from the director…

Since 1969 Hope has been a Christ-centered, gospel-proclaiming refuge for men whose lives were negatively impacted by substance abuse. About 4,000 men came through the doors and more than
400 completed the program. Started by men with a vision to reach those whose lives were burdened with the consequences of addictions, Hope offered hope to the hopeless.

“For everything there is an appointed time, and an appropriate time for every activity on earth” (Eccl. 3:1 NET Bible). After 54 years, the time has come for Hope to close its doors. In the 1980s and 1990s there was a waiting list for men wanting to join the program. For the past ten years there has been a steady decrease in the number of students in residence, and since COVID the house has seldom been at even half capacity. This trend has been occurring in similar programs as well; and although the need to help the substance abuser still exists, the last several years has led us to the conclusion that men are not looking for this type of program now.

We have been committed to continuing only as long as the Lord willed it; we don’t want to keep open what He wants to close. This year it has become clear that Hope’s ministry has finished its course. Although there are sufficient finances to continue, there are no residential staff and there are no students. The Hope Board of Directors voted September 23 to close the program.

As a way to celebrate the work of God during Hope’s ministry and to express our gratitude to themany who supported it with finances or prayer during these five+ decades, you are invited to an Appreciation Banquet at Shady Maple, East Earl, Pennsylvania on January 18, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. This is not a fundraiser; it is a way for the Board of Directors, staff, and graduates to give thanks to and for you.

Because of His grace,

Jack Roberts
Director