Hope Centers

Hope Centers are located within communities and work with local residents to develop long term sustainable transformation.

Hope Centers:

• Create partnerships with community organizations, schools, churches, community leaders, businesses and elected officials.
• Connect and increase community resources.
• Work with under-served populations.
• Address specific needs to under gird long term change

A Hope Center collaborates with communities to build on assets to address educational, social and economic challenges. Hope Centers connect United Methodists with community residents, school, non profit organizations, businesses, town governments, and other faith groups to feed the hungry, provide high quality childcare and educational enrichment for students, build affordable housing, assist the homeless and offer job training.

1. Reach out to hopecenter@afuturewithhope.org with your church and contact information.
2. Complete the Hope Center application. | Click here
3. Meet with your assigned Hope Center Developer.
4. Engage in community assessment and participate in an individualized development process.

Our goal is to partner with local churches to establish 100 Hope Centers throughout Greater New Jersey to link our congregation to mission within their communities.  The following organizations are GNJ Hope Centers to date:

• The Crisis Room at Aldersgate UMC in East Brunswick
  • Information and referral services, financial support, clothing, household items, counseling and food pantry
• Asbury UMC in Atlantic City
  • STEM program, healthy meals and nutrition
• Camden Urban Ministry Initiative
  • Youth development, activities and social capital building
• CAMP YDP
  • Licensed preschool and after school program
• Christian Outreach Project
  • Home repair for seniors and disabled
• CUMAC
  • Major nutrition, food distribution and income stability provider
• The Community of Hope Center at Fairfield UMC
  • CPR certification, computer classes, disability services
• First Friends of New Jersey and New York
  • Referral and support for immigrants and their loved ones
• Hamilton UMC in Atlantic City
  • Meal program, healthy eating and nutrition, community garden
• Justice for Our Neighbors (JFON) of Delaware Valley – Low cost or free immigration legal services
• Xodus at Lacey UMC in Forked River
  • Recovery programs for those living with addiction
• The Maker’s Place in Trenton
  • Asset-based community development concerning infant morality
• Morristown UMC
  • Youth programs including character development and social skill building
• Pathways to Prosperty, Norwescap
  • Financial stability, job training, career, life skills, coaching and budget counselling
• The Neighborhood Center in Camden
  • Food and meal distribution, information and referral source
• Sea Bright UMC
  • Community-based support for those in recovery and their loved ones
• Seaville UMC
  • Eco-justice and retreats
• Soul Cafe – Community supported free pantry, thrift store and library.
• Community Services Inc. at St. Andrew in Toms River
• St. Luke’s UMC in Long Branch
  • Healthy meals, food pantry and nutrition
• Turning Point in Trenton
  • Community-based programs targeting the social determinants of health
• Venice Park UMC in Atlantic City 
  • Meal program, healthy eating and community nutrition
• Vincent United Methodist Church in Nutley
• Hope’s Table at Wharton UCC
  • Hospitality center and meal program