Brooke Prahl continues to be amazed by the success of Mission of Hope, a non-profit group she founded to help those in need in New London. “I wanted to offer hope in my community,” said Brooke, 21. “It’s so remarkable to think about the growth of Mission of Hope.”
The 4th Annual Mission of Hope will be at 10 a.m. on Sat., Aug. 22 at Bernegger Riverwalk Park, downtown New London. Free services include haircuts, groceries, family portraits, health services and a job fair. There will also be entertainment and a kids’ zone.
“This is not merely a one day outreach, but a catalyst,” said Lori Prahl, a board member of CommunityIMPACT, Inc., a local 501c3 nonprofit which offers Mission of Hope as one of its strategic programs to serves hundreds of low income-families, seniors, widows and widowers, single parents, and anyone with physical disabilities.
Mission of Hope seeks to engage, embrace, equip and empower. “When we do this, we give one another a hand up,” said Lori. “And hope is seen, felt and shared.”
Brooke’s dream began as a volunteer of Convoy of Hope in the Fox Cities. She saw so many New London people that she knew something was needed closer to home. “By taking a leap of faith to create something merely impossible at time,” said Brooke.
She said her organization has inspired many people, from those benefitting from the services provided to those volunteering and to surrounding communities who hope to offer something similar. “My vision for Mission of Hope was to see a catalyst and I am witnessing just that,” she said. “I hope to see many more communities, cities, and even states step alongside me and this vision.”
Lori said the community has opened its arms and hearts to Mission of Hope, showing that it is ready to embrace those in need. “For an outreach of this size to be successful, it takes a community working together and all entities being engaged,” she said. “The fruits that come from this are a more vibrant, healthy community”
Many community service agencies are also attending, said Lori. And the “shoe tent is a highlight where relationship building takes place between neighbors washing each other’s feet,” she added. “This is a day to join hands and embrace community.”
ThedaCare continues to sponsor the event with a donation, said Lori. “We are grateful for ThedaCare, their community collaboration, and their outpouring of support,” she said. “ThedaCare's presence in our community is a blessing.”
Volunteers are still needed for the event. “Volunteers of all ages are welcome and essential,” said Lori. “We all have something to give.”
For volunteer information, visit http://mission-of-hope.com/volunteer or call 1-800-725-5276. For more information about Mission of Hope, email MissionofHope@CommunityIMPACT.net.
