The Hope Center has served the community of Willard since 2006. Many people of the community are not aware of the service the Hope Center provides.

The following information will help our community understand the mission of the Hope Center, how it serves the community, how it is funded and the future needs

*How and why did the Hope Center start?
*What is the purpose of the  Hope Center and what does it provide?
*How is it funded and where is the money spent?
*Many believe the Hope Fest is a fundraiser for the Hope. It is NOT!
*How is it staffed?
*Completed Projects

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me through email, phone or text messages.

In His Service,
Dennis Blanchard
Willard Hope Center Director 
[email protected]
567-224-2493

Why did the Willard Hope Center get started?

What is the purpose of the Hope Center and what does it provide?

After Willard made national news on the Oprah Winfrey Show which focused on the drug problems in Willard, a group of concerned citizens felt empowered to make a safe place for kids to gather and learn about the love of Jesus Christ. A group led by Pastor Tony Cooper started the wheels in motion.

The Hope Center building(formerly the old Eagles Club) was purchased in 2006. There was a tremendous amount of work to do before the building could be opened to the public. It was nearly a two year process to search for funds to renovate the building. When

they were almost ready to open their doors, another barrier appeared. They needed to install a sprinkler system to bring the building up to code. It was a huge cost which they did not have the funds to complete. They reached out to the community for help..  Over $41,000 was raised.  Not only was that enough to  install the sprinkler system, but also extinguish all other debt!

We give Praise to the  Lord! In September of 2008, the Hope Center was officially opened by Nichole Schmidt. Three children showed up at the grand opening.  Since then, over thousandS of  kids have come through the Hope Center doors.

we hope to continue to allow God to work through us to provide a safe environment and to  reach the youth of our community for years to come!

The Hope Center is a Christ centered  afterschool program which serves children in grades third through 12th. It provides a safe environment for the children where they receive:

• A safer place to gather
  
• A snack and a meal
• Help with homework
  
• Activities and games
  
• Opportunities to build relationships with caring adults
  
• Learn about God’s love for them and how to lead a Christian life
  

IT IS NEEDED NOW MORE THAN EVER!

• Many children have been lost since COVID
• Many children are growing up in dysfunctional homes
• Many children are growing up in broken homes
• Many children’s parents have left their lives
• Many children are being raised by grandparents and sometimes great grandparents
• Many children are looking for adults to talk to them, to care about them, to show them they are important

How is it staffed?

The Hope Center is overseen by a Board and it is run by part time staff. That staff consist of a Director and part time staff. At the present,it has one director and four part time staff. 

The Staff is responsible for:

• Fulfilling the mission of the Hope Center
• ​Care of the building
• Insuring safety of the children Providing lessons
• Providing activities which include games, crafts, sewing
  
• Providing supervision of children
  
• ​Maintaining programs

All position are part time positions
Director: Dennis Blanchard
Staff: Alice Smith, Kim Blanchard, Val Gibson and Chelsea Schlotterer
Volunteers: Phyllis Newmyer, Teresa Bernard, Jerry Gibson, John Bockert Mike Yost
Building Crew: Pat Bevier, Gary Ousley, Greg Hartz
Board Members
President: John Clark
Vice President Greg Hartz
Secretary/Treasurer Monica RobinsonMembers at Large: Gayy Ousley, Pat Bevier, Linda Teglovic, Erin Poston, Bryson Hamons

How is the Hope Center funded?

Misconception about Hopefest

The Hope Center is funded through generous donations, grants, and the Hope Center Concession Trailer Income. Donations come from churches, business and private donors.
​For more information about funding, go to funding page.

The Hope Fest will be celebrating years of providing a free Christian concert on the streets of Willard. 

The Hope Fest is an effort organized by a committee within the Hope Center and is funded through sponsorships and giving.
MISCONCEPTIONS
Hope Fest is not a fundraiser for the Hope Center
1. The Hope Fest does not provide funding to the Hope Center. The donations, offerings and buying food at the Fest helps support the day. 
2. Several people were surprised that the bands were not free. Even though they are Christian Bands, they have financial needs which need to be met. 
COST
The cost of the Hope Fest has ranged from $23,000 to $30,000. It could not happen without your support.