HOPE Ministries

Today we honor Juneteenth and celebrate freedom, resilience, and hope. ❤️💛💚🖤

As we reflect on this important day in our nation's history, we recognize the strength and contributions of Black Americans and recommit ourselves to serving our community with dignity, compassion, and opportunity for all.

Happy Juneteenth.

On Tuesday, we had the pleasure of welcoming First United Methodist Church of Baton Rouge Mission Day Camp for a day of hands-on learning.

Campers took part in activities designed to help them better understand some of the challenges families can face when living on a limited income. Through budgeting and resource-based exercises, they gained insight into the difficult choices many households must make every day.

The group also toured our Client Choice Food Pantry and learned how the model allows clients to select foods that best meet their family's needs. They visited Mr. Eddie's Kitchen to learn how cooking demonstrations help clients prepare healthy meals and were introduced to The Way to Work, our workforce development program that helps individuals build skills, access training opportunities, and pursue meaningful careers.

To end their visit, the campers practiced hands-on cooking in Mr. Eddie’s Kitchen by preparing their own healthy granola parfaits, experiencing how simple ingredients can be turned into a nutritious and enjoyable treat—just as our chefs demonstrate for clients.

Thank you to First United Methodist Mission Day Camp for spending the day with us. We enjoyed sharing our mission and helping campers learn more about the challenges facing our community and the resources available to support individuals and families.

What an exciting morning at HOPE Ministries!

Last Friday, Chef Evan and her adorable sous chef joined us in Mr. Eddie’s Test Kitchen to prepare a delicious Sweet Potato Hash for our seniors. As the meal came together, participants enjoyed fellowship, conversation, and the opportunity to learn a new recipe they can recreate at home.

To make the morning even more fun, we also held a raffle with some great goodies for attendees!

Programs like these do more than provide a meal - they create opportunities for connection, learning, and community. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the morning so special. 💙

🎒 Help 50 Baton Rouge Kids Start the School Year Ready to Succeed!

Right now, HOPE Ministries is working to fill 50 backpacks for children served through our Client Choice Food Pantry. Many families are already facing difficult choices between groceries, rent, and other essentials. School supplies can be one more expense they simply can't afford.

You can help.

We've created an Amazon Wishlist filled with the items students need most. Simply choose an item, check out, and Amazon ships it directly to HOPE.

Every notebook, pack of pencils, folder, and backpack helps a child walk into school prepared, confident, and ready to learn.

Together, let's make sure 50 local children start the school year with the tools they need to succeed.

🎒 Shop the Wishlist Today:
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/11Y7T7M1QILFL?ref_=abls_nvfly_yl

Check out my list on Amazon

🚨 Our Produce Cooler Needs Your Help! 🥕🍎🥒

For many months, the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank has generously helped keep our produce cooler stocked with fresh fruits and vegetables for the families we serve. Unfortunately, the grant funding that made those deliveries possible has ended, and we will no longer be receiving regular produce restocks.

As you can see, our cooler is beginning to run low.

Fresh produce is one of the most requested items in our Client Choice Food Pantry, and it allows families to bring home healthy, nutritious food for their households. We are asking our community to help us fill the gap by donating fresh fruits and vegetables.

Items most needed include:
🍎 Apples
🍊 Oranges
🍌 Bananas
🥔 Potatoes
🧅 Onions
🥕 Carrots
🥒 Cucumbers
🫑 Bell peppers
🥬 Leafy greens
🍅 Tomatoes
…and any other fresh produce you'd like to share!

📍 Donations can be dropped off at HOPE Ministries:

Monday–Thursday: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday: 7:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Please note: We will be closed this Friday in observance of Juneteenth.

Every bag of produce helps a family put healthy food on the table. If you've ever wondered how you can make a direct impact in our community, this is a simple and meaningful way to help.

Thank you for helping us keep fresh food available for our neighbors in need. ❤️

💜 Abused Women and Children's Awareness Day 💜

Today, we stand with survivors of domestic violence and child abuse. No one should face abuse alone, and help is available.

Local & Louisiana Resources:

📞 Iris Domestic Violence Center
24-Hour Crisis Line: (225) 389-3001
Toll-Free: (800) 541-9706
Serving East Baton Rouge, West Baton Rouge, Pointe Coupee, Iberville, Ascension, Livingston, and surrounding parishes.

📞 Louisiana Statewide Domestic Violence Hotline
(888) 411-1333
Available 24/7, free and confidential. Callers are connected with services in their area.

📞 Child Abuse & Neglect Reporting Hotline (Louisiana DCFS)
1-855-4LA-KIDS (1-855-452-5437)
Report suspected child abuse or neglect. Child Protective Services investigates reports and connects families with services.

📞 National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Text START to 88788
Available 24/7.

You are not alone. Help is available. Hope is available.

✏🍎Help one of our Client Choice Food Pantry kids have the supplies they need for the new school year! 🎒🎓We have until the end of June to gather school supplies for our Back to School Drive for 50 of our CCFP children. Please consider clicking the Amazon link and purchasing something for one of them. It ships directly to us! https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/11Y7T7M1QILFL/ref=hz_ls_biz_ex

Today was a busy day in our Client Choice Food Pantry! ❤️

Our waiting area was full as neighbors came seeking support, our new Joe Burrow Foundation produce cooler was fully stocked with fresh zucchini, and Ms. Elizabeth spent time helping clients get registered so they could shop with dignity and choice.

Every person who walks through our doors has a story, and every volunteer, donor, and supporter helps make moments like these possible. Thank you for helping us provide fresh food, compassionate assistance, and hope to our community.

A huge thank you to Red River Bank and their incredible team for supporting HOPE Ministries through a staff food drive!

Today, their employees delivered a truckload of food and household essentials that will help stock our Client Choice Food Pantry and support families right here in our community.

We are grateful for community partners who not only invest financially, but also roll up their sleeves and take action to help neighbors in need. Thank you, Red River Bank, for making a difference and helping us prevent homelessness while promoting self-sufficiency and dignity.