Holly Thompson, Hope College

Holly Thompson, a senior at Hope College, is passionate about children who have aged out of the foster care system. Specifically she has been involved with Mosaic Ministry whose mission is to actively endorse and support foster care and adoption as THE solution to addressing the 300 children in Michigan who are waiting for their “forever family.” Holly also volunteers with MYOI (Michigan Youth Opportunity Initiative), which deals more specifically with adolescents who are aging out of the foster care system. As part of a class at Hope, Holly participates in Project Ponytails, a new, small non-profit that works with families of domestic assault by taking the survivors horseback riding. Holly has committed to continue volunteering with them after her class ends. Holly has also been involved with Hope’s United for Justice Organization most recently as their president. The purpose of HUJ is for Hope students to engage with social justice issues through education, awareness, and action on Hope’s campus, in the community of Holland and in the global community, while also exploring the interconnectedness of faith and justice.