Our Story
Born from a single phone call. Built on a thousand acts of love.
First Night of Hope started when a foster parent called a friend and said, "A child is coming tonight and I have nothing." That call became a mission — and that mission became a movement.
Our Mission
Removing barriers. Restoring hope.
Every year, thousands of children enter foster care in Tennessee. Many arrive with nothing — no bed to sleep in, no safety supplies, no comfort items to hold through the night. They leave behind everything familiar and step into a stranger's home, often in the middle of the night, with nothing to call their own.
First Night of Hope removes barriers and restores hope for children entering foster care by providing essential items, safety supplies, beds, mattresses, comfort, and encouragement during their greatest moment of need.
A bed is a small thing. But to a child who has lost everything familiar, it says: someone knew you were coming. Someone cared enough to prepare. You are not forgotten.
What We Believe
Our values guide everything we do.
Every Child Matters
We treat every child as an individual — not a case number. Each delivery is prepared with care for the specific child who will receive it.
Community Is Everything
We are powered by volunteers, donors, and foster families who believe that showing up for each other is how communities thrive.
Speed Saves
Foster placements happen fast. We move fast too — because essential items delivered in hours means a child sleeps better tonight.
Dignity in Every Detail
From the quality of the mattress to the signature teddy bear.
The People Behind the Mission
Meet our team.
Mike Wieczorek
Founder & President
Mike and his wife, Charley, celebrated 15 years of marriage this June. Two years ago, they answered the call to become foster parents. Each placement since then has reinforced their belief that every child deserves to feel safe, valued, and loved from the very beginning.
Charley Wieczorek
Vice President
My name is Charley, and my husband and I have been happily married for 15 years. Over two years ago, God called us to become foster parents, and since then we've welcomed more than 30 children into our home, 2 of which we adopted. Each child has taught us the true meaning of love, grace, patience, and hope. That passion inspired us to create First Night of Hope, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting children entering foster care and kinship placements, as well as the families who care for them. Our mission is to provide essential items so no child begins a new chapter without comfort, dignity, and hope.We may not be able to change every child's story, but we can help change the first chapter of their new beginning.
Kim Riley
Executive Director
She works full-time in nonprofit leadership, is a Portland Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassador, and is a graduate of the Leadership Portland Class of 2026. Kim is passionate about serving foster children and helping First Night of HOPE fulfill its mission across Tennessee.
Kevin Riley
Director of Logistics
Dedicated to supporting foster children and families by coordinating the collection, organization, and delivery of essential items to children entering foster care. His servant's heart and commitment to the mission help ensure families receive the resources they need when they need them most.dedicated to supporting foster children and families by coordinating the collection, organization, and delivery of essential items to children entering foster care. His servant's heart and commitment to the mission help ensure families receive the resources they need when they need them most.
Heaven Riley
Director of Social Media
I Work full-time in the nonprofit sector and brings that same passion for service to her role as Director of social media for First Night of Hope. She is dedicated to raising awareness of the needs of foster children and inspiring her community to get involved. A proud mother of two beautiful daughters and happily married for six years, Heaven understands firsthand the importance of a loving, prepared home — and she is committed to helping ensure every child entering foster care experiences that same sense of welcome and hope."
Blake Riley
Director of Community Partnerships & Sponsorships
I’m a police officer, husband, and father of two. Serving others has always been at the heart of what I do, which is why I’m proud to volunteer with First Night of HOPE. Helping foster children and the families who welcome them by providing essentials for their first night is a mission that means a great deal to me. I’m grateful to be part of an organization that brings hope, comfort, and support to children during such an important time.
Ready to be part of the story?
Whether you donate, volunteer, or simply spread the word — you are part of what makes First Night of Hope possible.