Mission Statement
Our mission is to serve the homeless and reach out to women where they are, and in practical ways extend God's love and hope through a personal relationship with Christ.
Core Values
1. We believe that all services provided to those in need should be done so in love; offering hope, mercy, and compassion.
2. We believe that life transformation occurs from a personal relationship with Christ, discipleship, equipping and training.
3. We believe that addictions can be overcome through prayer, medical treatment, deep abiding healthy relationships and most of all, the power of God!
4. We believe that homelessness is a temporary condition that, when desired, can be overcome with personal healing, educational assistance, housing and employment.
History of the Shelter
A desire to provide a place where women can regain their lives amidst a loving Christ-centered atmosphere was our goal in starting the shelter. Many women in Somerset County were seeking shelter but there were none available. On January 28, 2010 the New Hope Shelter opened. Within the first 6 years of operation, we were able to provide emergency shelter for over 500 women and children. In 2014 we changed the focus of the shelter so that it would be a program-based shelter. We believe it is not enough to merely give "3 hots and a cot" but it is our desire to provide the tools needed to enable change in our women's lives so that they will not again experience homelessness. In March of 2015, we moved into our new fully paid-for facility provided by the generous donations of churches, businesses, foundations, and individuals! We are pleased to offer a beautiful homey atmosphere and a structured program to help women gain hope for their futures!
The Program
Jesus teaches that there is hope for everyone. New Hope teaches the same principles through our Christian program.
Our schedule includes:
Devotions daily at 9 AM
Classes and Groups most days at 10 AM
Lunch at 12 PM
Daily Afternoon Bible Study at 1 PM
Quiet time- No Television, music, or children in main area
Dinner at 5 PM
The women and children are not required to leave during the day and they are given support and guidance through our caring staff and volunteers. We have several mature Christian women from the area who come in and supervise, teach, mentor, and sometimes just lend a listening ear. Most of the volunteers and staff are women who have gone through some of the same struggles as many of the residents, in their own pasts, and are now able to testify as to the healing power of Christ in their lives.
We are happy to provide case managers who are available 5 days each week to help navigate the different goal areas the women are working on. These goals include: medical, social, education, and employment as well as housing. These Christian case managers are able to work with the women after they leave the shelter if they live within the general vacinity. We are also so very excited to have a Christian life coach who does individual sessions in addition to the groups she facilitates. God always provides just what we need.
The shelter requires residents to sign a contract when they enter. This contract prohibits the use of drugs or alcohol (this includes medical and recreational marijuana), requires residents to attend all of the various meetings and Bible studies and take part in household chores. All medications are kept locked up in our med room and dispensed under supervision of staff members. The operational expenses of the shelter are provided by churches, businesses, caring individuals, and foundations. Thank you to all who have had a part in the continued support of the New Hope Shelter.
