In 1973, a group of pastors from 16 Waukesha area congregations identified a need in our low-income and homeless community. The pastors recognized those needs were larger than what they could service on an individual basis, and decided to designate one person to head the operation. This person began face-to-face discussions to assist the community. Needs arose out of the conversations and programs were developed and put into place.
Hope Center formerly Cooperating Congregations of Waukesha County (CCWC) became incorporated in1987 with a mission to provide a ministry committed to serving people in need in Waukesha County. Hope Center began offering a wide range of services to address the basic needs of financial assistance, food, clothing and child care.
With the support of more than 120 congregations, Hope Center has raised the awareness about the needs of many throughout Waukesha County. In 2009, the organization provided over 38,000 direct units of service with its 8 different programs.
Hope Center was recognized for their commitment and excellence with the Large Non-Profit of the Year Award from the Waukesha County Executive’s office in 2006 .
Hope Center is continually the number 1 referral source from 211/First Call for Help out of over 600 agencies in their database.
2009 Facts:
- Hope Center is supported in part by 121 congregations with financial help, volunteer hours and clothing drives.
- Hope Center helps low-income and homeless people with their basic needs, giving them the opportunity to become self sufficient.
- Congregation donations directly account for 15% of Hope Center ’s budget. Grants and fundraisers account for 43% and individuals contribute 21%.
- 20% of Hope Center ’s budget is earned income from the Child Care Center.
- More than 28,000 people in Waukesha County live below the poverty level. (2000 Census)
- 14,110 volunteer hours were donated.
- 18,766 plates of food were served to 700 individuals.
- In 2009, Hope Center provided over 38,000 personal contacts through the 8 programs.
- 23,434 men, women and children shopped both the Clothing Shop an average of 3.5 times.
- Hope Center helped 610 households with $105,000 of financial assistance for rent, security deposit, transportation for work and a few miscellaneous items. Most of that money came from grants.
