In January 2021, a man walked through the doors of New Hope Ministries (NHM), struggling in many ways. “Anthony” was fighting difficult health problems and was unemployed. Like many of New Hope’s guests, Anthony was also struggling financially. The organization did what they do best: they listened, they heard his need, and they helped him both financially and with food. Slowly his health began to improve, but he was having a hard time finding a good-paying job. NHM talked with him about his options and looked at their job board. It was there that he saw a truck driving opportunity. Anthony felt that this would be a solid opportunity for him. So New Hope helped him complete the paperwork and he started the classes.
This is one of many stories that New Hope, a local ministry partner of West Shore, has been part of. As a Christian social services organization, NHM is designed to serve its neighbors in their time of need.
Some who walk through New Hope’s doors do not qualify for public service, but may be facing hardships like emergency illness, car repair, job loss, or divorce. Many of New Hope’s guests are either “housing insecure” or near homeless, and lack basic needs like food, heat, utilities, or medical care.
According to Molly Helmstetter, Director of Development at NHM, “New Hope was founded to address the problem of lack of availability and accessibility of basic resources for low to moderate-income individuals and families in our community, including single parents, seniors in poverty, and the people working but having a hard time making ends meet. Known as the ALICE population, or Asset Limited Income Constrained Employed, these are your everyday next-door neighbors.”
“Every life transformed,” is New Hope’s vision statement. While there are other benevolent opportunities out there. Helmstetter notes that New Hope is unique in that they not only help with the basic need of food, but we also offer help toward a pathway to stability. “Our workforce development and job training programs provide our guests with tools and resources to help obtain employable skills in high-demand and living-wage fields.” As a Christian organization, New Hope also offers a spiritual element in their work. Although there are no religious requirements to receive help, they actively communicate their faith when serving those in need.
While New Hope prides itself on its values of faithfulness, compassion, dignity, cooperation, stewardship, and accountability, they depend on the local community for many of their resources. 
Monetary donations or volunteering are two simple ways to help. Food and financial resources are always needed. With the recent federal shutdown and the holidays approaching, New Hope is projected to more than double their clientele this month alone. Our church has partnered with New Hope to help put food on the table for families in need! Grocery donations can be dropped off in the main lobby or through the West Entrance downstairs. A list of accepted items can be found here.
In addition to collecting extra pantry supplies, New Hope is also in full swing with the annual Christmas Blessing Express – an opportunity for families to “shop” for toys, clothing, and stocking stuffers. Last year, they were able to help nearly two thousand people shop for unwrapped gifts for the whole family.
With 40 years of actively serving the community, New Hope Ministries truly models what it means to be the “hands and feet of Jesus.”
For more information about New Hope Ministries, please visit their website.
Meet the Author
Becky Schreiber is a lifelong writer. She has written for newspapers, blogs, local magazines, and even online sports news. She is currently attending Millersville University for a degree in Writing Studies.