Northminster Presbyterian Church commissioned a long-range planning team in 1995 to “dream dreams” and “see visions” (based on Joel 2:28). This led to the development of what was to be called the “Family Life Center” (FLC), allowing Northminster to serve individuals and families in crisis or transition.
Three years later, our current location was purchased. By September 2000, the first group, “Grief,” was offered, and the second offering, “Divorce,” followed suit in November. In January 2000, an explosion of groups began, covering a multitude of life’s transitions: “Caregiving,” “Cancer,” “Single Parenting, “Boundaries with Kids,” “Weight Loss,” and “MOPS” [Mothers of Preschoolers].
A volunteer force of about 100 people joined together to implement the new offerings, and in 2008, Diane Kinsella became the director. In March 2015, Journey to Hope was born as the ministry converted into an interdependent 501(c)3 organization. In 2024, Susan Kinsella was appointed as the CEO of Journey to Hope.
While the program itself has changed over the years, we are continually working to meet the needs of the Greater Cincinnati community. We offer a continuum of care in one organization and location in the Cincinnati region. This is precisely why people will travel upwards of 50 miles to participate in our programs. Journey to Hope has served hundreds with over 40 different programs. We will continue to serve Cincinnati with excellence and a heart to reach people, change lives, and support them in growing into their ideal selves.
Journey to Hope’s vision for the future includes more partnerships with other organizations, including the possibility of “taking our show on the road” to other locations. This is why we created EMERGE by Journey to Hope, which helps equip people with the tools to grow into their best selves in and out of the workplace.
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