Hope Ministries

Throughout the year our team has opportunities to be refreshed in our work and connect with other staff across the ministry. Recently, some of our team members attended an Iowa Cubs baseball game where Tony, an intake coordinator at our Bethel Mission men’s shelter, got to throw out the first pitch!

We were pleased to host Women of Engineering from Pella Windows and Doors at our Hope Ministries Center for Women and Children. As one of our corporate partners, Pella Windows and Doors supports our organization by matching their employees’ donations to Hope Ministries. Plus, employees from their team come on-site to complete service projects. This year their Women of Engineering group beautified our Hope Center by potting plants and weeding the landscaping around our building. We are grateful for their generosity and contribution to refresh our campus in time for women and kids to enjoy this summer.

You can find out if your workplace offers matching gifts on our website here: https://www.hopeiowa.org/ways-to-give/corporate-matching-gifts/f

Each year more than 300 high-impact individuals serve through our M25 Volunteer Network on a regular basis. Whether they are serving meals, facilitating classes, mentoring or otherwise contributing their time and talents in another way, we are grateful for their continued contribution to pour into the lives of hurting men, women and kids.

To recognize their faithful partnership, volunteers are invited to participate in Hope 201. This event is an enrichment opportunity for individuals to be encouraged in their work as they connect with staff and volunteers across the organization, receive ministry updates, learn more about other programs and services and participate in a time of worship together.

Our most recent event was a great reminder of how impact is made possible through partnership.

Homelessness doesn’t just happen.

Years of instability, trauma and other challenging life circumstances—like adverse childhood experiences—contribute and can eventually lead to homelessness. But it doesn’t stop there . . .

When past trauma contributes to present trauma, the struggles multiply.

Serving meals is an impactful and practical way to connect with our ministry. During meal service you get to connect with staff, meet other volunteers and serve the community meal guests and residents in our care.

Our friends at The Exchange Club of Des Moines recently served dinner at our Hope Ministries Center for Women and Children and gave help and hope to hungry individuals and families staying with us.

This spring, Ricky spent an afternoon with his mentor volunteering at Sleep in Heavenly Peace. Together they made beds for kids who otherwise would have to sleep on the floor. Through their service, more kids can have a comfortable, safe place to sleep at night.

We’re especially grateful to witness the mentorship of teens like Ricky who are staying with their moms at our Hope Ministries Center for Women and Children. Mentors provide additional support for teens as they navigate faith, school and life to help them successfully transition into early adulthood.

“Discipleship of the next generation is vital not only to the work at Hope Ministries but to the Christian Church at large. I'm proud of all our M25 volunteers who pour into young adults at Hope Center, knowing that these teens are so much more likely to keep the faith and grow up with an even greater understanding and love for the Lord,” shared Trevor, our volunteer coordinator.

Today we're recognizing Jay for nine years walking alongside hurting men in Des Moines. As our shelter case manager Jay comes alongside men and helps them move forward along a path that best fits their needs.

Whether you're clearing out closets or looking to re-home items after a garage sale, we invite you to consider donating your gently used clothing, household goods, and furniture to Hope Ministries Thrift stores.

If you have large items and would like to schedule a free pickup, you can do so by contacting our team at [email protected] or by calling (515) 729-6734.

In general, we can pick up large donations within about a 60-mile radius of Des Moines.

Playground construction is well under way at our Hope Ministries Center for Women and Children. The final piece of our vision to build a 100-bed shelter is to make an outdoor recreation area for kids to play and enjoy being a kid! We look forward to completing the project by summer so kids staying at Hope Center can have a safe space to run around, make friends and have fun.

🇺🇸💙❤️