When retired pastor Van N. Houser first spoke with Center of Hope’s CEO, Staci Markwardt, about the idea of launching a volunteer chaplain program, her response was enthusiastic—and the spark of a new ministry was lit. Van and fellow North Side Baptist Church retiree Burton Cook soon reached out to other retired ministers, gathering those Read More
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 “The first time I came to Center of Hope was to get help with Read More
Nine years after holding their first Camp Hope, a team of volunteers from Aledo United Methodist Church are still going strong as they minister to the community of Oak Hill Mobile Home Park. Longtime Camp Leader, Trudy Smith, spent a day passing out flyers to residents. After knocking on one particular door, a young man Read More
Pictured above: A volunteer from a local church serving a participant in the dining room. Relationships are essential to the work at Center of Hope. We take the time to talk with every person who comes in the door and discover their story and hear why they have come to see us. Often the person Read More
When people come in the door for help, a volunteer is the first person they encounter. Volunteers help our participants get signed in and connected with the right person. It is a volunteer who sits with them to discuss how we can help their family. When participants get a hot meal in the dining room Read More
