"Hold them, rock them, love them and tell them how great they are." — Clara Hale
Born in North Carolina, raised in Philadelphia, and later settling in Harlem, Clara Hale (later nicknamed "Mama Hale") never knew her father, who passed away when she was an infant. Her mother worked tirelessly, cooking, cleaning, and taking in boarders to provide for the family. She instilled in Clara and her four siblings a deep commitment to solid and ever-present parenting. That foundation, along with Clara’s strong Baptist faith, carried her through difficult times. Despite the challenges, she earned a high school diploma, a rare achievement for her time.
Clara married Thomas Hale, but tragically, he passed away in the 1930s when Clara was not yet 30, leaving her to raise three children—Nathan, Lorraine, and adopted son Kenneth—on her own. Both Lorraine and Kenneth went on to earn doctoral degrees, and all three children later contributed to Clara’s humanitarian efforts, with Nathan demonstrating relentless dedication. To support her family, Clara worked multiple janitorial and house-cleaning jobs. Eventually, she chose to stay home with her children and opened a daycare, providing both financial support for her family and care for others in need. Her love and dedication left such an impact that many of her “children” chose to stay with her full-time, returning to their own homes only on weekends. Seeing the immense need in Harlem, Clara began offering short- and long-term respite to struggling parents. She initially acted as an unlicensed adoption agency, but in time, she became a licensed foster parent. It was not uncommon for her to have eight or more children in her home at once.
"Being a foster parent is not just giving a child a home, it’s giving them love, security, and a future."
What began as a way to supplement her income became a calling. Clara’s mission was not only to care for children but to love those whom society had rejected the most—heroin-addicted babies, born dependent on their mothers’ drugs. It was not unusual for “Mama Hale” to have over 20 addicted infants in her care at one time. Eventually, she filled a five-story home with children who had nowhere else to go. Estimates suggest that she cared for more than 1,000 drug-addicted babies and young people, not counting the countless other children she nurtured. Clara pioneered community-based family support, particularly for teenagers, and became a trailblazer in respite care, offering relief to exhausted parents. She also helped launch research initiatives to better understand the challenges faced by pregnant women struggling with addiction and their children. Always at the forefront of advocacy, she extended her care to victims of the AIDS crisis.
"I’ve never had a child I couldn’t love."
Mama Hale passed away in Harlem at 87 from the effects of a stroke. Like many champions, her ministry faded after her passing. However, she left behind a legacy of endless love, unwavering resilience, and a ripple effect that continues today. She inspired an entire generation to do more for others. She is not gone, but she is not here. Her love endures in every child who found a home in her heart and every family shaped by her calling.
Mama Hale did not start with great resources or a perfect plan—she simply followed the path God placed before her, trusting that love would be enough. She did not let fear, limitations, or uncertainty keep her from saying yes to the call. Instead, she walked in faith, and through that faith, she transformed lives.
May we all remember that love has the power to change the world, but it starts with a willing heart. Whatever fear holds you back, whatever doubts whisper that you are not enough—set them aside. Trust that if you are willing, God will provide. Step forward in faith, and let your impact unfold.
Blessings,
-Eric
