About Us

Discover Foster Hope

Learn about our non-profit

Early 2023, Tracey Pruess heard the story of a child entering foster placement with 2 dirty outfits in a garbage bag. She realized safety is the priority during removals, and clothing is an afterthought. Noticing her kids had tons of clothes they had outgrown, she came up with a plan. What started as filling suitcases with clothing in her basement has grown into a well-known non profit with a storefront and a staple name in the community. Not only do we supply clothing to children first entering foster care, we supply hygiene items, blankets, stuffed animals and shoes. Families have the option to shop for clothing, or have a suitcase packed and ready for pick up. All at no cost to them.

We also elevate and help meet the needs of various social service organizations like Morton County, Healthy Families, PATH, and social workers in various schools. A big initiative every year is our backpack drive. In 2023, we filled and dispersed 345 backpacks to local schools and social service agencies. In 2024, we filled and dispersed 383 backpacks and 114 snackpacks to local schools and agencies.

Alaska Outreach, Guatemala Outreach, and Africa Outreach: Because of the generosity of so many big hearts, not only are we elevating families at a local level, but our reach has included Africa, Alaska, and Guatemala. We are the resource to parts of the word that have limited resources. We have sent dvds to Anaktuvuk Pass, Alaska as a mental health intiative. Anaktuvuk Pass is one of the northern towns in Alaska where there is no daylight for weeks. The dvds provided kids an escape from the dark while remaining safe from the elements. We have also supported the every student in the school with journals decorated with the help of AVID and HOSA students and BHS.

Because the non-profit grew from Tracey's basement to a storefront, she recruited like minded people to help. Read below to meet our board members.

Meet Our Team

President

Danielle

Danielle is a pediatric occupational therapist with a passion for helping children grow, succeed, and feel supported in all areas of life. She is known for her outgoing personality, creativity, and dedication to making meaningful connections with children and families. Through both her professional and personal experiences, Danielle values creating safe, encouraging environments where children can thrive.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors camping, making memories with family, and relaxing with reality TV. Danielle is excited to continue to support Foster Hope’s mission and advocate for children in foster care and the families who care for them.

Chief Operating Officer

Kylee

Kylee has a degree in veterinary technology but currently works for a financial firm. She enjoys fostering animals of all kinds, from cats and dogs to guinea pigs and bearded dragons. At home, she has two cats and one dog of her own. She is married to her husband Kurtis, and they have two children who keep the family busy with year-round soccer activities. Whenever there is free time, they enjoy camping, fishing, and spending time outdoors together as a family.

Her journey with Foster Hope began by collecting donations and sorting clothing in her basement. She loves being able to help children during such a vulnerable time in their lives, and it has also become a meaningful way to teach her own children the importance of giving back to the community. She is excited to continue helping Foster Hope grow, reach new heights, and make a lasting impact for the families and children they serve.

Secretary

Mandy

Mandy is a passionate advocate, childcare provider and future school counselor dedicated to supporting children and families in her community. She has been around Foster Hope since it's beginnings. With a background in childcare and years of experience working closely with children and families, Mandy is currently pursuing her school counseling degree with a focus on helping youth build confidence, connection, and resilience. She is passionate about creating safe, supportive environments where children feel seen, valued, and empowered.

Outside of her professional and volunteer work, Mandy enjoys community involvement, creative event planning, DIY projects, gardening, and spending time outdoors with family and friends. Her heart for service and belief in the power of kindness continue to guide both her personal and professional journey.

Treasurer

Lisa

Lisa Macdonald is an accountant for Swenson Hagen & Co., a civil engineering and surveying firm in Bismarck. She has two adult children, Rachel and Jackson, and one granddaughter, Avery, who she describes as her sunshine. In her spare time, Lisa loves to travel. Every year, she and her son attend a New Orleans Saints football game in a different city where the team is playing. Together they have traveled to Phoenix, Tampa, Minneapolis, and New Orleans multiple times. She also enjoyed a trip of a lifetime to New York City with her daughter, where they experienced the sights and excitement of the city during the holiday season.

Lisa also enjoys hiking and visiting zoos wherever her travels take her. She first learned about Foster Hope through a Facebook post and immediately felt called to get involved. She is excited to be part of such a meaningful organization and hopes to make a lasting difference in the lives of children.

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