MISSION
The primary mission of HOPE For A Better Future is to help women and children locally, nationally, and around the world (particularly in third world countries) have HOPE for a better future, just like the name says. Not just to give them money but provide ways for them to help improve their standards of living.
The specific way this mission is supported is by the links listed in the Income Opportunities page and Networking Links page. As these income opportunities prosper, the target % to eventually give to this mission is 10% of the gross revenue. In addition, as we promote other worthy and qualified businesses and services on the Networking Links page, it is hoped that they will provide support in the form of donations.
There is a well known Chinese saying: "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime." That is the heart of HOPE. To give women an opportunity to increase their standard of living and work from home so they can not only be with their children but give them more opportunity as well. Income Opportunities provides a summary of these opportunities and links to additional websites.
It is my desire that as this mission grows and becomes more profitable that it will also reach into third world countries and help support cottage industries. Living here in America, we cannot even begin to imagine the challenges and horrors some women face in these countries:
HOW THE VISION CAME
The vision for HOPE came from a desire that I have had for a long time. Many years ago when my family was young we experienced a period where my husband was not making enough money to support our growing family. We were facing a crossroads. Somehow he was going to have to increase his income or I was going to have to find employment. The thought of leaving my babies with someone else to raise them just wasn't an option. Couldn't occur. I was desperate.
I come from a family of business owners. Owning a business doesn't frighten me. In fact, I love business. So it was natural to encourage my husband to start his own.
Because I am a Christian, I said a prayer. And this is how it went: "Lord, if you will see to it that my husband is successful and I don't have to leave my babies with someone else to raise, I will dedicate my extra non-family hours to you and, to the best of my ability, respond to what I think I hear you telling me to devote those hours to."
Right from the beginning it was a success. We had more money, his time was finally his own, and I received the answer to my prayer. I honored that prayer and for the next twenty years as I was raising my family I helped my husband in his business, I led bible studies and prayer groups, I helped with conferences, basically wherever I felt God was leading.
THE VISION FLOWS FROM GRATEFULNESS
During those years, I felt so grateful for the money and freedom of time that business ownership afforded us. Our son traveled the world competing in Karate and our daughter went twice to Oklahoma for the youth nationals in Horsemanship. Our family created many memorable experiences and our now adult children's lives are richer and more productive because of that.
There is so much I am thankful for. Being born in this country where opportunity abounds, good health, a wonderful family, terrific friends...the list goes on and on. I am prosperous! And I am also very aware of others less fortunate.
It is out of that gratefulness and awareness of having been blessed with so much that this desire to help others in some great and measureable manner arises. And because over the years my thoughts and desires go towards single mothers and children, that is the direction I've decided to put my efforts.
A BEGINNING
Right now, all that has been established is a vision and a mission, this website, a course of action, and a savings account where a % of the gross revenue from all income streams affiliated with the mission is directed. Someday this savings account will grow into more...a foundation or non-profit organization dedicated to women and children.
This is a beginning. Please know that if you decide to take advantage of any of the income producing opportunities linked to this website, or support it in some manner, you are also helping to grow this mission. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you.