About Partners in Hope
Partners in Hope is a ministry aimed at increasing effective collaboration between organizations who serve the marginalized in east Austin, especially those organizations serving in the 78752 and 78723 zip code areas (northeast Austin-see map).
We believe that many groups are already doing outstanding work in meeting the needs of residents in this area. These include public, private, secular and faith-based organizations.
Where these groups often struggle is in connecting effectively with those they want to serve as well as with other groups doing service. Solutions get reivented because of a lack of communication with other groups. Resources go unused. Well-planned events are sometimes poorly attended.
It was during the Katrina crisis that we saw how effective collaboration could be. The need of the hour brought groups together in a spirt of sharing. Wheels were invented once and the best ones were given away.
In that same spirit, Partners in Hope has begun forming collaboratives in the areas of health, employment and immigrant services. The “52*23 Health Network,” formed last May, is already having good results.
Partners in Hope also believes in the importance of involving community members in the process, giving the marginalized a voice. Through the strong network of relationships that PIH already has in this area of east Austin, we are able to connect organizations that have resources and ideas to those who need their services.
Partners in Hope also helps sponsor and organize community-building events and resource fairs. On our video page, you can see first-hand exciting events like the “St. John Unity Walk” and “Praise in the Park” last April and “HopeFest” at Reagan High in October. See our calendar page for upcoming events and information about how you can be involved.
Partners in Hope is directed by Allen and Julie Weeks (for a bio, click here) and is funded by Covenant Presbyterian Church in Austin, as well as by individual donors.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “Plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)