A Few Words From Krista Mason

Executive Director

As word of Benjamin's Hope has spread I have met, spoken with, prayed with perhaps 100 families - each with a story that would bring you to your knees. Discussion often centers on what the future may look like for our children. If I had to describe, in a word, the common expression of these many conversations I would chose the word "fear." As parents of children with special needs, we yearn for answers to questions like, "What will happen to my son when I die? Where will he live? Will people love my daughter as I have loved her? Will she be safe?" Our uncertainties often bring us face to face with God. We find ourselves asking the question posed long ago by David, "Where then shall my hope come from?" Psalm 121:1.

Today I read from the book of Isaiah, "For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." Isaiah 41:13.

So, we move forward boldly trusting God to be our help as we work toward a future for our children with special needs. And, boldly, I ask you to stay with us. Much of God's provision of help for us this year has been through you. Please know how thankful we are for you! What a joy it is that we are, all of us, joined together in a Kingdom work that will truly bring hope to families living with disability.

Meet Our Board of Directors

Comments From Ron Rozema

Advancement Director

What will it take to move Benjamin's Hope from dream to reality? The answer to that question was in the making long before it was my privilege to join Krista and the board in the remarkable effort to address fear with confidence, uncertainty with certainty.

With thanks to God we can confirm that the vitally important work of creating an innovative plan is largely completed. Now we enter a new phase: translating the plan to reality. To acquire and develop the Benjamin's Hope campus, to create the structure and to begin offering services will require renewed effort to forge ahead boldly. We are committed to the task and invite you to support our work as you have so faithfully done in the past. Your gift will help us convey hope, provide information, and serve through the ministry of Benjamin's Hope.

We're Moving Right Along

A major donor has partnered with us to secure a beautiful 40 acre property on the north side of Holland! We are surrounded by historic farms, wooded parks, and the hum of family life. On an evening this past June nearly 200 people stood together on a hillside as the "Future Site of Benjamin's Hope" sign was raised. We prayed together that God would continue to bless this ministry!

This site plan represents the vision of Benjamin's Hope! Our mission: Benjamin's Hope will be an embracing farm setting where people with disability and the community gather to find Christ-centered fellowship, treatment, housing and meaningful work.

The Work of This Past Year

• Nearly $500,000 in cash and in-kind gifts has been received since non-profit status was awarded in 2007 and has been put to work creating the vision, getting the word out and more recently, designing the campus that will be the home of Benjamin's Hope.
• We received a $7,500 grant from the Holland/Zeeland Area Community Foundation.
• An initial grant of $20,000 from the ArtVan Million Dollar Charity Grant Program and a follow-up commitment of $5,000 confirm the selection of Benjamin's Hope over many worthy applicants.
• A $50,000 matching gift from an anonymous donor who wishes to bless people in their giving by multiplying more modest gifts.
• A $5,000 first-ever grant from the Michigan Chapter of the CJ Foundation.
• Winner of the "Acts of Tenderness" Award from Tender Ridge Angus Beef, including an appearance on 8West with Terry Deboer and Rachel Ruiz.
• Fantastic media coverage as represented by news stories on WoodTV8 and Channel 13 and a public service announcement created by ArtVan Furniture.
• Board decision to hire Ron Rozema as Advancement Director. Ron brings a mix of experience in fund raising, social work, organizational management and administration.
• We've taken the first steps to launch our capital campaign and are enjoying good early sucess. Watch for updates!
• Monthly meeting called Growing Hope where parents, professionals and community members gather to share support and information.
• Participation in community forums focused on serving the needs of people living with disabilities.
• Work toward unique church plant representing collaboration between community faith partners.
• Our New Logo! We wanted something that speaks of hope, and how God brings forth life from brokenness. Something that symbolizes God's redemptive power. The tree springing forth right out of Benjamin's name reminds us that God has promised a hope and a future for Ben and the many people we love who live with disability!

"Benjamin's Hope is meeting a real and unmet need in our community. We believe in the mission we have been called to - to create a unique community and residential setting for people with special needs and their families. This is a step of faith, but a step that we need to make and we have confidence God will provide the resources we need."

Ken Filippini
Board of Directors

A Special Opportunity

Almost daily we find ourselves in conversations that encourage us forward. We would characterize the community response as "eager" to participate in this work.

Here's a wonderful example of the response we are enjoying: Recently Krista attended a luncheon hosted by our local community foundation. Over lunch she shared the vision of Benjamin’s Hope with those who sat at her table. One new friend asked for a meeting. Confirming excitement over our cause, our new friend explained that the growing up years were very lean financially. "My parents taught us to give but they could never make large gifts. I have been very blessed but have always valued the people who can make smaller gifts. I'd like to help them make an even bigger difference through their giving." With that, our friend made a commitment to match all gifts to Benjamin's Hope up to a total match of $50,000!

As we work to translate the dream of Benjamin's Hope to reality, our friend's gift will multiply the giving of so many. And each gift will help us advance our mission to serve, in Christ's name, in ways that are uniquely wonderful as we build our community and offer hope! Be encouraged that your gift today will count toward the match, effectively doubling your contribution. We hope you will be among our friends who make this special opportunity count!

Our Prayer for 2011

"May the favor of the Lord rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us - YES, establish the work of our hands." Psalm 90 :17