About Us

Center of Hope Family Services, Inc., was founded in 1997, and became a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation in 2007. Its mission is to prepare individuals for responsible citizenship by contributing holistically to their personal growth, to assist them in the development of abilities to encounter difficulties and problems with greater competencies, and to equip them with necessary life skills to build a strong self-concept and will to achieve. Programming includes but is not limited to providing educational enrichment, cultural development, community involvement, and affordable housing. The current programs are listed below:

Jericho Road Urban Garden Project

In 2009, Center of Hope through its Body and Soul Health and Wellness Ministry and Youth department has established a partnership with Toledo Grows through the Toledo Botanical Garden for technical assistance, materials & supplies and hands-on help to begin and sustain the Jericho Road Youth Urban Garden project. The Jericho Road Youth Garden was funded in part by a grant from the Kaptur Community Fund of the Toledo Community Foundation.

Center of Hope also partners with Community Heart Health Project of the Toledo-Lucas County Health Department, Center of Hope Family Services, City in a Garden and other urban agriculture initiatives. The garden is directly behind the church and the official address is 1661 Palmwood. The Jericho Road Youth Urban Garden has the following objectives:

Provide access to produce or nutritionally rich foods otherwise unavailable to many families and individuals.
Donate produce to Martin Luther King Kitchen for the Poor.
Create or enhance access to places for physical activity.
Allow children and their parents to eat healthier, more nutrient rich diets.
Provide education where youth acquire agricultural skills, obtain nutrition awareness, and learn about the importance of soil and the basic need for plants to be nurtured and cared for.

In 2009, 25 children, and 15 adults have actively and regularly participated in the Jericho Road Urban Garden Project.

Dress to Impress, Clothing Distribution

In 2005, Center of Hope Family Services developed the "Dress To Impress" clothing distribution program designed to fully outfit both males and females with the clothing and accessories that will assist them in presenting a professional appearance at job interviews. In addition, “Dress to Impress” (DTI) will provide clients with dress tips, interview tips, a listing of job-training facilities. In 2008-2009 Dress to Impress provided professional attire and employment support services to 413 Ohio Works First clients who were actively searching for employment.

Women of Worth Mentoring Ministry

In 2006, Center of Hope Family Services developed the Women of Worth Mentoring Ministry, which was designed to stop the racist, classist, and sexist assaults upon the self-worth of our youth by the wider culture and to prepare young adult African-American females to assert themselves positively by contributing to the transformation of society. This ministry was created through the research conducted by Dr. Donald Perryman, and is described in his book, Stories of Hope.

Creative Village Learning Community

The Center of Hope Creative Village Learning Community provides a literacy focused model for children ages 3-5. Literacy skills are introduced through culturally stimulating, self-esteem promoting, and community building materials. Children are encouraged to express themselves creatively through storytelling, use of art mediums, and music. Children receive loving, individualized care, and participate in a lot of hands on activities. Nutritious meals and snacks are served, and children benefit from the expertise of staff members who have 25 years of experience. The Creative Village Learning Community works in collaboration with the Lucas County Metropolitan Housing Authority, who provides the facilities.

CDF Freedom Schools

In 2007, Center of Hope Family Services worked to establish a presence for the Children’s Defense Fund in Toledo, Ohio, through its Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schoools. CDF Freedom Schools^SM programs provide critical summer and after school enrichment through a model curriculum that supports children and families around five essential components: high quality academic enrichment, parent and family involvement, civic engagement and social action, intergenerational leadership development, and nutrition, health and mental health. In 2009, Center of Hope Family Services provided after school enrichment to 50 young residents of Lucas County, whose incomes were within 300% of the poverty level.