About Hope Dawning
Hope Dawning is a faith-based nonprofit created to support mothers after the death of a child. Through meaningful gatherings, compassionate outreach, and Christ-centered resources, we offer spaces where bereaved mothers can connect, remember their children, and find hope alongside women who understand.
Our Mission
To support bereaved mothers through faith-based healing resources and Christ-centered community, and outreach events that foster connection, comfort and hope.
Our Story
Hope Dawning began in 2017 in Rockwall, Texas, with a gathering of 37 bereaved mothers who understood the heartache, memories, and complicated emotions that Mother’s Day can bring after the loss of a child.
One of Hope Dawning’s original founders, Susan Morrison, had experienced the pain of Mother’s Day after the loss of her daughter, Miranda, in 2016. Susan felt called to offer bereaved mothers a gathering that would bring comfort and encouragement just before Mother’s Day in 2017.
What began as one gathering of mothers offering one another understanding and hope soon blossomed into something more.
Today, Hope Dawning continues to host its annual event, along with supportive classes and group gatherings for bereaved mothers in Rockwall and throughout surrounding communities, including Caddo Mills, Greenville, Kaufman, Terrell, Sachse, Rowlett, Dallas, Plano, Allen, McKinney, and beyond.
As Hope Dawning continues to grow, we are also taking steps toward expanding our outreach to Spanish-speaking mothers and families. Plans are underway to help bridge language and accessibility gaps so that more bereaved mothers can find meaningful support, connection, and hope.
Although our reach has expanded, our heart remains the same: to create a place where bereaved mothers can honor their children, connect with women who truly understand, and find comfort and hope through Christ-centered community.
Meet Our Leadership Team
Silvia Babcock
PresidentSilvia has served as President of Hope Dawning since 2025, helping guide the ministry into a new season while staying grounded in its mission of supporting bereaved mothers.
She serves in memory of her son, Joshua, who went to heaven in 2016. In the years since his passing, Silvia has known both the deep weight of grief and the sustaining presence of God. That experience has shaped her faith, deepened her compassion, and given her a heart for women walking through the same kind of sorrow.
Silvia is passionate about helping Hope Dawning extend its reach beyond Rockwall, creating opportunities for more bereaved mothers to find connection, support, and hope within their own communities.
Cathey Stanert
Director and Small Group LeaderOne of Hope Dawning’s original founders, Cathey serves on the Board of Directors and leads a small group for mothers living east of Rockwall.
She serves in memory of her son, Justin, who went to heaven in 2014. The meaningful connections she has formed with other bereaved mothers have been an important part of her healing journey as she continues to grieve with hope.
Debra Klawetter
DirectorDebra attended the very first Hope Dawning Mothers' Event with grief still fresh, and immediately felt the connection, understanding, and comfort of being with mothers who "get it."
Today she serves on the board in honor of her son, Evan, who left this world for heaven in 2016. A photographer and artistic dabbler, Debra creates many of the visual touches for our events. She is a seeker and celebrator of beauty that reflects her Creator, and has found that He plants beautiful flowers along even the rockiest paths.
When not dabbling, Debra enjoys family, leading Bible studies, travel, writing, and Mah Jongg.
Brenda Walker
TreasurerBio Coming Soon!
Michaelle Carney
Secretary
Alicia Rojas
Event Coordinator / Small Group LeaderAlicia has been a part of Hope Dawning since 2018, when she first found the organization while seeking connection and healing after the loss of her son, Matthew. Through her own grief journey, she experienced firsthand the comfort and connection Hope Dawning offers bereaved mothers.
Embracing Hope Dawning’s heart of healing through helping, Alicia began serving as a small group leader for the Infant Loss Group. In 2024, she became Event Coordinator for our annual Mothers' Event, helping create thoughtful, welcoming spaces for bereaved mothers.
Alicia lives in Rockwall with her family. In her free time, she enjoys family adventures, reading, and all things Disney.