansas where children and young adults facing complex challenges have access to the support, education, resources, and opportunities needed to thrive.
A future where families no longer face fragmented systems alone.
A future where individuals with high-functioning autism, ADHD, behavioral challenges, and mental health conditions can pursue education,
employment, community involvement, and independent living.
A future where every individual is empowered to achieve their highest potential and live with dignity, purpose, and hope.
That future starts with Owen’s Hope Foundation.
Residential Care
Independent living & life skills development
employment & vocational readiness
Nutritional support & wellness
Therapeutic Activities
Family Involvement
Community Partnerships
Together, we can break the cycle. Together, we can build what’s possible. Together, we can break the cycle. Together, we can build what’s possible.
join the mission.
Whether you are a parent seeking support, a donor investing in change, a volunteer looking to serve, or a community partner committed to making a difference, there is a place for you at Owen’s Hope Foundation.
By working together, we can restore hope, strengthen families, create opportunities for growth, and empower individuals to achieve greater independence, self-confidence, and lifelong success.
Ways To Get Involved
• Donate
• Volunteer
• Become a Community Partner
• Sponsor a Program
• Refer a Family
• Advocate for Children and Families
Together, we can build a future where no child is considered too complex, no family faces challenges alone, and every individual has the opportunity to live with dignity, purpose, and independence.
No Child Too Complex. No Family Alone. Every Future Possible.
Owen’s Hope Foundation is operated by Owen’s Hope Corporation, doing business as Owen’s Hope Foundation. Owen’s Hope Foundation is the public-facing name of Owen’s Hope Corporation, an IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 39-2167176. Owen’s Hope Corporation owns and operates owenshope.org as its official primary website.