Logo for Castle Bell Hope Project featuring a blue map pin with a purple heart and a bird inside, with the text "Castle Bell Hope Project" underneath in orange.

About Us

Blessed to be a Blessing

About Us

We are a husband and wife who have proudly served our country as U.S. military veterans—and today, we continue our service through faith, family, and purpose. Alongside our two sons, we’re building a legacy greater than ourselves: a generational mission rooted in love, healing, and hope.

The Castle Bell Hope Project was born from a sacred calling to be a blessing to others, just as God has so graciously blessed us. This is more than a mission—it’s our family’s way of life. Every step we take is intentional and guided by a commitment to restore, uplift, and empower.

For us, service didn’t end when the uniform came off. It continues in how we show up, how we create space for others to heal, and how we raise the next generation to lead with heart and courage.

Our Pillars in Action

Faith

Spiritual encouragement and strength for individuals and families.

Available Now:

Weekly prayer circles (virtual or in-person).

Faith-based mentorship and counseling.

Future Goals:

Devotional and healing retreats.

Spiritual care network connecting veterans and families with chaplains, pastors, and local faith leaders.

Restoration

Immediate relief and housing pathways for those who have been under-housed or displaced.

Available Now:

Hope Kits (Unified): Care packages designed to meet immediate needs while restoring dignity and hope. Each kit includes:

  • Essential hygiene and personal care items

  • Journals and devotional materials

  • Devotional resources and Bibles

  • Age-appropriate items for adults and children.

Meal Kits and Food Support (2026 Goal)

  • Goal for 2026: Distribute ~1,000 meal kits to address food insecurity

  • Meal kits will support individuals, families, and Veterans

  • Includes holiday meal distributions and community outreach efforts

Housing Assistance and Navigation

  • Support for at-risk Veterans, families and individuals experiencing homelessness

  • Assistance navigating existing housing programs and community resources

  • Help transitioning from street homelessness to temporary or permanent housing

  • Collaboration with local housing providers, Veteran services, and community partners

Future Goals:

Hope Homes (Transitional Housing): Obtain supportive housing across the city to help families and veterans transition from instability to permanent housing. Includes:

Financial literacy support.

Job readiness and skill development workshops.

Counseling and therapy services.

Case management toward permanent housing.

Permanent Housing Solutions:

Obtain affordable homes and apartments across the city for long-term stability.

Trauma-informed care and therapy partnerships.

Restoration retreats for healing and recovery.

Mobile food pantry to meet ongoing food insecurity needs.

Family

Strengthening households and ensuring stability for parents, caregivers, and children.

Available Now:

Referrals to family support, food, and housing partners.

Future Goals:

Parent mentorship and support circles.

Family healing retreats.

Scholarships for youth education and activities.

Family resilience workshops.

Empowerment

Building pathways to financial stability and opportunity.

Available Now:

Mini-Grants: Direct financial assistance for urgent needs (rent, groceries, medical expenses).

Employment Readiness Services: Resume reviews, mock interviews and job resource referrals.


Future Goals:

The Hope Center (Resource Hub)

The Hope Center is a planned initiative for 2026, envisioned as a centralized, welcoming hub on the South Side of Chicago where individuals and families can access both immediate support and long-term pathways to stability and self-sufficiency.

Planned Services and Support

When launched, individuals accessing the Hope Center will be able to receive:

  • A home-cooked meal

  • Access to showers and laundry

  • A safe place to rest, regroup, and stabilize

  • Emotional support and case management

  • Assistance navigating housing, Veteran services, and community resources

Planned Program Levels

Upper Level
Focused on restoration and personal growth through:

  • Counseling and therapy services

  • Financial literacy and life skills education

  • Faith-based support and encouragement

  • Job readiness and employment resources

Lower Level
The Entrepreneurship Marketplace:

  • Storefronts and kiosks for Veterans and families launching small businesses

  • Support for entrepreneurship, income generation, and long-term independence

The Hope Center is designed as a future one-stop resource hub where faith, restoration, family support, and empowerment come together to help individuals move from crisis toward stability and lasting independence.

Expanded financial assistance programs.

Career readiness and skill development workshops.

Small business microgrants.

The Hope Center Marketplace:

Mini-Storefronts (6–12 months) for established small businesses.

Research and innovation hub dedicated to advancing family and veteran well-being.