While there's still much to do in the main building, the Food Pantry is operational and we now have guests able to walk through and do their own shopping. Previously groceries were being taken directly to cars by volunteer workers.  There's still work to do, a new drop ceiling, lighting, and some drywall are among the larger projects in this area of the building.

We're seeing an increase in food pantry use and expect that to rise as inflation and cost of living expenses go up.

The new Baby Closet will reside in the big building and is still under construction. It will include a donation drop-off area, sorting room, and "shopping'" area. Currently the mothers in our program are being served in a temporary baby closet in the basement of the first house. While this set-up is less than ideal the baby closet program requires consistent one-on-one interaction between parents and volunteers so we're making do. There's still much work to be done!

We currently offer a wide variety of classes for individuals on subjects including parenting, life skills, personal finances and more. Small groups for men, women, Bible study, and special topics meet on a regular basis. Need for classes such as Grief Share and Keys to Freedom is increasing. Meeting space for classes and small groups will be in the big building and is currently under construction.

Mentoring those we minister to happens in a variety of ways at the Center of Hope. Visitors using any of our services often make use of one-on-one mentoring in one way or another. There will be private meeting spaces in the big building as well as in the First House. Mentoring is a key part of helping those we serve move forward.

Emergency Housing is a tremendous need in our area. In time there will space in all three houses, starting with a small efficiency apartment in the First House. Between the three houses emergency short-term housing will eventually be able to accommodate as many as fifty individuals. We get calls for emergency housing at least once per week and they're becoming more regular. Completion of this project is by far our biggest financial need.

Pregnancy resources go hand in hand with the Baby Closet and Moms ministry that happens at Center of Hope. Currently this service takes place in the Baby closet area but our hope is that it will become a ministry in its own right and with it's own dedicated space.

Fenton Biblical Counseling (FBC) is our partner in residence in the field of counseling. FBC, a ministry of Fenton First Baptist church, will be occupying space in the First House on our property. We're very excited to have this fantastic new resource available to our clients and the community at large. Renovations are still needed to make the First House suitable as a counseling center.