Carrying Hope to an underserved community

StellarFi is a public benefit corporation, which means that being of service is at the core of everything we do.

While the StellarFi crew was gathered together in Austin, everyone pitched in for a cause that tugged at our heartstrings: preparing Hope Packs with Carrying Hope for babies and children entering new foster homes.

In Texas, more than 22,000 infants and children are removed from their homes by Child Protective Services each year. 

When these children are placed in foster homes, they often arrive with no essentials and no time for their foster families to prepare. 

Local Austin nonprofit Carrying Hope aims to provide these little ones and their foster families with the items they need most, like formula, clothing, diapers, blankets, toys, hygiene items, and even nightlights to help them feel safe sleeping in a new environment.

The incredible founders of Carrying Hope facilitated the event, beginning with an emotional and inspiring video which discussed the impact of their mission.

Next, Carrying Hope put us to work! Our crew formed an assembly line to create 60 StellarFi-sponsored Hope Packs for newborns and young children.

Some of our more creative-minded team members opted to design sweet cards to encourage and support the children and foster families served by Carrying Hope.

We were even joined by a special guest, Hope the Hedgehog!

Overall, it was a fulfilling morning of community service. We considered it a sign of effective teamwork that not one Hope Pack was missing an item after our final QA process was complete!

Why is it important to give back?

StellarFi founder Lamine Zarrad explained why the company operates as a public benefit corporation:

“We are part of this community and our StellarFi members are part of this community. It makes sense to prioritize giving back. Not just because it feels good to do it, but because there’s a ripple effect when you focus on strengthening the people in your community who need it most.”

Hope Packs zipped, hearts lifted 

Mauri Elbel, co-founder of Carrying Hope (along with Kristin Finan, who also facilitated the event), discussed the impact of working together with local organizations:

“Corporate events allow us to make a bulk batch of Hope Packs, which means we can get them into the hands of kids who need them, faster. This is huge for us, and support from companies like StellarFi is a big part of being about to do what we do.”

Thanks again to Carrying Hope for the opportunity to make a difference.

If you’d like to support Carrying Hope, you can find donation information, supply lists, and more at CarryingHope.org.