ABOUT HOMES OF HOPE
OUR HISTORY
In 2006, Homes of Hope was created to meet a specific need—to provide children with a safe place to call home in the midst of family hardship. As the vision for this ministry developed, 42 acres of land was purchased in Purvis, MS and construction began on the campus infrastructure.
Since then, the Homes of Hope campus has grown to include four family-style cottages, administrative offices, staff housing, an on-site commissary, mixed-use recreational facilities, and transitional housing for young adults growing in their independence. Because of our donors’ faithful support, we continue to serve children and families in Mississippi and provide life-changing care to children in need.
OUR HOUSEPARENTS
Brian & Sarah Bauch
Houseparents
KYLE & LAURIE STEWART
Houseparents
Lee & Pamela Tew
Houseparents
OUR LEADERSHIP
Scott Hanberry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Bethany Ates
Care Coordinator
Stella McIver
Office Manager
Cindy Peden
Education Director
Billy Weller
Property Manager
Latisa Weller
Director of Cottage Operations
Emily Whitney
Children Services Director
OUR SERVICES
CAMPUS PLACEMENT
Children are referred to Homes of Hope when the need for a stable home arises in their lives for a variety of reasons and circumstances. They are referred to our ministry by family members, school counselors, ministers, Child Protective Services employees, or other concerned community members. While the duration of a child’s stay is never set in stone, we aspire to provide stability, safety, and love while they are in our care. Our ultimate aim is to help families break out of generational patterns of crisis and dysfunction, and establish healthy, loving environments of their own!
TRANSITIONAL CARE
Our transitional care program is designed to help children in our programs grow into well rounded adults. Our aim is to prepare each child to be confident, independent men and women, by equipping them with care, life skills, and accountability as they grow into young adults.
FAMILY COUNSELING
Many of the children we serve have faced heartbreaking circumstances before coming to our ministry. We place a strong emphasis on each child’s mental health and emotional well-being. Houseparents are equipped to respond through a trauma-informed lens and to understand the developmental needs of each child. Access to a variety of counseling resources is available. We take great care to foster healthy relationship skills with the children and with their families, as we work toward the ultimate aim of family reunification.
PASTORAL & SPIRITUAL CARE
Our houseparents play a crucial role in the discipleship of the children at Homes of Hope. They provide daily devotionals, individual care, and most importantly, they create a safe and nurturing environment that provides stability for children coming out of crisis. The Word of God is our anchor, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ is our foundational hope. We believe that no spiritual discipline is more important than the intake of God’s Word.
Our houseparents help children navigate life’s challenges and find confidence and solace in their faith by being a consistent source of support and guidance. They bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to at-risk children by providing the love and support of family, and the impact lasts generations. Each cottage family attends church weekly, fostering a sense of community and shared values.