2026 Q1 Winter Hope Happenings by HopeHappenings

Participant facts as of February 4, 2026

Wel f g p g participants in December and January

Program participants are employed full-time

6 Part-time | 5 Searching

LIFE SKILLS TRAINING

Devotional series with M. Grimmage: “Pillow Talk with Jesus” Health, Nutrition, and Self-Care SunTran: Using the bus schedules Labor Laws with Carmen Rodriquez “How to Interview” Preparing for Self-Sufficiency

4 Continuing their education at various levels

282 Professional therapy sessions were provided for moms and kids between Oct. 2024 to Sept. 2025

Minor-age children of 29 moms currently live at Project Hope

313

84 Applications submitted to request housing at Project Hope in 2025

Mothers with one, two or three minor age children in her custody

Women in need of housing who do not meet the family qualifications for this program

Mothers seeking safe housing from outside of Marion County.

They did it!

They each participated and gleaned from the skill training and resources provided during their residency at Project Hope. They each set their own goals to obtain before they were ready to transition to the next step for their families

Graduates (front) Jacklyn,Amber,Jordan,Janyel (back) Chrystal,withCaseManagersCharlene RobinsonandKeldaShaw

Not available: SM,RM,LN,MR,SV (right) MayorBenMarciano

That is why, in November, it was so easy to celebrate ten single mothers who were graduating the program and ready to move on to the residency of their choice! While only five could attend the ceremony, it was an opportunity to recognize the individual efforts and determination to improve the future path for herself and her children

The evening was filled with encouragement from their Case Managers, Charlene Robinson and Kelda Shaw, a blessing from CEO April McDonald, but the memorable take-away was the testimony from Mayor Ben Marciano who shared his own journey and spoke words of realistic hope that were captured by more than just the graduates.

Graduate CL expressed: “Project Hope was the beacon of light I needed while transitioning out of a very difficult period. Although I was working hard on my healing journey following significant losses, I still faced obstacles that made the process feel lonely and exhausting. BUT GOD....His timing was perfect when He placed this community in my path.”

Graduate RM was unable to attend, but wrote: “Project Hope helped my family by providing a place to live with affordable housing. I ❤ the resource that was available when I needed transportation and was looking for work. The staff is truly a blessing and was so helpful to me and my daughter. Thank you!”

Graduate JL wrote: “I am a very upbeat, positivity person. I have learned not to dwell on the past or things not in my control. It (what I have learned at Project Hope) has opened me up to be more patient than I was before... and that shows a lot to my kids. I am so blessed since I have opened my heart up to the Lord.”

Our gratitude is expressed to those who helped to make this a memorable evening:

Family members and special guests who attended to encourage and celebrate Project Hope Board Members who invest their time to make this program a success for these and future participants

The GFWC Woman’s Club of Ocala for providing gifts for the graduates and refreshments for our guests

Amazing Floral Events for designing and donating floral bouquets for each graduate and leader.

Mayor Ben Marciano for sharing his story and to his family for sharing him with us during their family time.

Becoming H.E.R.

ProjectHopewasproudtointroduceapilotsummermentoring programcalledBecomingHER,bypartneringwithAmbitious L.A.D.I.E.S.,Inc.,founderColbyRobinson.Thisdynamic5-week programwascreatedtouplift,educate,andempowergirls,ages8–18, whoparticipateinProjectHope

Throughinteractivediscussions,creativeactivities,andmeaningful peerconnections,participantswereencouragedtoexplorewhothey are,whotheywanttobecome,andhowtheycanpositivelyimpact theircommunitiesWeeklysessionsweredesignedtobeemotionally engagingandage-appropriate,servinggirlsbyemphasizingsocialemotionallearning,leadershipdevelopment,andreal-lifeapplication.

Theprogrambeganbyhelpingparticipantsexplorewhotheyare, strengtheningtheirsenseofidentityandencouragingpositiveself-talk. Astheweeksprogressed,girlslearnedtheimportanceofkindness, healthyfriendships,andsettingpersonalboundarieswhilegainingtools torecognizeandstandagainstbullyingTheywerethenempoweredto findtheirvoice,communicateeffectively,anddreamboldlyastheyset realisticgoalsfortheirfuture.

TheprogramconcludedwithShineDay,apowerfulanduplifting graduation-styled,celebrationthatbroughtfamilies,theGFWC Woman’sClubofOcala,andotherstogethertohonoreachparticipant’s journeyThisspecialeventhighlightedthegirls’personalgrowthand creativework,recognizingtheiraccomplishmentswithacertificate,a beautifulplaque,andachievementgifts.Thecelebrationwas completedwithphotoopportunitiesandrefreshments,creatinglasting memoriesandajoyfulclosetotheBecomingHERexperience

Girlssharedwhattheylearned

ABOVE PAR

TheGreatLifeGolfCommunity’sEagleRidge GolfClubinSummerfieldhostedthefirstannual FriendsofHopeCharityGolfTournamentin OctobertobenefitProjectHope.General Manager,DaleSmauderwaspleasedtohave 28teamsparticipateinthisinauguralevent andanticipatesevenmorein2026.

ProjectHope’sCEOAprilMcDonaldwasinvited tospeaktothegolfersandnewpartnerships werebuiltasgolferscarriedourmission beyondthegreentotheirBibleStudyand neighborhood civicgroups.

E V E N T S WITH AN

GOLFING IMPACT

TheannualOcala-SilverSpringsRotaryClubgolf tournamentwasheldinNovemberatthebeautiful CountryClubofOcala Theeventwassponsoredin partbyTheDeLucaFamilyFoundationandTillman &AssociatesEngineering.

Generousgolferspurchasedraffleticketsto supportthecause,andwhileeachteamtook theirswingatwinningthecovetedRotary Cup,alleffortswere intendedtobenefitof themissionofProjectHope!

DRIVING FOR GREATNESS

Club of Ocala - Silver Springs

CHRISTMAS Kindness

The families of Project Hope were blessed beyond measure by the thoughtful gifts and expressions of care that were shared with each mom and child during the holidays.

Generous donors who prepared gifts for each family included:

Advent Health

Anonymous Bicycle donor

Atlas Title

Walter & Anne Berman

Jenet Facey & Friends

First Presbyterian Church

GFWC Woman’s Club of Ocala

Good Sam Motors

Linda Hoebbel and Maggi Klement

Horizon Academy at Marion Oaks

Ignite Church