Our Mission

Shiawassee Hope helps people in poverty build hope, skills, and motivation for improving their lives. Participants discover their strengths, receive resources, and meet people who can assist them in making connections to opportunities. They are also paired with a mentor called a Navigator who will assist them with removing barriers and opening up possibilities for their future.

Our Story

Shiawassee Hope was founded in October 2012. Our first project was to create a community center in Pleasant Valley Trailer Park located on S. M 52 in Owosso, Michigan. Our work falls into three interconnected patterns. 

1. We are placed-based, focusing our work in neighborhoods where high rate poverty exist.
2. We are relationship-based, We believe that most critical piece to helping people move out of poverty is to have a one-on-one navigator who will assist them in getting connected to opportunities and resources that will empower them to move toward a more sustainable lifestyle.
3. We work collaboratively. we don't believe that we can or should provide all of the resources people need. We work collaboratively with other agencies to bring resources and opportunities to our neighbors. We also collaborate with other agencies to address systemic barriers such as housing, transportation, and access to other services.

As of May 2018, Shiawassee Hope is working in at least five spaces: Pleasant Valley Impact Center, Lincoln Alternative Ed High School, Shiawassee Treatment Courts, the homeless population and our office located at 502 E. Main Street where we meet people referred to us from other agencies and organizations.