Annual gala boosts House of Hope’s mission to restore families

By Jamie Strickland

RALEIGH — Building Hope. Changing Lives. Restoring Families. These key elements make up the mission statement of House of Hope — a faith-based residential home, counseling center and school for struggling teen girls located in Clayton.

Their objectives were illuminated during their annual fundraising gala held recently at the Pavilion at Angus Barn.

“We had 250 people attend this year to hear personal stories of hope and healing from two of our graduates,” said Executive Director Monica Mills. “It's a wonderful opportunity for House of Hope to educate our guests about our ministry, to let them know we are a resource when help is needed, to break the negative stigma of mental illness and to hear and see the success stories.”

After her own daughter was helped by the program, Mills decided to become more involved. “House of Hope saved my daughter's life when she was 16. It's been my heart and soul ever since,” she said. “I was a mom with a hurting child. We went through the program and a little over a year after my daughter graduated from House of Hope, I quit my job and took a leap of faith to work at House of Hope, eventually becoming ED. I have never regretted that decision. Experiencing the program first hand has allowed me to understand, sympathize and feel all the emotions that the parents go through in making the decision to place their daughters with us.”

The seven-acre, nonprofit facility was founded in 1998. “We work with trauma-based issues, such as sexual assault, anxiety, depression, death, adoption, self harm, low self-esteem and suicidal ideation to name a few,” Mills said. In addition to the residential program where girls live and attend school and counseling on site, House of Hope also serves as a counseling center to others in need.

Being a Christian nonprofit means that House of Hope receives no federal or state funding, and their services are not covered by insurance. The costs are out of pocket for the families, so funds to assist them are raised through events such as the annual gala.

This year’s gala was extra special, because an anonymous donor came forward and covered the entire cost of the Angus Barn event, so all funds raised were able to go directly to the program’s operations. The donor was a family member of a girl who had previously gone through the program.

“This family was hopeful that with this in mind, those here tonight who have heard the incredible work that House of Hope is providing, would consider making a significant donation knowing that House of Hope saved their child’s life and gave her the ability to start the long road to healing,” Mills said.

House of Hope has a hefty goal of raising $350,000 this year to support teens and families that need a place to rebuild, heal, reconcile and find hope again.

In addition to monetary donations, House of Hope can always use volunteers.

“Our community is the backbone for the success of House of Hope, through monetary donations and in-kind donations such as groceries and volunteering. We have a lot of property to maintain, so there is always a to-do list. Making freezer meals, meal drop-off and tutoring at the school are just a few opportunities where folks can help us,” Mills said.

Most importantly, Mills wants people to know that there is no shame in asking for help, and House of Hope is a resource for those in need in our community. “Bad things can and do happen to good people. No one is immune from trauma. Trauma does not discriminate against race, color, religion or economic status.”

If you’re in need of help, or would like to offer help at House of Hope, check out their website at www.houseofhopeofnc.com.