OUR MISSION

Prevent homelessness. Promote self-sufficiency and dignity.

A Message From the President and CEO of HOPE

At HOPE, we believe every person deserves the opportunity to build a life of stability and purpose. Since 2003, our mission has remained clear: to prevent homelessness and empower individuals and families with the tools they need to thrive - rooted in self-sufficiency, dignity, and compassion.

 

What We Do

HOPE takes a holistic approach to helping individuals and families regain stability. Whether someone comes to us seeking food, employment, financial guidance, or a second chance, we respond with personalized support and a clear path forward.

We know there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. That’s why we listen first. Because when people are heard, real change can begin.

 

Meet Betty: A Baton Rouge Success Story

Betty came to HOPE for food—and left with a new future. At our Client Choice Food Pantry, she found fresh, nutritious food for her family and something even more powerful: connection. A volunteer referred her to The Way to Work, our signature workforce development program.

With the support of her career coach, Betty landed a job at LSU, gained financial independence, and eventually paid off her mortgage. Today, she’s thriving - and her story represents the heart of our mission.

 

Growing Our Impact

Over the years, HOPE has expanded to meet the evolving needs of our community:

  • Disaster Response: We've served as a second responder during major local disasters - providing food, water, flood relief, and recovery assistance after events like Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and the 2016 Baton Rouge flood.

  • SNAP Employment & Training: In 2018, HOPE became Louisiana’s first third-party provider of SNAP Education and Training, helping SNAP recipients build job skills and move toward meaningful employment.

  • The Way to Work Learning Center: Opened in 2019, this resource hub provides adult education, certification access, and digital tools to increase job readiness.

  • Mr. Eddie’s Kitchen: Launched in 2021 within our food pantry, this test kitchen features live cooking demos to teach clients how to prepare affordable, healthy meals.

  • SKILLEDBR: In 2024, we introduced SKILLEDBR, a game-changing workforce navigation initiative. SKILLEDBR connects individuals - and the organizations that serve them - to a cohesive, region-wide list of services and training opportunities. It’s designed to reduce barriers, streamline referrals, and create a clearer path to success for people across Baton Rouge.

Looking Ahead

As we continue to grow, we remain rooted in the belief that everyone has potential - and everyone needs HOPE. From employer partnerships and job training to food access and community coordination, our work is about more than services. It's about transformation.

We invite you to explore the rest of our website to learn more about our programs, partners, and the people who make it all possible.

With gratitude,
David Tidwell
President & CEO
HOPE Ministries of Baton Rouge