About Us
OUR STORY
One man, being called by an opportunity and driven by several divine nudges, called together a group of stakeholders - Foster Care Agencies, Governmental Agencies, Churches all professionals in their field, and asked the question, “Is there a need for this kind of conference and support in Yuma County?” The answer was a clear and resounding ”Yes!” So it began…
Fostering Hope Yuma began with it's first conference in 2023 continuing to put on an annual conference every year for Foster Care Parents, Kinship Parents, Professionals and people just wanting to find out about how to become a foster care parent. In 2025, Fostering Hope Yuma received it's 501(c)3 cetification making in an offical non profit agency.
Today the Board of Directors talk, dream and work to see where God might lead this organization.
...but the end of the story has yet to be written.
Meet The Board
Scott is a Colorado Native who was transplanted to Yuma in 1998. His heart will always have a place for the Rocky Mountains, but his roots are now planted in Yuma.
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He is married with two grown children and four grandchildren.
He serves as an Associate Pastor at Stone Ridge Church.
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This conference came from promptings from God to offer encouragement and support to those foster care and kinship parents sharing their love with the children in the welfare system.
When you come,
you will experience his passion and love for what this conference means.
Paula Milner currently serves as pastor of Yuma First Assembly. Her professional background as a public education teacher and administrator contribute to her understanding of the need for support and care in the child welfare space. Paula and her husband, Kelly, were foster parents before becoming adoptive parents, experiencing both joys and great challenges in both arenas. These personal experiences provide motivation to support and uplift others traveling the same road. Additionally, Paula serves in a support capacity to our local community through CarePortal and the Arizona Foster Care Network. She leads her church community in ministering to families and respective agencies involved in child welfare, believing that coming alongside others is one of the strongest actions we can take. Her desire is that our community is strengthened through the collective actions of the many organizations, resources, and individuals committing to serve and encourage all stakeholders in the child welfare space.
Diana Ortega is a passionate program and community coordinator with over 20 year's experience in public health and social services. Diana is known for her commitment to excellence and ability to mobilize groups through results-based facilitation techniques and robust system-building approaches to reach common goals. At First Things First, Diana supported the regional partnership council by coordinating efforts amongst community partners that strengthened and expanded the early childhood system. Diana recently accepted a role as Human Services Program Development supervisor with the Department of Economic Security and continues to be passionate about Arizonans in the foster care system. Serving as Board Secretary, she is honored to help shape opportunities that bring hope and stability to children and families navigating the foster care and child welfare system.
Diana Ortega
Secretary
A proud Yuma native, I was born and raised in this vibrant community. In 1985, I married my husband Bob, and together we raised two wonderful children while spending 23 years serving in the United States Marine Corps. After retiring from military life, we returned to Yuma, where we now serve and pastor Real Life Church, continuing our lifelong commitment to service and ministry.For the past 20 years, I have worked in the field of social services, driven by a deep passion for strengthening families and supporting foster families in their important calling. I currently serve as the Regional Director of Arizona Baptist Children’s Services and as Supervisor for the Arms of Love Foster Care program. In these roles, I have the privilege of walking alongside families, helping them grow, heal, and thrive.It is an honor to bring my experience, faith, and heart for service to the board as we work together to make a meaningful impact in our community through Fostering Hope Yuma.
Sheryl Van Horn
Board Member
Originally from Utah, Mary Megui has called Yuma, Arizona, home for 38 years. Her greatest joy is spending time with her children and grandchildren. Rooted in faith and devoted to representing her Heavenly Father, Mary and her husband also had the privilege of fostering three remarkable children, an experience that deepened her belief in the power of love to reach children in trauma. Mary’s career with the Arizona Department of Child Safety began in 2005 and has included roles in Case Aide, Specialist, Supervisor and now Program Manager. A graduate of Northern Arizona University with a BA in Social Work and a Certified Public Manager, she draws on her own childhood experience with DCS to fuel her passion for helping families in crisis. Today, she is dedicated to uniting her community in advocating for and supporting vulnerable children and families.
Mary Megui
Board Member
Born a Colorado, Shirley met her hasband Scott in high-school. In 1998 Shirley followed her husband to Yuma and began a career in education. She continues to teach here in Yuma, shaping young minds to be become productive members of society.
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Shirley believes in the vision of Fostering Hope Yuma and works to support her husband in this vision.
Shirley Little