A little history: We purchased six acres of land at 3800 E. Douglas, which includes the former Douglas Elementary School, in 2020. It’s a wonderful location with easy access to public transit. We’ve renovated a portion of the school building plus constructed a new residential wing.

On September 15, 2022, we celebrated the groundbreaking at the new campus and unveiled its name: Hope Ministries Steve Lankford Campus. The campus is named in honor of Steven R. Lankford, former president and CEO of Boyer Valley Company, who passed away in 2016. Lankford was a long-time friend of Nix and Virginia Lauridsen, lead donors in our campaign to build a new women and children’s center.

At this site, we’re equipped to serve three times as many women and children in need as what we did at our old location at 3333 E. University! Our previous facility could serve around 35 individuals total…our new center has 100 beds. In addition to providing a safe haven, three meals a day and other essential needs, our new center will also offer job readiness training, substance abuse and trauma-informed counseling, practical life skills classes, educational opportunities, and so much more.

Expands Community Capacity

This project will expand Central Iowa’s capacity to provide immediate residential services to homeless women and children. There are currently far more struggling women and kids in our area than beds available.

Allows Same-Day Check-In

We’re not able to provide same-day check-in at our current Hope Center campus. We’re excited to change that when we move into our new space, allowing single women and moms with kids to check in at their most critical time of need.

Provides Space & Flexibility

The new center will create spaces and flexibility for additional programming for women and children including classrooms, auditorium, fitness area, art therapy and outdoor gardening/recreation spaces.

Allison

A Great Job & Financial Independence

From abuse to addiction to homelessness . . . Allison was desperate for hope and healing and she longed to be reunited with her boys. At her lowest low, she couldn’t have imagined living the life she does today, which includes employment and financial milestones that are preparing her for life outside our walls. Here’s the rest of her story…

Brooke

A Family Reunited

When Brooke first came to us, her one goal was to be reunited with her children. All three kids had been removed from her care following a severe domestic violence incident involving her former partner. Her heartbreak threw her into a season of turmoil . . . but hard work and perseverance led to an amazing resolution. Here’s her joy-filled story of restoration (plus adorable photos!)…

Vikki

The Joy of Sobriety & A New Dream

Last summer, Vikki completed the CORE program at our Hope Center for Women and Children . . . and this January she celebrated a wonderful sobriety milestone! She’s come so far since her days of sleeping on the streets, in her car or even in dope houses. And today, she’s excited to be pursuing a new dream. Here’s Vikki’s “Where is She Now?” story.