Chapter 02 · About the Foundation
No foster family should face the hard days alone.
Mercy in Motion Foundation is an Alaska nonprofit built on a simple conviction: the everyday needs of foster families are a community's job, not a family's burden.
Our story
Mercy in Motion Foundation was incorporated in Anchorage, Alaska, in 2026 by a small group of neighbors who kept seeing the same pattern: loving foster families stretched to the breaking point — not by the big things, but by the everyday ones. A missed meal on placement night. A car seat that couldn't be found in time. A parent who just needed two hours to breathe.
Most people around those families genuinely want to help — they simply never hear about the need until it has already become a crisis. So we set out to close that gap: to connect real, practical needs with the neighbors, churches, and businesses ready to meet them, while the needs are still small.
We do it through the GoodSam app, which makes asking for help dignified and giving help effortless. Old-fashioned neighborliness, modern delivery.
Mission
To mobilize communities to provide preventative, everyday support that strengthens foster families, improves retention and recruitment, and meets children's needs before crisis.
Vision
A future where every foster family has a thriving support network, every child experiences stability and belonging, and communities work together so that no family faces crisis alone.
Core values
What we refuse to compromise on.
Compassion
Every child and every family deserves dignity, kindness, and practical support.
Integrity
We operate honestly, transparently, and with faithful stewardship of every resource entrusted to us.
Community
Lasting change happens when neighbors, churches, nonprofits, businesses, and agencies work together.
Prevention
Supporting families before crisis leads to stronger homes, healthier children, and better outcomes.
Innovation
We embrace technology and creative solutions to remove barriers and connect people with meaningful help.
Collaboration
We value partnerships across public agencies, private organizations, faith communities, and local volunteers.
Stewardship
Every donation, volunteer hour, and resource should create the greatest possible impact.
Faith-informed. Open to all.
Our values are faith-informed, and our services are non-denominational and non-religious. No one is ever denied assistance because of religious beliefs — or the lack of them — race, ethnicity, national origin, disability, age, sex, or socioeconomic status.
Leadership
A volunteer board, personally invested.
Eric Hagelman
President
Laurie Hagelman
Secretary
Addy Esco
Treasurer
Teresa J. Dawkins
Director
Travis Szanto
Director
Governance & transparency
Built to be trusted from day one.
Volunteer board
The Foundation is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. No director is paid for board service.
Conflict-of-interest safeguards
Board-adopted conflict-of-interest and related-party transaction policies require disclosure, abstention, and independent approval — including for any technology agreements.
Financial controls
Foundation funds are held in the Foundation's name, with board-designated signers, quarterly financial reporting, and board approval for major expenditures.
Accountability policies
Whistleblower protection, document retention, gift acceptance, and ethics-in-fundraising policies were adopted at formation and are reviewed regularly.
Mercy in Motion Foundation is an Alaska nonprofit corporation. Our application for recognition as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt public charity is pending with the IRS. Governance documents are available on request — just ask.
