April was a month of movement, mercy, and mission at HOPE Missions! We witnessed God’s hand at work as we welcomed 468 unique individuals. On average, we served 132 guests daily, with a recording breaking 162 guests on one day!
Check out our April 2025 Impact Report:
April Snapshot!
Resource Partnerships that Empower
This past month we had 19 classes and events spanning benefits and services connection, employment support, and life skills. We are thankful for our community partners Alston Wilkes Society, Truist Bank, Regions Bank, and Goodwill Mission Mobile for empowering our community!
Updates at HOPE Missions
We have some new updates here at the Missions! Thanks to our partnership with our amazing friends at Anmed, we now have the beginnings of a medical examination room. This room will help us to be able to properly assist our guests with their healthcare needs.
We are so grateful for our resource partners, New Horizon Family Health Services, Anmed, and Anderson Free Clinic who come to provide healthcare services to our community!
Project Days: Serving up HOPE
We had several groups come out this past month! We are so thankful for all who came out, whether it was serving breakfast or completing projects, we are so blessed to have such an amazing community!
If you are interested in bringing your crew to serve, we would love to have you!
Be Kind T-shirts are Back: Order yours Today!
Buy a “Be Kind” T-shirt for yourself and give one to one of our guests! For each t-shirt you buy for $20, we are able to provide one for a guest. This helps to spread the love of Christ by reminding us to Be Kind all the time. Order yours today!
HOPE Missions is growing: Welcoming Our New Case Managers
At HOPE Missions, we believe in the power of lived experience, compassion, and redemption — and this month, we’re overjoyed to welcome two incredible women who embody those values into our case management team: Shayna Rochester and Kaelin DeGennaro.
Shayna Rochester: From Guest to Guide — A Story of Redemption
Shayna’s journey is nothing short of a miracle. Not long ago, she walked through our doors as a guest, battling addiction, homelessness, and the unimaginable pain of losing her children. But God wasn’t finished with her story.
Through faith, hard work, and the grace of Jesus Christ, Shayna has experienced complete transformation. Redeemed and restored, she now returns to HOPE Missions — not in need, but on mission. As a Case Manager, Shayna brings empathy, strength, and a living testimony of God’s power to heal. She is walking alongside others who are struggling as she once was, reminding them that no one is too far gone for God’s grace.
Kaelin DeGennaro: From Intern to Impact-Maker
Many of you know Kaelin as one of our bright and passionate Anderson University interns, and we’re thrilled to announce her promotion to Case Manager! Kaelin has consistently shown compassion, professionalism, and a heart deeply rooted in service. Her dedication to walking with our guests through life’s challenges has made a lasting impact, and now, she steps into this new role with even greater opportunity to serve.
Kaelin is a shining example of what it means to answer the call to love and serve our neighbors with excellence and humility.
Together, Shayna and Kaelin will support our guests as they navigate the complexities of homelessness — not just as professionals, but as advocates, encouragers, and reflections of Christ’s love. Their presence is a powerful reminder that we are with our guests on their journey — from brokenness to breakthrough, from surviving to thriving.
Please join us in celebrating Shayna and Kaelin, and pray for them as they step into this sacred work!
Internship Opportunities!
Recently, we said farewell to our last round of interns. We are so grateful for their amazing dedication to the community. While we are sad to see them go, we’re excited to announce that we have internship opportunities available! If you or someone you know is interested in gaining valuable hands-on experience while making an impact, internship applications are available now through Handshake. We are looking forward to welcoming a new group of passionate individuals.
April Highlights: Redemption, Restoration, and New Beginnings
This month, we saw God’s hand move powerfully through two key areas of our ministry — HOPE ReStart and our Housing Services Navigation team. These moments remind us why we serve and who we serve — the One who makes all things new.
We are so thankful to be able to help bring hope to the community through The One SC Fund, a statewide initiative supported by philanthropic donors and funders from across the state and country hosted by the Central Carolina Community Foundation.
