journey of hope
Updates
Lease Update
March 1, 2025
Dear Supporters,
After a year of dedicated efforts to repair the home following the kitchen fire, we were disappointed to learn that O’Fallon First United Methodist Church has decided not to offer Journey of Hope a lease agreement for the property. This decision leads us to regroup and reevaluate our next steps as we remain committed to our mission of supporting women and children in need.
While this development presents challenges. We are actively seeking a new, appropriate home to serve as a shelter. Additionally, we are exploring opportunities to expand our services, including case management, supply distribution, referral programs, and mentorship. Our goal remains unchanged—to provide support, resources, and hope to the women and families who rely on us.
We deeply appreciate your generosity and commitment to Journey of Hope. If you have questions or concerns about how this change may impact your donation, please do not hesitate to reach out. Your continued support is invaluable as we navigate this transition and work toward an even stronger future for our organization and the women we serve.
Thank you for standing with us. We will keep you informed as we move forward, and we appreciate your prayers, encouragement, and partnership during this time.
Rising from the Ashes
February 2025
In January 2024, Journey of Hope faced a devastating kitchen fire that temporarily closed the doors of our maternity home. What seemed like a setback became an opportunity for transformation. With God’s guidance, we’ve spent the past year rebuilding our organizational structure and preparing to emerge stronger and more determined to fulfill our mission.
Our journey mirrors the path our residents take when they arrive at Journey of Hope—starting over, rebuilding from scratch, and coming out stronger. As we prepare to again serve women in crisis, we’re reminded of God’s promise:
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” –
2 Corinthians 5:17
Organizational Growth
Behind the scenes, we’ve been refining the foundation of our organization to become an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation as well as:
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Rewriting our by-laws, policies, handbooks, and programming materials.
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Securing grant funding, insurance, and staffing to support our mission.
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Transitioning our advisory board into a governing board.
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Working with O’Fallon First leadership to develop a rental agreement.
Rising Together
The fire reminded us of the resilience and strength we see in the women we serve. Like our residents, we’ve experienced what it means to rebuild and start fresh, and we are emerging stronger than ever.
As we continue to work toward reopening, we are deeply grateful for the prayers, donations, and encouragement from our community. Your support is carrying us through this challenging season, and we look forward to continuing this journey together.
If you have additional questions, please see the “Frequently Asked Questions” section below, or contact our Director, Emily at journeyofhopehome@gmail.com.
Journey of Hope is more than a shelter—it’s a place of transformation and new beginnings. We can’t wait to welcome our next residents into a home built with love, faith, and hope.
Peace and Hope,
Emily George
Journey of Hope, Executive Director
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is Journey of Hope becoming an independent non-profit?
A: Transitioning to independent, non-profit status provides practical benefits such as:
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Improved practicality for managing insurance and rental agreements
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Opportunities to apply for grants that require independent nonprofit status
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Autonomy in hiring staff and establishing policies
Q: Where is Journey of Hope in the process of becoming a non-profit?
A: Journey of Hope is now operating as an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit. We have received incorporation status, obtained an EIN number, submitted our 501(c)(3) application, and had it endorsed by an attorney. We will receive our official IRS number soon.
Q: How is my giving to Journey of Hope affected?
A: Journey of Hope has opened its own bank accounts and is in the process of separating our financial records from those of O’Fallon First UMC. You may now write your checks directly to “Journey of Hope” and mail them to P.O. Box 277; O’Fallon, IL 62269. If you schedule recurring ACH donations, our bookkeeper will be in touch within the next couple of weeks to reschedule your giving with our new bank information. Be on the lookout on social media, on our website, and in your email for details about how to give online as new platforms become available.
Q: Are donations still tax-deductible?
A: Yes, any donations given to Journey of Hope through O’Fallon First have been tax-deductible, and any donations given directly to Journey of Hope will continue to be tax-exempt.
Q: How will Journey of Hope be different now that it is its own corporation?
A: Some changes include:
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Separating financial records and employing an independent bookkeeper.
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Transitioning our advisory board into a governing board.
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Working towards establishing a rental agreement with O’Fallon First United Methodist Church for use of the property that has previously housed Journey of Hope.
Q: Is the home open?
A: No, not yet, but the repairs to the home are finished, and it could be used as soon as a rental agreement is reached.
Q: Is Journey of Hope currently accepting donations?
A: Currently, JOH is only accepting monetary donations. At this time, we cannot accept tangible items, as we do not have storage for them.
