Chelsea’s Story

I was born and raised in Southern California with the love of a tight knit family. I love beach days and movie nights; spending time with my beautiful family and friends. I have 3 brothers: the youngest two were adopted out of foster care when I was 16 and it was through that experience that my passion for investing in kids who have no family grew.

I saw how giving consistent love and a stable environment could allow them to thrive. As a result, I received my degree in Sociology from Biola University where I first heard about Open Arms. I came to help at my first Summer camp in 2010 and fell in love with the kids. My heart broke for them – they were so young to be on their own and I couldn’t stop thinking about them. So, I began to pray. The following year was full of lessons about God’s heart for justice and I knew He was calling me to be a part of Open Arms and His work in the lives of these children.

Through relationships with these kids in helping them and building programs for them, I have experienced God’s love for them and have seen the worth He created them with. I want to see them thrive in life, not just survive. Being able to encourage them and help them grow in their gifts is an honor and I would love to see them come to know Jesus while living out their dreams.