Early Beginnings
Chosen began in Jenni Lord’s home when her children were just 1, 2, and 3 years old. A $500 gift from another ministry helped build Chosen’s first website.
2010
With a team of six volunteers, Chosen hosted its first full and half marathon after a year of planning. The event brought together over 1,000 runners and raised $100,000, all invested in supporting adoptive families.
2011 – 2014
Chosen expanded its races to multiple states, funding nearly 400 adoptions and close to 100 orphan care projects worldwide.
2015
Chosen 2.0 launched with a new mission focus: moving from funding adoptions to helping children and youth heal from trauma and strengthening family bonds.
2017
Chosen expanded nationally with a telehealth approach to reach families across the country.
2020
Chosen began diversifying its revenue model, moving beyond full reliance on philanthropy.
2022
Chosen established its “Moonshot Vision,” envisioning trauma-responsive, connection-based care as the standard in child and family well-being systems.
2023
Committed to a scaling strategy, Chosen formally established a training and content department to support national expansion.
2024
Chosen launched 100k Strong Chosen for Children, a 3-year initiative aiming to help 100,000 people heal from trauma. To support this effort, Chosen expanded its training content and introduced national trainings like Displacing Shame.
About Chosen:
Chosen works to help children heal from trauma by strengthening their families. Our practitioners and licensed care managers work with families impacted by the child welfare system – including adoptive, foster, kinship (relative) families, and biological parents reunified with their children. Follow us on Facebook, and Instagram, or visit www.chosen.care to learn more.
Media Contact:
Wade Martin
VP of Strategic Partnerships & Content
wade@chosen.care
828.434.5180
