THE MISSION THAT NOURISHES SELA’S HEART & SPIRIT

Growing up in Meridian, Mississippi, Sela enjoyed an idyllic childhood, but not all children in the Southern town are so lucky. While volunteering at a shelter in her hometown one Christmas, the actress met two young boys struggling in the foster system and saw a way she could give back to her community. In 2000, she founded Hope Village—a special home that provides psychological care, education, activities and socialization skills for foster children.

“When you have kids who’ve come from horrific abuse or neglect or are lost in the foster care system, there’s no price you can put on being able to give them a safe space,” explains Sela. “It’s a calling for me. I think anytime we can help advance the quality of someone’s life, that’s a huge gift to us. Even if these kids are only there for a month or six months, for them to experience things that tell them they’re worth love and a birthday party is amazing.” For more information, visit HopeVillageMS.org.