Diocese of North America Mar Thoma Church
HOPE Program
Helping Our People Excel — A Christ-centered ministry dedicated to supporting individuals with different abilities and their families through comprehensive programs, community building, and exploring sustainable long-term care solutions.
Who we are
A Ministry of Compassion & Excellence
HOPE Program exists to ensure that every individual with different abilities in our Diocese is supported, celebrated, and empowered to live a life of dignity, purpose, and belonging.
Our Foundation
Why HOPE Exists
Having a child with any type of disability can be an overwhelming experience for parents and families. Even though there are support groups and community resources, oftentimes it might feel like an isolating experience. Parents often get frustrated with the challenges associated with the rearing of such children, and many do not get the guidance and support they need. Parents are often hesitant to attend school meetings, unaware of the benefits they are entitled to from the government, and constantly worried about who will care for their children when they can no longer do so. It is in this context that the Diocese recognized the need for a comprehensive ministry—one that provides not just fellowship and support, but permanent solutions for lifetime care.
Our Progress
The Journey: Crawl, Walk, Run
Since our inception, we’ve followed a disciplined, phased approach to building a ministry that serves with excellence and sustainability.
Building the Foundation
We established the structural and relational groundwork necessary for sustainable ministry, focusing on assessment, connection, and early program development.
- Comprehensive diocesan needs assessment completed
- Awareness sessions conducted (12 sessions, 30 parishes)
- Dedicated track for children with disabilities: 2025 Diocese Family Conference, New York
- Educational workshops and webinar series launched
- Inaugural HOPE Sunday celebrated diocese-wide
Expanding Services & Exploring Solutions
Currently in progress, this phase focuses on deepening program offerings while developing a proposal for our most ambitious initiative: Project Provenza, a residential care endowment model under review by Diocesan leadership.
- Parish inclusion and accessibility initiatives
- Parish liaison network established
- Regional support groups across major metro areas
- Educational workshops and resource development
- Project Provenza proposal development and presentation
- Plan and launch pilot program with TX as a model
Vision for Full-Scale Impact
If the Provenza proposal is approved and the Texas pilot proves successful, this phase would scale to serve hundreds of families with comprehensive support and lifetime residential care solutions.
- Potential Project Provenza national expansion (100 beneficiaries)
- Collaboration with residential care providers in various States
- Comprehensive programs across all life stages
- Model sharing with other dioceses and denominations
- Self-sustaining ministry with perpetual impact
Proposed Initiative
Project Provenza: A Vision for Lifetime Care
An innovative residential care proposal under consideration that could answer the question haunting every parent: “What happens to my child when I’m gone?”
An innovative residential care proposal under consideration that could answer the question haunting every parent: “What happens to my child when I’m gone?”
Making a Difference
Our Impact in Numbers
Building a foundation of awareness, support, and sustainable solutions across our Diocese.
Awareness Sessions
Comprehensive educational sessions conducted across the Diocese to raise awareness about different abilities, available resources, and ministry opportunities.
Parishes Participated
Churches that participated in awareness sessions and are actively working to create inclusive environments and support families in their congregations.
Families Reached
Individuals and families who participated in awareness sessions, gaining knowledge about support systems, resources, and the HOPE Program vision.
Recognized as Diocese Program
HOPE was officially recognized as a Diocese-wide program, expanding its mission and reach across all parishes in North America.
Volunteer-Led
Every program and service is delivered by dedicated volunteers—parents, advocates, and church members—who share their time and compassion.
Join the Movement
How You Can Help
Whether through financial support, volunteering, or prayer, there are many ways to participate in this life-changing ministry.
Donate
Support current programs or contribute to the Project Provenza endowment. Every gift makes an eternal difference in the lives of families who need it most.
Volunteer
Serve as a parish liaison, mentor, support group facilitator, or administrative volunteer. Share your gifts to build a more inclusive church community.
Advocate
Help us spread awareness about the needs of families with differently-abled members. Share our story, host an information session, or connect us with potential donors.
Pray
Lift up families in your parish who are navigating the challenges of disability. Pray for wisdom, resources, and God’s provision for Project Provenza.
For general information, to register your family, or to explore partnership opportunities, please reach out to us.
Contact Us
HOPE Program