About Us

The last program our families will ever need

The Acres of Hope program is one-of-a-kind in the nation for both women and children. It walks families through the process of change, healing, and growth that they need to completely overcome the cycles of homelessness, trauma, addiction, and poverty. We do this using a holistic approach that addresses whole-person, whole-family health. As a result, families graduating Acres of Hope are Mentally Strong, Emotionally Strong, Spiritually Strong, Body Strong, and Relationally Strong. These ‘5 Strengths’ prepare them for a successful life after Acres of Hope.

Some of the tools we use to build strength in our residents include: a structured daily schedule, monitored sobriety, licensed counseling, intensive case management, health initiatives, life skills training, parenting instruction, recovery groups, relapse prevention counseling, emotional regulation coaching, job training and internship opportunities, as well as recreational activities all in a warm, family environment. In our children’s program, our littlest residents participate in social emotional learning themes in a calm, nurturing, sensory-first environment. All of our staff and volunteers are trained to meet the needs of children that have experienced trauma, separation, and adversity.

Our program is based on sound, grace-based biblical principles and the latest in brain science, addiction research and trauma treatment.

Beliefs

Acres of Hope is a faith-based and God-centered organization supported by many different Christian churches. Therefore, when it comes to matters of faith, we strive to live by the principle expressed by St. Augustine: “In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity.” We believe the essentials to be:

ABOUT GOD

God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three personalities; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God.

Genesis 1:1, 26, 27; 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; 1 Peter 1:2: 2 Corinthians 13:14.

ABOUT JESUS CHRIST

Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven’s glory and will return again someday to earth to reign as King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.

Matthew 1:22, 23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5, 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14, 15; 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4; Romans 1:3, 4; Acts 1:9-11; 1 Timothy 6:14, 15; Titus 2:13

ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT

The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with power for living, understanding of spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. He gives all believers a spiritual gift when they are saved. As Christians we seek to live under His control daily.

2 Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14:16, 17; Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:18

ABOUT THE BIBLE

The Bible is God’s Word to us. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is the truth without any mixture of error.

2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20, 21; 2 Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119:105, 160, 12:6; Proverbs 30:5

ABOUT HUMAN BEINGS

People are made in the spiritual image of God, to be like Him in character. People are the supreme object of God’s creation. Although every person has tremendous potential for good, all of us are marred by an attitude of disobedience toward God called “sin.” This attitude separates people from God and causes many problems in life.

Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Isaiah 53:6a; Romans 3:23; Isaiah 59:1, 2

ABOUT SALVATION

Salvation is God’s free gift to us, but we must accept it. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin’s penalty. When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith, we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his/her life by faith.

Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8, 9; John 14:6, 1:2; Titus 3:5, Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1

ABOUT ETERNITY

People were created to exist forever. We will either exist externally separated from God by sin or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence.

John 3:16; John 14:27; Romans 6:23; Romans 8:17, 18; Revelation 20:15; 2 Corinthians 2:7-9

Partners

Acres of Hope is grateful to the following churches, community service clubs and organizations, businesses and corporations. Each of them has shown their support either through financial donations, sponsorships, grants, material donations, and/or volunteering.

Learn more about us

vision

The vision of Acres of Hope is to provide a safe family environment and a healthy living program for women with children that sets the foundation of change and breaks the cycle of homelessness.

mission

The mission of Acres of Hope is to improve the physical, emotional, social, economic and spiritual quality of life for homeless women and their children. We accomplish this by identifying and replacing faulty belief systems that drive destructive behaviors with biblically based truths and the implementation of healthy life skills.

values

We value the unique purpose that God has planned for every person. We value healthy relationships with God, self and others. We value relationships that provide mutual support and accountability without judgment. We value a safe environment that promotes personal authenticity. We value continued growth in all stages of life.

Our team

board members

Gregg Hall, Chair
Jeff Davis, Vice Chair
Doug Clifford, Treasurer
Woody Hoffman, Secretary
Marnel Sexton, Executive Director
Gerad Borrego, member
Ken Raskin, member
Deina Wildie-Johnson, member

staff members

Marnel Sexton, Executive Director
Diane Larson, Director of Family Services
Becki Darnell, Director of Retail Operations
Jackie Turner, Minister of Communication & Church Relations

Homelessness facts & statistics

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Homeless Mothers

92% have experienced severe physical or sexual assault in their lifetime.
63% of homeless mothers have been violently abused by an intimate male partner. 27% required medical treatment.
44% lived outside their homes at some point during their childhood. Of these women, 20% were placed in foster care.
36% have experienced Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, a rate three times higher than other women.
66% of homeless women were violently abused by a childhood caretaker or other adult in their household before reaching age 18.
43% of homeless women were sexually molested as children.
Homeless mothers have ulcers at four times the rate of other women.

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Homeless Children

4% of school-aged children who have been homeless have lived apart from their families.
Almost 25% of homeless children have witnessed acts of violence within their family.
62% of formerly homeless, extremely low-income children (ages 8 to 17 years old) have been exposed to violence. For children over 12, the rate of exposure to violence climbs to 83%.
Homeless children suffer from emotional or behavioral problems that interfere with learning at almost three times the rate of other children.
Homeless children between 6 and 17 years old struggle with high rates of mental health problems. For example, 47% have problems such as anxiety, depression, or withdrawal, compared to 18% of other school-age children.