There are times when the saying “Ignorance is bliss” can work to your advantage. When a group of 18 founding board members were given the vision of building a nonprofit that would provide the disability community with hope and crucial support, we were all in!

We quickly realized that building a nonprofit from the ground up was no easy task. In fact, it felt like we were starting a new business with many technical hurdles and requirements to meet. We had so much to learn along the way.

We were committed to the dream, so we rolled up our sleeves and dug in, leaning into community members for support and insight every step of the way. In 2008, we began checking all the necessary boxes required to launch the non-profit. 

With grit and determination, the founding board members were confident we had transformed the vision into a comprehensive business plan—we were ready to introduce Family Hope Foundation to the community. 

On February 10, 2010, we sent our first letter—our Charter Donor Campaign—asking our community to invest in our mission and dream.

Along with our letter came a pledge that these founding board members would cover all the operating expenses for the first two years as we began to build the necessary infrastructure and an active fundraising plan—a promise we kept.

Over 200 donors responded to our introduction letter. We remain grateful today to these initial donors who put their trust and belief in our start-up organization. Family Hope Foundation was launched–it was the realization of a dream and the start of something extraordinary.

We didn’t waste time beginning to make an impact. In April 2010, we awarded our first scholarships. These initial gifts made an immediate and lasting impact on the children and families who received these scholarships. 

It is truly inspirational to see how Family Hope Foundation grew from the collective minds of a few into a fully operational organization. As the years move on—and boy, have they flown by quickly—we remain grateful for every individual who has served on the Board of Trustees and to our community who generously support our mission and work through their dollars and partnerships. We could not have continued to accomplish our work without you, and we are deeply grateful.

Most of all, we are inspired by the many children and families we have been able to support…their tenacity, determination, love, and HOPE for the future are the motivation for the organization to do more and give more.

I am incredibly proud to have the privilege to serve an organization that has remained committed to its core values and mission.

Fifteen years later, as I’m writing to you, I’m taking a moment to sit back—let all this soak in—and reflect on the long view. I’m not just excited about the future of Family Hope Foundation—I’m filled with optimism and HOPE.

The organization has seamlessly transitioned leadership, and our team and board are solid and committed. I see growth and expanded services to families, and I know that the importance of our mission will continue to direct and inspire us.

The organization will never stop believing that individuals aren’t defined by disability—we will continue to hold an unwavering belief in the value, worth, and ability of each and every person. THIS is Family Hope Foundation…past, present, and FUTURE.

To anyone who has invested in Family Hope Foundation, thank you for fifteen extraordinary years. Cheers to forever!

With immense gratitude,

Jane Eppard
Development Director

P.S. As we reflect on our past and look forward to our future, we’re reminded that none of this would have been possible without the unwavering support and belief of our community. Thank you to those who have been with us since the beginning and to those who’ve joined us along the way. We’re excited to continue working together, building a future without limits, and providing HOPE to children and families. Here’s to continuing our journey together!
-Madeline Puckett & Jen Roudebush