Empowering change one step at a time
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me”, Philippians 4:13
Mission, Vision, and Purpose
The Mission of Hope 101 Ministry, with the help of God, is to provide community and home-based programs which offer Christian support, friendship, and direction to empower participants to reach beyond their circumstances to a place of stability and self-sufficiency.
Our Vision is to work to reduce homelessness and food insecurity in Newaygo County.
Our purpose is to facilitate economic, social and housing stability for our participants by helping them increase skills and remove barriers to self-sufficiency through in-home case management, SMART goals, and financial literacy education, all within a home that we provide.
The ideals that form Hope 101 were originally inspired by the needs of congregation members of the Family of God Community Church in Newaygo. To answer the need for housing, the church purchased a triplex in 2014 to help support un-homed members of its congregation. Next a home was donated in 2016 and finalized in 2017, Mercer Home. Later in 2017, the decision was made that the broader community and mission of Hope 101 was better served if Hope 101 was a separate entity from the church. In response, the legal entity, Hope 101 Ministry Inc, was formed in March of 2017, and later received its IRS letter of determination as a 501c3 in August of 2018. Shortly thereafter, both the Anchor and Mercer homes were deeded in full to Hope 101 Ministry by the Family of God Community Church.
Since that time, Hope 101 has been running as an independent entity and providing transitional housing with in-home case management to un-homed individuals and families in the city of Newaygo. Our programs and services are designed to help households that are Assed Limited, Income Constrained and Employed (ALICE) and below. These households often experience a disproportionate food and housing economic burden. To help alleviate the challenge of putting a hearty meal on the table, in 2024 we launched The Cookery where we prepared food out of licensed church kitchens or distribution to those in need. In December of 2024, we were blessed with a donation from the Adama Family Gift Fund that enabled us to purchase a property that will become a community center of hope, housing two apartments, a case management office and a “pay as you are able” eatery run by The Cookery.
Transitional Housing
In exchange for an affordable fee, participants enter a weekly Self-Sufficiency program, renewable for up to one year. SMART goals, credit counseling, budgeting, and attending regular case management meetings are all required activities of the program.
Stable Housing
This program represents the next level of capability achievement and provides programmatic housing to ALICE households on a month-to-month basis for up to two years. The outcome of this program is that the participant will have made the progress necessary to achieve permanent housing.
Financial Foundation
We offer financial literacy program using the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau material at no cost to members of our Newaygo County community or partner with Love Inc. of Newaygo in participating in their Transformational Ministries classes.
Case Management
Our housing participants meet regularly with a case manager from Love INC of Newaygo to provide the ongoing life and spiritual support needed to reach meaningful goals and transformational change.
The Cookery
Our Christian Culinary collaboration is designed to provide good food for the greater good. At The Cookery, customers from all walks of life can join together to enjoy good food, paying as much or as little as they can afford. Customers can pay a suggested donation for their meals, pay more to help us fund our operational costs, or volunteer their time to earn meal tokens. Freezer meals can be picked up at participating churches or at our eatery in White Cloud.
Our Board of Directors
2024 was a transformational year for our board as many founding board members of Hope 101 Ministry retired and passed their vision to a new team of housing and community support advocacy leaders. Our new board continues to lead with faith, dignity and empowerment, with doors open to all in need, but targeting the ALICE members of our community who are experiencing housing or food insecurity.
Tina Wightman
President
Tina was appointed board President in October 2024. Helping people has been a lifelong passion for Tina. She began her career in the financial services industry 19 years ago and is currently supporting the needs of our community from her office in Fremont.
Brendan Hughes
Vice President and Treasurer
Brendon Hughes became a board member in 2023 and took on the role of Vice President and Treasurer in October of 2024. Brendan brings to us his strong faith, business acumen and construction experience.
Kristi Foster
Secretary
Kristi joined our board in 2024 and became Secretary in October of 2024. Kristi brings with her the wisdom and experience gained previously by running a self-sufficiency program for incarcerated women. She leads our Housing programs with fairness and faith.
Traci Slager
Board Trustee
Traci joined our board in 2024 and is currently the Executive Director of Love INC of Newaygo. As a new gap ministry under Love INC, we are grateful for the knowledge, support, leadership and faith that she provides to Hope 101.
Dan Welch
Board Trustee
Dan has been on the board since 2024. As the owner of Welch Properties and Welch Tile, he plays a dual role as both a board member and a housing partner, providing us access to transitional housing units for use in our program.
Deb Prins
Board Trustee
Deb is a congregant member and administrator at the Newaygo United Methodist church and played a key role in our housing and Cookery program collaboration. Deb has also grown her role and serves as our accounting administrator.
Robin Van Wyk
Board Trustee
Robin comes to us with a strong faith and commitment to the community we serve. Robin is an active congregant member of the Family of God Community Church and manages our donor appreciation efforts.
Paul Piccard
Board Trustee
Paul joined our board in 2025 after serving as an impact mentor for two years. In addition to being a long-term housing provider, he comes to us with fundraising and property management experience.
Four Star Charity Navigator Rating – Platinum Candid Guide Star Rating
Learn more about us.
You can learn a lot about us and our mission by reading our annual report.
Click the link above to review our 990 filing.