The mission of Children's Hope is to offer temporary, minimal-cost lodging to parents and families of children receiving medical care away from home; to provide families with a quiet haven during stressful times—a place of comfort, hope and emotional support; to serve families regardless of race, gender, religious or political affiliation, and never turn away any family due to an inability to pay.
Principal Services and Purpose
Children's Hope is dedicated to providing families with children in any community hospital with overnight accommodations in a family-centered, home-like, supportive environment. Six private family bedrooms with baths are available at Children's Hope, as well as shared areas including a kitchen with a fully stocked food pantry, a library with Internet access, a relaxing television lounge and laundry facilities. Children's Hope is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week to registered house guest families. One full-time salaried executive director, one full-time house manager, five part-time hourly night managers and an active volunteer program keep the facility running smoothly while caring for the families.
Our guest book notes from families:
"Thank you for allowing us to be here. It helps to not have to leave & drive 2 hours away from Olivia. We love being here with her and you make it possible."
"Thank you Hope House! We appreciate all your generosity and hospitality. Thank you for allowing us to spend lots of time with our son. We will continue to pray for this ministry!"
"We appreciate everything that you do for people with sick children. Thank you for providing us a warm meal! This makes budgeting money so much easier. God bless you all and for what you do!"
The Need
Children's Hope has provided a home-away-from-home to over 1,100 families coming from all over northern Indiana and beyond since opening in December 2003.
- Over 4,500 nights Children's Hope has provided a bed to sleep in, homemade meals and laundry facilities for families.
- Families from the top five counties: Kosciusko, Adams, Allen, Wabash, Huntington, (21 other Indiana counties and 6 states) for a total of 1,100 families in four years.
- There is usually a waiting list of 2-5 families per day.
A $10 per night donation fee is requested from each house guest family. Families are never turned away if unable to pay the small fee. The actual costs per overnight stay are $95.
Children's Hope relies on foundation grants, corporate gifts and individual contributions to fund the overnight accommodations and services. Children's Hope relies on qualified referrals from medical professionals, pastoral care and pediatric social service units of area hospitals and medical facilities regarding sending families to Children's Hope.