Friends of the Hope Center
The Friends of The HOPE Center of Maryland is an auxiliary group of devoted volunteers who have come together on behalf of The HOPE Center. These “good neighbors” provide charity works to non-profit organizations, schools, churches, and individuals in Harford County. These works involve assistance with “collection drives” for needed items, special projects, or giving a helping hand wherever there is a need. “The Friends” are caring community supporters with big hearts.
The creation of “The Friends” has allowed The HOPE Center to promote positive awareness and presence in the community and bring together those who delight in serving others.
If you would like more information or have an interest in participating in one of our upcoming community projects or you may have an idea, please contact Robert Meza, Executive Director at robert@thehopecenterofmd.com
Past Projects
See a need, fill the need!
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Christmas Giving projects for various Harford County community programs, such as, Maryland Recovery & Homecoming Project of Bel Air. A collection of items including small kitchen appliances, housewares, cleaning and laundry supplies and paper goods.
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Helped cleaned the grounds behind the Hays House in Bel Air.
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Occasionally provided lunch at Victorious Faith Fellowship Church in Forest Hill for the winter rotating homeless shelter clients.
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Coordinated a donation drive of cleaning and laundry supplies for New Hope Christian Church in Edgewood.
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Gave a helping hand at the Forest Hill Community Celebration Day.
Meet Our Friends
Advisory Council Members
Members of the Advisory Council and Friend, George
John & Wesley
Friends of the HOPE Center, John & Wesley
Christmas Giving Project 2017
Friends of the HOPE Center volunteers, Tom and Robert, and Wesley with staff from Maryland Recovery.
Benji, Tony, and Wesley
Friends of the HOPE Center volunteers, Benji, Tony, and Wesley cleaning grounds behind the Hays House in Bel Air
Our Friends' Stories
Mr. Joe
Mr. Joe and Friends of the HOPE Center volunteer, Benji.
Mr. Joe is a Baltimore native who has always loved helping and interacting with people.
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As a medic for three years in World War II, Mr. Joe had innumerable hands-on experiences with wounded men in the Pacific Theater. These formed the foundation of his commitment to serve veterans in Baltimore City after the war. For 37 years he tirelessly advocated for more and better services for veterans through his position with the Veterans Administration.
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Mr. Joe had been an active church member his entire life and had always lived the gospel, reaching out to people in need with compassion. Through the years he believed it was his personal mission to serve his neighbors no matter their race, economic or social class.
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His interest in and love of people included traveling the world and discovering other cultures. In addition, he was an avid participant in a Duck Pin Bowling League for 27 years and formed ongoing, lifelong friendships with his team members.
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Mr. Joe is now 94 years old and no longer driving. He is widowed and lives alone. In January 2018, God made Robert aware of his neighbor, Mr. Joe. Since then a wonderful, caring friendship has evolved. Robert and Friends of the HOPE Center are now having dinner with him at least once a week; they also take him shopping, as needed, and go on social outings. These acts of kindness demonstrate the heart of the mission of The HOPE Center.
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Mr. Joe is now a part of a larger community that provides support and care that enhance his quality of life. Being able to socialize brings him contentment and allows him to share his many life stories. He has mentioned that interacting with others is very important in one's life, especially someone his age.
The Friends of the HOPE Center look forward to continuing this nurturing relationship.