A Passion And A Purpose

30 years ago, a pastor’s heart broke after seeing the despair of young men’s lives on the streets… He decided to do something about it, learn all he can, and built a program that can truly help.

HOW HOPE NOW GOT STARTED

Inspired by a passion to see lives changed

1992 | Fresno was in a free fall of hopelessness. In the year 1992, gangs ruled the streets and were a major cause of 87 homicides. Night after night on the evening news and day after day in the newspaper, gang violence was rampant. Over 14,000 vehicles were stolen that year, earning Fresno national notoriety as the car-theft capital of the U.S., second only to Newark, New Jersey. In a national survey of most desirable places to live, Fresno ranked last… 227 out of 227.

The cycle of anger and fear had to be broken. Rev. Roger Minassian took up the mantle to be the first of many who would help break that cycle. He left his church where he was the pastor and followed Jesus on the streets of the city.

1993 | Hope Now was founded by Rev. Roger Minassian, in Fresno, CA on February 1. Hope Now hired Christian collegians to work out of churches as Vocational Placement Counselors for disadvantaged and gang young men, ages 16 to 24.

1994 | On March 21, Valley Children’s Hospital hired four Hope Now youth. Impressed with their performance, this leading Fresno employer hired 25 more, of which 21 were successful. Since then, other employers have seen the value in hiring Hope Now young men; employers such as Piccadilly Inn Hotels, Fresno Plumbing and Heating, Valley Truck Parts, Vineyard Pools, Quickie Designs, Paper Pulp & Film, Pepsi Cola Company, Electronic Recyclers International, Keiser Sports, St. Agnes Medical Center, Community Medical Centers, Quiring Corporation, Radisson Hotel, California State University, Fresno, the City of Fresno, and hundreds others.

2004-2019 | Hope Now was led by Pastor Roger Feenstra, the second CEO and Executive Director. Hope Now continued the same mission and vision of reaching young men trapped in gangs, sharing the love of Jesus Christ with them and placing them in a job.

2019-2021 | Hope Now was led by Bryce Naylor, the third Executive Director who was promoted to the role after 15 years on staff at Hope Now. Hope Now focused energy on the gospel, strenghtening staff morale, and improving relationships with supporters.

2021-Present | Hope Now continues to work from our downtown Fresno headquarters at 2305 Stanislaus Street. Our diverse staff expanded its recruiting to men in gangs ages 16-39. We also started receiving referrals from Hope Now alumnis, law enforcement officers, and other community benefit organizations.

Hope Now is currently being led by Vanna In, the fourth Executive Director, and Hope Now alumnus.

Hope Now employs five men who were once gang members and are now living examples of how Hope Now’s program can impact and transform lives.

Through building the first caring male relationship he’s had, and by placing him in a job he’s never had, those who society call “throwaway kids” become responsible instead of harmful… taxpayers instead of tax burdens… givers instead of takers… builders instead of destroyers. They grow into men working for a future, educating themselves in school, and raising strong families.

Since 1993, Hope Now has placed thousands of young men in jobs. And today, with over 23,000 gang members in Fresno County, we continue to strive for excellence in assisting and leading young men. Would you consider joining us in our mission?