Impact Stories

At the close of every fiscal year, we pause. We look back at the months behind us and feel something that is hard to put into words, part gratitude, part humility, and part a quiet determination to keep going. In 2025, joined with our incredible partners and supporters, we provided support and smiles for nearly 53 children and families through our Financial Assistance Program and our DreamCatchers for Kids Fund, ensuring families had what they needed to keep their children safe, comfortable, and home, where love matters most. None of this happens without people like you. Every

(Youngstown, OH) The Hope Foundation of the Mahoning Valley and Operation Search and Help funded through The Youngstown Foundation have partnered together to purchase a special wheelchair for 17-year-old Lianne Flores who was diagnosed with Limb-girdle muscular dystrophy at the age of 8.  This special wheelchair will enable Lianne to stand and by being able to stand it will help to keep her healthy and will also help her with her dream to attend college.  It is wonderful when area organizations can come together and work together to better the lives of others. The custom-made wheelchair was

(Youngstown, OH) The Hope Foundation of the Mahoning Valley recently presented a $3,000 donation check toward the funding campaign to raise $250,000 for new playground equipment for the Leonard Kirtz School, which is operated by the Mahoning County Board of Developmental Disabilities.  Efforts began in 2020 to raise money through the school’s playground project committee with various activities within the building as well as reaching out to former staff & teachers and area businesses. The Leonard Kirtz School provides comprehensive programs and education for school age children with developmental disabilities.  The school offers related services in the

[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default”][vc_column_text] Making Memories and Living Life as a Kid at Camp Ryleigh had a camp experience unlike any summer camp a couple of years ago. And for a teen battling pulmonary illness, it was an opportunity to overcome fears and achieve hopes to help this child enjoy the experience. There’s nothing quite like summer camp. A place to experience freedom, learn valuable skills and form new friendships that last a lifetime. Flying Horse Farms offers the many amenities you’ve come to expect at camp:

[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default”][vc_column_text]A young boy who spent his entire life in and out of multiple foster homes was one of 10 children to receive a scholarship for a six-week equestrian therapy program made possible by a grant from The Hope Foundation. He was withdrawn and seemed to have no interest in the program. Instructors strategically paired him with a horse that craved attention, and a volunteer who could spend more individual time with him. By his fourth lesson, the boy was opening up to instructors, had

[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default”][vc_column_text]A smile says a lot about you. For Michael McDuff, his smile is an inspiration to all as he battles a very rare genetic disease. Meet Michael. He’s 19 months old and the son to Elizabeth and Mark McDuff.  Michael smiles, a lot, and loves playing patty cake and peekaboo with mom and dad. Ever seen Bubble Guppies? It’s his favorite show. Michael is just like any other cute baby, except, he’s battling a very rare genetic disease. Michael has something known as 13q

[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” overlay_strength=”0.3″][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ width=”1/1″ tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default”][vc_column_text]Landen Green is 7 years old and has acute lymphoblastic leukemia, but that’s not slowing him down from living life as a kid. [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]With the help of funding from the Hope Foundation of the Mahoning Valley, Landen was able to beat his 4 year battle with leukemia. He was able to get more treatment with the funding, which was provided to him and his family, so he can “BEAT” Cancer. Click here to see the story.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]“We’re no longer on our time, but now we

**The Hope Foundation is saddened to learn of the passing of Aiden Elder (2012-2019). Aiden and his family were the recipients of a financial grant from the Foundation several years ago. We ask that you keep Aiden and his family in your thoughts and prayers. Heaven has truly gained an angel. (Click here for more info). Cancer changes our lives, but it won’t stop us from living life. This is something Aiden Elder and his family has embraced during trying times. This is Aiden. For a 5 year old, he has an abundant amount of energy and