A Heart for Home: Beatrice's Story

Beatrice has always made room for one more.

Married to Richard for nearly two decades, Beatrice is the mother of three biological children, but her home is rarely that small. Today, she’s raising seven children, including several she’s taken in through community connections or her work with Hope Alive!. Her biological children are Jesse (16), Jason (9), and Jesslyn (6).

Over the years, children like Perfect, Jessica, Parvin, and Winnie have found a safe haven under her roof. Each came from challenging circumstances, and with Beatrice’s steady love and guidance, they’ve continued their education, grown in confidence, and taken meaningful steps toward independent adulthood. Some have already gone on to marry and start families of their own.“Most of the children who have come to live with us were in difficult or risky situations,” she shares. “Sometimes, the best solution is to bring them to my home.”

Beatrice understands the struggles these children face—because she’s lived them. She was once a young girl when she lost her father, and later her mother, growing up in a large blended family with thirteen siblings. Life wasn’t easy. Her parents were Christians, but the weight of grief and poverty was heavy. Even so, Beatrice found her way.

She accepted Christ as her Savior after hearing a message on 1 Timothy — words her mother often repeated. That moment sparked a lifelong faith journey that continues to shape how she leads, serves, and mothers today.

At Hope Alive!, Beatrice serves as the Kyabakuza site manager, helping oversee operations and care for the children and families in the area. She joined the organization as the Masaka site assistant in 2012, after hearing about an opening through a home fellowship group. At the time, she was working with Compassion International, but she longed to be closer to home and more connected to the ministry of caring for vulnerable children. When Hope Alive! launched the Kyabakuza site, Beatrice was invited to step into the role of site manager—a position she embraced with faith and determination.

“I was scared to lead a new site,” she remembers. “But I knew good things come out of scary beginnings. I encouraged myself in the Lord.”

That courage and calling haven’t faded. Whether she’s praying with a mother, walking alongside a struggling child, or leading worship at her church, Beatrice is doing what she was made to do.

Her family reflects that same calling. Some of the children in her home have lost parents. Others have experienced deep rejection or trauma. One young woman, Winnie, was brought in as a maid during COVID. When Beatrice learned about her background—and her desire to return to school—she helped make it happen. Today, Winnie is in Senior 4 (her fourth year of secondary school) and thriving.

“It brings me joy to see children happy, pursuing their dreams, growing into who God made them to be,” Beatrice says.

It’s not always easy. Beatrice juggles ministry, motherhood, and the daily realities of life in Kyabakuza with unwavering faith. Her days are full—school runs, shared meals, quiet prayers, and deep conversations. She draws strength from worship, listening to others’ stories, and spending time in God’s Word.

When asked what keeps her going on hard days, she doesn’t hesitate: “I’m doing what I was created to do. I know the pain these children carry—I’ve felt it myself. And I know what a difference it makes to be seen, supported, and loved.”