Heart of Hope began in January of 1991 when Debbie Marshall and Chuck Fox, her father, went to Romania to adopt a child for Debbie and her husband Dan. They immediately recognized there was far more to do than the adoption of one child. The dire needs of the children and entire families tore their hearts open. Debbie was successful in adopting, but that was only the beginning of what now has been a twenty-four year journey. HHMI is registered in Romania as the non-profit corporate Fundatia, "Heart of Hope" and fully registered in the United States as a 501(C)3 non-profit as "Heart of Hope Ministries International." Through the decade of the 90s, HHMI focused on the critical needs of thousands of children in government placement centers through the distribution of food, medicine, and clothing. In addition, HHMI facilitated dental, therapy, optometry as well as construction and renovation teams. HHMI established a spiritual ministry program led by Romanian nationals to address the spiritual needs of children in placement centers and impoverished rural communities. Currently, Heart of Hope Ministries International operates the Camp of the Good Shepherd, and the Home of Hope transition home for young women leaving the state placement centers and those living below the poverty level. In addition, HHMI facilitates dental, medical, eye, pediatric therapy, renovation and construction teams. HHMI facilitates weekly Bible Clubs and distributes humanitarian aid to state placement centers and families in poor villages.
