About HOPE

HOPE is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and a Capital Area United Way member agency with voluntary Standards for Excellence certification through the Louisiana Association of Nonprofit Organizations. HOPE Ministries is also affiliated with the Louisiana Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. We are fortunate to have a dedicated Board of Directors, staff and team of over 400 volunteers from the community, area churches and right here from HOPE's own neighborhood.

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History of HOPE

HOPE Ministries was established in June 2003, and our original name was United Methodist HOPE Ministries. We were formed by a combination of the former United Methodist Mission Center and Friends of Families-Baton Rouge. Prior to that, the Mission Center operated out of a former United Methodist Church at 4643 Winbourne Avenue for 11 years, and Friends of Families operated out of First United Methodist Church since its founding in 1988. Now, all HOPE operations are housed at the Winbourne Avenue facility in North Baton Rouge. The creation of HOPE Ministries presents the best of both parent programs to clients in need. Since then, the former food pantry has transitioned into a only-one-of-its-kind-in-EBR Client Choice Food Pantry and the base of client families served by the Family Mentoring Program has expanded. The joint venture also offered more on-site space with room to grow, combined resources of two parent programs and an opportunity to serve in the heart of a poverty-stricken area. In 2010, we altered our name to reflect our increasingly ecumenical presence in the community.

Mission and Vision of HOPE

The Mission of HOPE Ministries is "Prevent homelessness. Promote self-sufficiency
and dignity."

The vision of HOPE Ministries is that in 10 years we will be a collaborative model agency that meets the physical, spiritual, and emotional needs of those we serve in a culturally diverse and caring environment. As a result of this ministry, people will be empowered to positively transform their lives and the community.

Achievements of HOPE

HOPE Ministries was established in June 2003 by a combination of two organizations, both of which were based in a United Methodist church. Since then, HOPE has significantly increased its presence in the Greater Baton Rouge area, serving more than 5,000 individuals from impoverished families.

  • 2006 Louisiana Standards for Excellence Certification from LANO
  • 2009 Louisiana Standards for Excellence Re-Certification from LANO
  • 2004 Community Partnership Award from Capital Area United Way
  • 2005 Volunteer awarded "Where Service Matters" award