Ava's Angels
Foundation
Our Story

We turned our family's greatest loss into our greatest purpose.

After losing our mother, Ava, to asthma, our journeys with Ya'Seer's epilepsy and Ava's cerebral palsy inspired us to create Ava's Angels Foundation — a place where children with disabilities and the families who love them are supported, empowered, and never alone.

Advocates.
Change Makers.
Portrait of Esther Hairston
Esther Hairston
Founder & Executive Director
  • Mother of Ava
  • Advocate
  • Visionary
Portrait of Naja Hairston
Naja Hairston
Founder & Board Chair
  • Mother of Ya'Seer
  • Advocate
  • Community Leader
Our Roadmap

Building the village, year by year.

6 Months
  • IRS 501(c)(3) approval
  • Launch website & donor platform
  • Recruit volunteers & first board meeting
  • Help our first 10 families
  • Launch Angel Start Program
1 Year
  • Serve 50 families
  • Launch Mookie's & Man's Mission Days
  • Hospital and therapy partnerships
  • Raise $50,000+
  • Award first family assistance grants
3 Years
  • Serve 250+ families annually
  • Expand across NJ and Eastern PA
  • Equipment lending closet & scholarships
  • Parent mentorship network & annual gala
  • $250,000+ sustainable operating budget