The One SC Fund is granted to local nonprofits providing disaster relief and recovery in South Carolina.
Five Homes, Five Blessings: Housing Dedications That Brought Tears and Praise
In April, five individuals moved from homelessness into safe, stable housing — and we had the holy privilege of celebrating each one through a housing dedication.
With prayer, thanksgiving, and the giving of a special “Housed Box” filled with essentials and encouragement, we blessed each new home. These moments weren’t just about moving into a physical space — they were about stepping into a new chapter marked by dignity, peace, and the hope of Christ.
As we stood together in doorways and living rooms, praying over these new beginnings, it was clear: God is making a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert (Isaiah 43:19).
Please continue to pray for our housing services team as they walk alongside our neighbors in their journey from crisis to stability.
HOPE ReStart : Chris’ Journey from Jail to Jesus
God is writing an incredible redemption story in the life of Chris, one of the men we have met through our HOPE ReStart ministry at the Anderson Detention Center.
For several months, John Boyte has had the blessing of sharing the gospel with 35–40 inmates each Monday night. Chris was one of these men— listening, asking questions, and seeking truth. After his release, he unexpectedly showed up at HOPE Missions with his girlfriend, Karry. That divine reunion led to heartfelt conversations, spiritual growth, and regular meetings about faith, marriage, and community.
Today, both Chris and Karry are married and beginning a new chapter. What began behind bars has now turned into a testimony of freedom, love, and transformation through Christ.
Please lift them up in prayer as they begin their journey as husband and wife, grounded in grace and led by faith.
HOPE Missions in the News
Anderson County to track homeless population with help from Hope Missions, provide support
Dancing for our Heroes 2025
We are so grateful for Marlando and Sonia Campbell who danced for us at the 18th annual Dancing For Our Heroes Event!
Marlando and Sonia danced their way into everyone’s hearts with their stellar performance of Tutti Frutti in true “Little Richard” style!
We would like to thank the Rotary Club of Greater Anderson for the incredible opportunity and amazing show they put on!
We are looking forward to next year!
Ride to Remember 2025: Scrabble Run Raises $4,658 for HOPE Missions
On April 25, 2025, the community came together in full throttle for the annual “A Ride to Remember” Scrabble Run, held in memory of Michael Flores. This year’s event raised an impressive $4,658 in support for HOPE Missions.
The ride kicked off at The Mauldin Pub, Riders hit the road and made five memorable stops at House Divided, The Greenville Shrine Club, Whiskey’s Tavern, and Cat Daddy’s.
Thanks to all who rode, donated, and volunteered, this heartfelt event not only honored a beloved member of the community but also made a meaningful impact on those served by HOPE Missions.
Want to Volunteer?
Are you looking for a meaningful way to give back and make a difference? Join our team of dedicated volunteers and help us serve those in need in our community. Whether it’s offering a warm meal, lending a listening ear, or helping with day-to-day operations, your time and talents can bring hope and encouragement to someone’s life. We have flexible opportunities available for individuals, families, and groups—no matter your schedule, there’s a place for you here. Reach out today and start serving with purpose!
Donate Today!
Your generosity fuels everything we do. As we work to meet the growing needs in our community, your donations make it possible to provide meals, shelter, essential supplies, and support programs to those who need it most. Every gift—big or small—helps us extend hope and compassion. If you’re able, please consider making a one-time gift or becoming a monthly donor. Together, we can continue to be a light for our neighbors in need.
We are open for donations Monday through Friday 7:30 to 4:00 pm! You can also purchase most needed items through our Amazon Wishlist!
Closing Word: Hope Lives Here
At HOPE Missions, every meal, ID card, hygiene kit, and prayer is a seed planted in faith. Your support helps us be the hands and feet of Jesus to those experiencing homelessness, hunger, and hopelessness.
We invite you to continue walking with us — in prayer, in service, and in love.
“Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” — Galatians 6:9
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