Hope Belongs
Creating opportunities for individuals and caregivers to participate, connect, and thrive.
Hope Belongs is a Hope Valley initiative dedicated to supporting individuals with disabilities, learning differences, neurodiversity, and accessibility needs, as well as the caregivers who walk alongside them every day.
We recognize that hope looks different for every individual and every family. For some, hope may come through adaptive equipment, communication tools, sensory resources, accessibility supports, or opportunities that enhance independence and participation. For others, hope may be found through meaningful experiences, encouragement, personal growth, respite, or opportunities for rest and renewal.
Inspired by Hope Valley’s commitment to Helping Others through Personal Experiences, Hope Belongs seeks to create opportunities that improve quality of life, foster belonging, strengthen families, and remind caregivers that they are seen, valued, and not alone in their journey.
Through nominations, community partnerships, volunteer support, and mission-driven initiatives, Hope Belongs helps individuals and caregivers access opportunities, experiences, equipment, and resources that inspire hope and create meaningful impact.
Examples of Eligible Requests
Hope Belongs does not directly provide medical, therapeutic, educational, respite, or wellness services. Rather, the program may provide funding support that helps individuals and caregivers access opportunities, equipment, experiences, resources, or services offered through community organizations, businesses, qualified providers, or other third-party partners when aligned with the mission and guidelines of the program.
Hope Valley encourages nominations that focus on creating meaningful opportunities, experiences, or supports that may otherwise be inaccessible, rather than ongoing financial assistance or recurring expenses.
Examples of requests that may be considered include:
For Individuals
- Sensory resources and accessibility-related needs
- Inclusive recreational, educational, developmental, or enrichment opportunities
- Therapeutic or skill-building experiences provided by qualified organizations or providers
- Quality-of-life enhancements that create meaningful and lasting impact
For Caregivers
- Retreat, respite, wellness, or restorative opportunities offered through third-party organizations
- Educational, personal growth, or caregiver-support programs
- Conferences, workshops, or experiences that strengthen caregiving skills and advocacy
- Opportunities that promote rest, renewal, encouragement, and overall wellbeing
- Experiences that provide meaningful connection, growth, and hope
Who Can Submit a Nomination?
Nominations may be submitted by caregivers, family members, educators, healthcare professionals, community leaders, faith leaders, friends, colleagues, or individuals seeking support for themselves.
Self-nominations are welcome; however, additional information, references, or supporting documentation may be requested during the review process.
All nominations should clearly describe the individual, caregiver, or family being nominated, the opportunity or need being requested, and the anticipated impact the request would have on quality of life, participation, wellbeing, or belonging.
Who Can Submit a Nomination?
Nominations may be submitted by caregivers, family members, educators, healthcare professionals, community leaders, faith leaders, friends, colleagues, or individuals seeking support for themselves.
Self-nominations are welcome; however, additional information, references, or supporting documentation may be requested during the review process.
All nominations should clearly describe the individual, caregiver, or family being nominated, the opportunity or need being requested, and the anticipated impact the request would have on quality of life, participation, wellbeing, or belonging.
Program Guidelines
Hope Belongs is designed to create meaningful opportunities that foster belonging, participation, encouragement, personal growth, and improved quality of life.
At this time, priority consideration is given to individuals, families, and caregivers who reside in Licking County, Ohio. While Hope Valley may occasionally partner with organizations serving the broader region, Hope Belongs is intended to primarily support residents of Licking County and does not generally extend beyond Central Ohio.
Priority may be given to requests that:
- Demonstrate a clear and meaningful impact on the individual or caregiver
- Align with Hope Valley's mission and values
- Address a specific need or opportunity Represent a one-time need, limited-term opportunity, or specific experience
- Enhance participation, accessibility, independence, wellbeing, or belonging
- Create opportunities that may not otherwise be accessible due to financial limitations
- Support individuals, families, or caregivers within Hope Valley's service area
The following are generally not eligible for consideration:
- Ongoing financial assistance
- Rent, mortgage, utility, or recurring household expenses
- Debt repayment
- Medical bills or insurance premiums
- Ongoing therapy, treatment, or long-term service costs
- Requests that create recurring financial obligations for Hope Valley
- Requests unrelated to the mission and purpose of the program
- Requests originating outside Hope Valley's service area
Review Process
Submission of a nomination does not guarantee approval or funding.
All nominations are reviewed individually based on mission alignment, demonstrated impact, available resources, and the opportunity to inspire hope within our community.
Additional information, documentation, references, or verification may be requested during the review process. Hope Valley reserves the right to approve, deny, modify, defer, or refer any request at its sole discretion.
Sharing Hope Through Story
At Hope Valley, we believe that stories have the power to inspire hope, encourage others, and create meaningful community impact.
Because many Hope Valley initiatives are supported through community partnerships, volunteer involvement, charitable giving, and community fundraising efforts, applicants should understand that approved nominations may involve opportunities to share portions of their story with supporters, donors, volunteers, or the broader community.
Hope Valley may share stories, testimonials, photos, videos, updates, and outcomes related to approved nominations through its website, social media platforms, marketing materials, fundraising campaigns, events, and other mission-related communications.
We believe that every story has the potential to create hope for someone else, and that sharing our experiences can strengthen, encourage, and uplift our community.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him. ~Romans 15:13