About Hope in the Mountains

Hope in the Mountains, Inc. is a community-based project with services located in The Hope Center at 410 W. Main Street in Sophia.

We are a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) ecumenical mission project of the Southern District of the West Virginia Conference of The United Methodist Church.

As an organization, we purchased and have remodeled our current building facility to accommodate multipurpose classrooms for individual and group training, support networks, and a safe place for the community to gather. As part of our plans, we are creating a children’s corner, a room for quiet prayer and meditation, an internet cafe, a computer training room, and a reading and sewing room.

The Hope Center began through the realization that for many vulnerable individuals, children, families, and seniors living in our local community of Southern Raleigh County, experiencing hope is not a daily security. There is a great need in our surrounding communities to provide the simple necessities in life most of us enjoy and take for granted. The guarantee of permanent housing, steady employment, and the opportunity to learn new and practical life skills and improve their life situation.

By joining together, we can become a source of hope, strength, and support that encourages others to reach their potential and return a new sense of hope to a brighter tomorrow for many.

Our Mission

To be an outreach for Jesus Christ in communities where there is need, offering a connection to Christ by offering an environment of hope and practical ways to improve lives.

Our Purpose

Create a gathering place for the community that is safe, welcoming, and positive.

A place for relationship building. Provide a healthy, safe environment, especially for children and seniors, where basic human needs can be met.

Offer life skills and support group opportunities for training to those living in the local areas.

A place to receive emergency support in times of need.

Our Board of Directors

Our Board of Directors and volunteers are made up of leaders from all walks of life who understand the deep need for practical services and training within the communities around The Hope Center.

We are committed to making a difference and bringing hope to children, youth, families, and seniors who live in Sophia, Winding Gulf, Raleigh, and Wyoming County.

Rev. David Rumberg, President

Gary Hartsog, Secretary

Ellen Hartsog, Treasurer

Rev. Bob Parsons, Williamsburg UMC liaison

Laura Fygetakes

Paul Flanagan

Rev. Chip Bennett, WVUMC Southern District Superintendent

Randall Isom

Richie Tankersley

Judy Raines, UMC Global Board of Ministries (non-voting)

Lena Belcher, Staff Assistant

Our Volunteers

As a not-for-profit corporation, we are dependent on volunteers to provide gifts of time and talents to support programs and activities at the Hope Center.

We take great pride in ensuring our volunteers have received the appropriate training and are carefully screened to provide a healthy and safe environment for all those who visit The Hope Center. We are always looking for good volunteers! We invite you to join us! If you’re interested in volunteering, click here for the Hope Center Volunteer Application.

Community Outreach for Raleigh and Wyoming Counties