1. How did Joe’s Hope Foundation come into being, and what inspired the transition from a Relay for Life team back in 2011 to a full-fledged nonprofit in 2020?

Joe's Hope started off as Joe's Hope Relay for Life team here in Fulton County in 2011 after our namesake Joe Shidler was diagnosed with leukemia. We and several other teams raised money for the American Cancer Society until 2020. That's when the pandemic brought on the onslaught of restrictions and cancelations, one of which was the event we had planned that year for Relay for Life. We as a Relay for Life event had already been struggling with attendance issues, so with the uncertainty as to what would happen next for us, we decided the Joe's Hope story was not finished, just a chapter coming to an end and it was time to start writing our next chapter. Joe's Hope Foundation was our answer to that. Established in September 2020, we now help Fulton County residents with various means of assistance.

1. What types of assistance does Joe’s Hope provide to families facing cancer, and how do you determine recipients?

The most common way we help clients is through what we call a “general funds” check. This is when clients are unsure of or overwhelmed with where they need help, and we most commonly see this in cases with a new diagnosis or when bills are piling up faster than they can keep up with. Another way we assist clients is with a fuel gift card or a grocery gift card, and these are what they suggest: when clients ask for help in these departments. In some cases, both a check and gift cards and supplied at the same time. We also have a fully functional resource department that aides our clients to other resources beyond our scope. We have been so fortunate to team up with resources such as the Fulton County Cancer Fund so that our clients and their clients mutually benefit.

1. How does the “Never Ever Give Up” spirit shine through in your everyday operations?

“Never Ever Give Up” is just that. We rely heavily on public donations to keep us afloat. As of this year, we have not had to rely on any grant money to fund our mission. We fundraise throughout the entire year tirelessly to provide for our clients, and in return, the public sees us and continues to support us tirelessly in what we lovingly call “Local supporting Local”.

1. What community needs have you stepped into beyond cancer care—like actions in schools or hunger relief?

This is such a great place for us to be in also! What started off as a “happy accident” as we jokingly call it has blossomed into something much larger. A couple of years ago, we were blessed to pay off the lunch debt in all four Rochester schools through funds separate from our cancer care funds. Last year, we were blessed to partner with our friends at Unnecessary Extras in Rochester (a former teacher who heard about what we were doing and wanted to get involved to further the reach) and through that, we were able to pay off the lunch debt through all four Rochester schools and Caston schools. This year, with the addition of a corporate sponsor through Servpro in Plymouth, we are attempting to pay off the debts at all four Rochester Schools, all Caston Schools, Akron Elementary, and Tippecanoe Middle and High School! This would round out ALL Fulton County schools!

1. You're nearing your five-year anniversary—what milestones are you most proud of, and what are your hopes for the next five years?

Our milestones are just that. Year after year, we have been fortunate to meet the increasing needs for our clients in an already tough economy. We almost double the