Chickens, Gardens, and Healing Hearts: Not Your Average Children's Home

Nestled on 42 acres in Purvis, Mississippi, Homes of Hope stands as a beacon of possibility for vulnerable children across the state. In this deeply moving conversation, Executive Director Dr. Scott Hanberry reveals how this unique residential ministry is transforming lives by providing much more than shelter – they're cultivating genuine hope.Unlike traditional institutional settings, Homes of Hope creates actual family environments where children live in single-family homes with dedicated house parents who provide stability, safety, and unconditional love. "We serve at-risk children from all over Mississippi and their families," Hanberry explains, emphasizing that family reunification remains a priority whenever possible.Using trust-based relational intervention, staff help children move from a constant state of fight-or-flight into a place where healing and growth become possible. As Hanberry poignantly notes, "Hope is thinking of the future, and many of these kids come in a state of survival." What sets this ministry apart is its holistic approach to development. From gardens and chickens that teach responsibility to innovative partnerships with local universities for tutoring, every aspect of campus life serves a deeper purpose. Even recreational spaces like their new fire pit facilitate healing conversations, which Hanberry describes as "therapy we couldn't pay for."The most powerful moments come through success stories – a young woman with undiagnosed dyslexia now thriving in college, house parents gifting a minivan to help reunite a family, and teenagers recognizing their time at Homes of Hope not as an obstacle but as "a springboard into successful adult life."Ready to make a difference? Discover how you can Pray, Provide resources, or Participate directly in this transformative work. As Hanberry reminds us, "We're not all called to be foster parents, but we're all called to do something."To learn more about Homes of Hope or to arrange a tour, call 769-456-7021 or email Scott at [email protected] scripture: James 1:27  Pure and undefiled religion before God the Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their misfortune and to keep oneself unstained by the world.Join us for new episodes on the 1st and 15th of each month as we continue sharing stories of transformation from across Mississippi. Each story reminds us that when we contribute our unique gifts, Mississippi rises together.Hope Mississippi's Mission: The sobering reality remains: one in four Mississippi children lives in poverty, and one in five experiences food insecurity. These statistics aren't just numbers—they're our collective challenge. Through these conversations, we discover that Mississippi's transformation occurs through individual commitments to mentor, encourage, and be present for others. The small acts of hope accumulate into the broader "miracles" we celebrate.