History

From Humble Beginnings to Community Care Complex

What began nearly 15 years ago as a simple food pantry and baby closet has grown into something far more impactful. In 2016, Bob and Jennifer Strygulec took the organization to the next step to become an official 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Fenton Center of Hope, but the heart of our mission has always stayed the same: meeting people where they are, and walking with them toward lasting change.

Today, we're backed by a powerhouse team of over 100 dedicated volunteers and nearly 100 partners, including local churches, businesses, nonprofits, and compassionate individuals. Together, we serve individuals and families in crisis with more than just food or diapers. We offer mentoring, life skills training, parenting support, and counseling, all aimed at helping people break the cycles of poverty and instability.

In 2021, we moved into our new home on Fenton Road, just outside Camp Copneconic in Genesee County, an 11-acre property with a fully remodeled 8,500 sq. ft. main building. It houses the Free Choice Market food pantry, Baby Closet, offices, and education and counseling spaces.

But we didn’t stop there.

Also on the property are three large homes, each over 7,800 sq. ft., which are being transforming into Southern Genesee County’s first emergency housing program for women and children in crisis. This will be more than shelter, it will be a launchpad; a place for healing, rebuilding, and regaining independence.

Our vision is to become a Community Care Complex, a place where women escaping abuse, single mothers in transition, and families facing hardship can find real, sustained help rooted in faith, dignity, and hope.

At Center of Hope, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all charity. We believe in relationships, trust, and transformation, one life, one story at a time.