Hope History: Who We Are and Why We Serve
Since 1990, The Hope Center has been a safe place for women in Boone, NC and the surrounding region to find clarity, care, and hope in the face of unexpected pregnancy. What began as a simple desire to show God’s love to our community has grown into a trusted source of medical, emotional, and practical support for women and families navigating life’s most vulnerable moments. Why do we do what we do? Because we value and cherish every life, and we believe hope changes everything.
How It All Began
In the late 1980s, a handful of community members gathered to discuss a growing concern: how could Boone better support women facing unintended pregnancies? After over a year of planning and prayer, The Hope Center officially opened its doors in June of 1990. The early years were humble but deeply impactful. Volunteers and local supporters helped meet physical needs by offering free pregnancy tests, baby items, and encouragement for women who often felt alone and unsure.
Our vision then is the same as it is now: to inspire confidence in women so they feel equipped and supported, not cornered or afraid. We have always believed that compassion, grace, and God’s love can change the course of a woman’s life—and her child’s.
Growth Rooted in Purpose
As community needs expanded, so did our services.
In 2007, we began offering limited OB ultrasounds, allowing women to confirm pregnancy with accuracy and receive medical insight at no cost.
Over the next few years, we added limited STI testing and treatment for chlamydia and gonorrhea. These services helped meet important physical health needs while providing the opportunity to educate and encourage clients toward healthy lifestyle choices.
In 2012, our Journey Through Motherhood mentor program launched, pairing women with local mothers who walk alongside them during pregnancy and early parenting.
In 2013, we awarded our first “Yes, She Can!” scholarship, empowering student moms to continue their education while raising their children.
Each new service grew out of one foundational belief: no woman should face pregnancy or parenthood alone.
Our Mission Today
From the beginning, our motivation remains the same. Everything we do is rooted in the love of Christ. That means we treat each woman with dignity and compassion, regardless of her circumstances or beliefs.
We focus on the real issues women are facing—financial strain, relationship tension, fear of the future—and meet those needs through a holistic model that includes:
● Medical Services
Lab-grade pregnancy testing
Limited OB ultrasounds
STI testing and treatment
Sexual health education
● Emotional Support
Options consultations
Post-abortive and pregnancy loss support
● Practical Assistance
Mentorship through “Journey Through Motherhood”
Childbirth education classes
Scholarships and community referrals
We believe that when a woman feels informed and supported, she is more likely to choose abundant life, not just for her baby, but for herself.
A Hope-Filled Future
We are still here because the need is still here. Every day, women are facing difficult decisions, often in silence. But thanks to generous donors, churches, and local businesses who believe in the value of life, we are able to keep saying, “You are not alone.”
The Hope Center is more than a building on Howard Street. It’s a community of people who believe in showing up with grace, listening with compassion, and standing with women during their hardest moments.
If that sounds like you, we’d love for you to be a part of it.
Want to be part of the story?
Your support helps us provide no-cost services, life-affirming education, and a safe space for women who need someone to believe in them. Give today.