On a quiet November afternoon inside the Newton Chapel, something beautiful unfolded — something that perfectly reflects EmberHope’s mission of hope and restoration. Surrounded by EmberHope staff, including both her current and former foster care workers, Rebecca, a former foster youth, married the love of her life, Kolten, in a heartfelt ceremony officiated by EmberHope Campus Chaplain, Sean Gardiner.
The couple has been together for seven months and is eagerly preparing to welcome their baby boy, Angelo, due February 15th, 2026. Their journey is one of resilience, commitment, and choosing to love in the midst of life’s challenges.
Finding Support in a Season of Transition
Rebecca and Kolten knew they wanted to build a family together, but like many young couples, they faced financial barriers that made even a simple wedding feel out of reach. They had obtained a marriage license in June yet struggled to find the resources necessary to bring their plans to life.
When Nephi Escobar, an EmberHope staff member, connected them with Chaplain Sean, the couple found more than just someone to officiate their wedding. They found guidance, encouragement, and a community ready to walk with them during one of the most significant seasons of their lives.
Moved by their situation and their desire to start life on a strong foundation, Sean offered pre-marital counseling at no cost. The sessions provided clarity and grounding for the couple as they prepared to take their vows.
“It was heartwarming to see how they cared for each other, but also heartbreaking to see that they didn’t have any real family support,” Chaplain Sean shared. “Moments like this remind us why we do what we do.”
For Kolten, the counseling was deeply meaningful. “Pre-marriage counseling let us open up a little bit. It helped us realize what we really wanted and what we were doing.”
Rebecca echoed that sense of reassurance, saying, “No matter what I’ve gone through, Kolten stood by my side and never made fun of me or judged me.”
A Day to Celebrate
On November 12th, the Newton Chapel became a place of joy, celebration, and new beginnings. EmberHope employees filled the pews, showing up to support Rebecca in the same way so many staff members have supported her throughout her journey. Among those attending was her Aftercare Support Worker, Elisa Ransom, who continues to walk alongside Rebecca as she steps into adulthood.
After the ceremony, guests enjoyed a small reception complete with refreshments, cake, and a first dance for the newlyweds. A professional photographer captured the couple’s smiles, the tender moments, and the joy that radiated through the room.
Aftercare: Support That Continues Beyond Age 18
A common misconception about foster care is that once a young person turns 18, they are suddenly on their own and left to face the world without guidance, resources, or connection.
At EmberHope, that could not be further from the truth.
Aftercare Support Workers play an essential role in helping youth successfully transition from foster care into adulthood. They provide assistance with navigating housing and employment, help young adults connect with education and/or training programs, and offer emotional support and coaching as they learn life skills and take on new responsibilities. Most importantly, they remain a steady and trusted presence during a time of enormous change.
Rebecca continues to benefit from this ongoing support as she works toward her future goals. She hopes to attend WSU Tech or Butler Community College to study welding or automotive technology, while Kolten serves in the National Guard and plans to pursue active duty after their son is born. With encouragement and backing from the EmberHope team, their dreams feel both achievable and within reach.
EmberHope’s Mission in Action
For Chaplain Sean, weddings like this one reflect the very heart of EmberHope’s mission. “Whenever we see a foster youth step into life in a positive way, it’s a time to celebrate,” he said. “You hope there are more good days than turbulent ones, just like you would for your own kids.”
He explained that seeing young people make healthy choices—and hearing how people or programs have impacted them—reminds staff that “We have served them well.” These moments motivate the entire organization to keep pushing forward in its mission: impacting the lives of children, youth, and families with innovative, trauma-sensitive programs rooted in faith.
Rebecca and Kolten’s story is exactly the kind of transformation the mission speaks to. It is a reminder that stability and hope are possible when youth have access to caring adults, supportive programs, and opportunities to thrive.
Be Part of Stories Like Rebecca’s
Rebecca and Kolten’s wedding was more than a ceremony. It was a testament to what can happen when young people have support, guidance, and a community that believes in them. With the help of staff members, Aftercare resources, and the compassion of individuals like Chaplain Sean, Rebecca was able to step into a future filled with love, purpose, and hope.
Your support makes stories like theirs possible.
When you give to EmberHope, you help ensure that youth aging out of foster care are not alone, that they continue receiving the support they need, and that moments of restoration—moments like this wedding—continue to happen.
If you would like to help build brighter futures for young people like Rebecca, we invite you to make a gift today. Your generosity helps provide stability, safety, and hope for the next generation.
