S2 E8 Growing hope with Vicki Smith

In this episode of Active Generosity, Ruth Jackson speaks with Vicki Smith, CEO of Growing Hope, a charity providing free therapy for children and young people with additional needs and supporting their families in partnership with local churches. Vicki shares how Growing Hope began with Founder Naomi Fox's vision of clinics offering both practical help and spiritual hope, and how that vision continues to grow across the UK.  Vicki unpacks the values that shape Growing Hope -community, hope and integrity - and speaks candidly about the joys and challenges of leading with generosity. From miraculous provision to everyday faithfulness, her stories offer rich encouragement to keep trusting God's abundance.  Vicki also reflects on her personal journey of faith and generosity, offering wise counsel for those struggling amidst rising living costs: it's not about comparing what you can give but considering what's in your hand and trusting God to multiply even the smallest offering.  "I think it does go back to thinking about what you have in your hand… if it can come from a generous heart, however little it might be, that's the key."  ### This episode explores: - how Growing Hope has grown from a single clinic into a national movement championing accessibility and inclusion across UK churches - how Christian values such as hope, community, courage, generosity and integrity shape leadership and organisational culture - inspiring stories of God's provision and the impact of generosity, from small gifts to transformational funding - what biblical stewardship looks like in practice and how generosity extends beyond financial giving - encouragement for anyone wanting to live generously by offering what they have and trusting God with the outcome **Vicki's favourite Bible verse on generosity:** 'Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.' (2 Corinthians 9:7 NIV)  See our note on Bible usage: https://www.stewardship.org.uk/bible-usage  **How you can pray:**  - for Vicki and the whole Growing Hope team, that their faith would keep building and they would live out of a place of hope <!--THE END--> - for God's provision as Growing Hope seeks to serve more families across the UK <!--THE END--> - for the many families facing daily challenges, that they receive the support and encouragement they need **Related links:** Growing Hope's partner profile page Growing Hope  **Subscribe:** Be the first to receive each month's episode. You'll hear from donors, partners and colleagues about their journey of generosity, exploring why and how they give, the joys and challenges they've experienced along the way, and the difference generosity makes in everyday life.  Subscribe now  The podcast is also available in The Journey Tab on our Giving app (available on the App store and Google Play) and on the following platforms: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, PlayerFM, Amazon Music, YouTube - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stewardship/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stewardshipuk/ - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stewardship/ - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stewardship.org.uk - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/stewardshipuk Podcast presenter: Ruth Jackson   Podcast producer: Vimbai Chigwangwa