Leah's Hope for The HCP

In the volatile world in which we live, it can be difficult to find any kind of stability or an internal sense of safety and peace. News stories come across our feeds every day detailing tragedies and trauma of so many who have been impacted by violence, food scarcity, housing crises, and abuse. These swirling storms of injustice have the potential to knock us down with its hurricane force winds and set us adrift in a sea of doubt, anxiety, and self-preservation.

The Bible gives us a picture of hope in Hebrews 6.18-19. It describes hope not as a passing wish, or a fleeting desire, but rather an “unshakeable hope,” one that is a “strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls.” The weight of the world doesn’t have to weigh us down when we anchor our hope in God and His promises and dreams for our lives.

It’s my deepest hope that the Hope Center is a representation of this anchor in the community, a safe place for so many to find a haven of peace and life as well as a birthplace for new discoveries and dreams. By building partnerships with other organizations who are pursuing transformative work in the community, it can have a generational impact, creating new patterns and ways of thinking that can bring redemptive beauty out of brokenness. Ultimately, my deepest hope is to see Hope Centers replicated throughout our city, becoming an anchor in communities that so desperately need the oxygen hope provides.

When I was presented with an opportunity to join the board of the Hope Center, it resonated deep in my heart and spirit to see so many of these dreams become a tangible reality. I am grateful and hopeful to see how the vision will continue to develop and come to fruition in the seasons ahead.

My husband, Brad, and I live in South Philadelphia and pastor City Life Church, a church we had the privilege of planting along with our launch team in 2011. We are so grateful to raise our 4 kids in Philly and love cheering on the Phillies, Sixers, and Eagles. I actually grew up in Pittsburgh, however, so I’m also a Steelers fan, something that usually doesn’t cause too much conflict in a NFL Season. In the years since, I happily identify myself as an avid Steagles fan. 🙂

By Leah Leach, Board Member

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3v3 Basketball Tournament Video Recap

By Joel Gaines • August 28, 2026

3v3 Basketball Tournament Summer 2026

2026 Back To School Book Bag Giveaway

By Joel Gaines • August 28, 2026

It's always special when partnerships come together in the same place to serve our young people! The Hope Center Philly was excited to be at Tilden Middle School today, one of our Hope Center mentoring schools, for their Book Bag Giveaway, and we weren't there alone! Two of our community partners, City Life Southwest and Captain Johnson of the 12th Police District, were also present, showing what can happen when organizations work together with a shared commitment to our youth and families. Backpacks are important, but so are the relationships, encouragement, consistency, and community surrounding every student. This is why partnerships matter. And this is how we continue Creating a Safe Place for Hopes and Dreams .

Building Community Momentum: Join Us at Hope Center’s Upcoming Events

By Joel Gaines • August 28, 2026

volunteer to Be a part of the growth.

Impact Story: CarePortal Partnership Serving Southwest Philadelphia Families

By Joel Gaines • June 24, 2026

One of the most meaningful aspects of The Hope Center's partnership with CarePortal is the opportunity to meet practical needs while building authentic relationships with families throughout Southwest Philadelphia. Recently, we received a CarePortal request from a single mother who was caring for two children under the age of two. As she navigated the challenges of parenting young children on her own, she was feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about how she would provide a safe place for her children to sleep. Through the generosity of our volunteers and partners, The Hope Center was able to respond to this need by delivering and assembling two baby cribs in her home. Our volunteer team spent time carefully putting the cribs together, ensuring that both children would have a safe and secure place to rest. What made this experience especially meaningful was the opportunity to connect with the mother on a personal level. While she openly shared that she practices the Muslim faith, she warmly welcomed our volunteers into her home and expressed deep gratitude for the care, kindness, and support she received. After the cribs were assembled, our team asked if we could pray for her and her children. Although our faith traditions differ, she graciously accepted the prayer and was appreciative of the encouragement and blessing offered to her family. This story reflects the heart of The Hope Center and our partnership with CarePortal. We believe that every family deserves dignity, support, and hope during difficult seasons. By responding to practical needs with compassion and care, we create opportunities to build trust, strengthen families, and demonstrate the love of God in tangible ways. We are grateful for the volunteers, donors, and partners who make stories like this possible. Together, we are helping create a Southwest Philadelphia where families know they are seen, valued, and supported. Hope Philly 400! "Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth." — 1 John 3:18