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.
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.
Dignity & Belonging
We affirm the inherent dignity of every person created in God's image, ensuring that individuals with different abilities are not just accommodated but truly embraced as valued members of our church community.
Empowerment
We equip families with resources, knowledge, and support networks to navigate their journey with confidence, providing advocacy, education, and practical assistance at every stage of life.
Exploring Lifetime Solutions
We are developing innovative proposals like Project Provenza to address the most pressing concern of every family: ensuring quality residential care that extends beyond a parent's lifetime through a sustainable endowment model.
Community Integration
We foster inclusive parish environments where individuals with different abilities actively participate in worship, fellowship, and service, breaking down barriers and enriching our collective spiritual life.
Holistic Support
From educational programs and vocational training to spiritual formation and social activities, we provide comprehensive support addressing the intellectual, emotional, social, and spiritual dimensions of life.
Sustainable Impact
We build systems and structures that ensure our ministry endures for generations, creating permanent solutions rather than temporary fixes, with financial stewardship and strategic planning at our core.
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.
"As he passed by, he saw a man blind from birth. And his disciples asked him, 'Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?' Jesus answered, 'It was not that this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of God might be displayed in him.'"
— John 9:1-3
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
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?"
HOPE is exploring innovative solutions to provide sustainable, long-term residential care for differently-abled individuals. Project Provenza represents our commitment to ensuring families have access to quality care that extends beyond a parent's lifetime. More details will be shared as the proposal develops.
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.
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.
Give NowVolunteer
Serve as a parish liaison, mentor, support group facilitator, or administrative volunteer. Share your gifts to build a more inclusive church community.
Get InvolvedAdvocate
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.
Learn MorePray
Lift up families in your parish who are navigating the challenges of disability. Pray for wisdom, resources, and God's provision for Project Provenza.
Prayer RequestsContact Us
For general information, to register your family, or to explore partnership opportunities, please reach out to us.
HOPE Program
hope@marthomana.org