HOPE For All’s 20th-anniversary celebration at The Atreeum in Annapolis brought together 120 people to commemorate two decades of the nonprofit providing furniture, housewares, and clothing to more than 20,000 people in Anne Arundel County. Through sponsors, ticket sales, an auction, and donations, more than $53,000 was raised to continue their efforts to bring stability to peoples’ lives and give them hope for their future.
County Executive Steuart Pittman declared May 9, 2024, HOPE For All Day in Anne Arundel County, and encouraged residents to support the work of the nonprofit. Upwards trends in all programs have resulted in a 20% increase in clients served by HOPE For All in FY24, with no indication of the need abating.
A testimonial from former client-turned-donor Leslie Beers described her journey from addiction to recovery, and how HOPE For All turned her first apartment into a home.
“I was immediately grateful that they knew what they were doing because I was out of my depth!” she said. “I can’t express my gratitude enough for every single person involved in the process. HOPE For All gave me peace of mind. You are changing lives, you are making a difference…”
Also at the event, a plaque was unveiled honoring founders Leo and Diane Zerhusen, former educators who saw firsthand how people were struggling in the community. More than half of the nonprofit’s clients are children.
“We have seen unprecedented growth this past year in the number of people who need help meeting their basic needs,” said Connie Cooper, Executive Director. “God has moved so many people to support what we are doing, and our clients are so grateful as they move forward on their paths to self-sufficiency.”
20 Years of HOPE for All!
