Posted on Apr 03, 2023
Our March 22nd meeting was held on-site at House of Hope. Group members were given a brief overview of House of Hope's services and then given a tour of their facilities.
Our club’s March 22 meeting was held on-site at the House of Hope headquarters on 2nd Avenue in Cedar Rapids.
 
Executive Director Amy Guardado hosted us and gave an overview of their services and activities, then gave a tour of their beautiful and historic home (old-style Victorian built over 100 years ago).
 
House of Hope, a non-profit, started 21 years ago as a facility to help women making a transition out of prison. But since then, it has modified its program to provide both spiritual development, mental health, and work skills to anyone who needs encouragement or personal help.
 
Several professional therapists are available for individual or group counseling needs, and many classes are held weekly on a variety of topics. “We do many classes for people who just need help to find renewal in their lives,” Guardado said.
 
The core curriculum for many of the classes is a faith-based study guide called The Ultimate Journey. 
 
In a typical week, she added, about 120 people are touched by or involved in a House of Hope activity.
 
They also have a residence program for a few women to live at the House of Hope facilities as they do a life re-set.
 
Insurance often pays for the services offered at House of Hope. Some scholarships are available for clients who don’t have insurance. Other funding for House of Hope comes from grants and donations.