This article includes an update about how House of Hope is sponsored by the Timothy Partners.
On Thursday night, Florida's First Lady Casey DeSantis received a humanitarian award from House of Hope, an organization which helps troubled teens through locations across the country. The first residential location was opened in Orlando, Florida in 1985 and was actually endorsed by President Ronald Reagan. President and First Lady Nancy Reagan had a close connection with the organization's founder, Sara Trollinger. President Reagan referred to the organization as "a lighthouse to distressed families everywhere."
House of Hope is sponsored by the Timothy Partners, distributor and advisor to Timothy Plan family of funds. "One of our driving principles is that the money is not ours – it all belongs to God, who owns everything. House of Hope honors that principle. When the most important values—biblical values—line up and you put your money where your mouth is, in many ways, you become ‘part’ of that organization. We are thrilled to be part of House of Hope and its mission to rescue youngsters from addiction," said Art Ally, the founder and president of Timothy Plan.
A news release from Timothy plan noted that "Timothy Plan and the House of Hope share the perspective that people should know how money they receive, donate, and invest is used by third parties."
"Before investing, carefully consider the fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the investment company," the news release also advises readers, including an example of how Trollinger received support at one point from an International charity, but returned the money when she learned of what other causes that charity supported.
"'We don’t want your money anymore.' We were told nobody had ever done that. After that, our giving went up," Trollinger had said about that incident.
Townhall was provided with photos from the event and some highlights from First Lady DeSantis' remarks as she accepted her award.
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"Providing that help and hope has really been a core mission of mine since I've had the honor of being Florida’s First Lady. Just last year, I launched an initiative called Hope Florida: A Pathway to Prosperity," she said.
Through this new statewide initiative, ‘Care Navigators’ are empowered to collaborate with the private sector, faith and community organizations and government to maximize resources and uncover opportunities that help individuals find success.
— Casey DeSantis (@FLCaseyDeSantis) September 9, 2021
Hope Florida: A Pathway to Prosperity is a family-centered assistance initiative. First Lady DeSantis announced over Twitter in March that they've now reached more than 25,000 Floridians. The initiative has an aim to achieve economic sufficiency through local, community-based partners, including the private sector, faith-based institutions, and nonprofit organizations.
"It was a prayer and a sign from God and faith and trust that led Sara [Trollinger] on the path to helping thousands of children and families across the nation," said the first lady when accepting the award, emphasizing the faith component. "As President Reagan described, she created that 'lighthouse for distressed families everywhere.' The House of Hope serves as a beacon of hope for those in need."
DeSantis not only referenced faith, but reliance of the private sector over government. "Like Reagan, understanding that government is not the solution, we brought together the private sector, community organizations, nonprofits and the faith-based community to all work together on behalf of Florida's struggling families," she said.
Florida's first lady once more quoted President Reagan and referred to him as "one of the greatest presidents in history." The quote in question is that "at the root of everything that we're trying to accomplish is the belief that America has a mission. We are a nation of freedom, living under God, believing all citizens must have the opportunity to grow, create wealth, and build a better life for those who follow. If we live up to those moral values, we can keep the American Dream alive for our children and our grandchildren. And America will remain mankind's best hope."
In concluding her speech, First Lady DeSantis assured that "Florida, I can tell you that the American Dream is alive and well."
It's been a busy and hope-filled week for Florida's first lady. Earlier this week, First Lady and Gov. DeSantis announced $100 million for cancer centers in Florida.
Today, Gov. DeSantis & @FLCaseyDeSantis Fund $100M for Cancer Centers https://t.co/i4hqlsCtN4
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) May 17, 2022
Early detection is a game changer in the cancer fight. I encourage anyone reading this to be proactive about your health - it could save your life.
— Casey DeSantis (@FLCaseyDeSantis) May 17, 2022
First Lady DeSantis shared that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer last October, though there have been recent happier updates. Last month, for instance, Gov. DeSantis had shared the update that his wife had had her last radiation treatment. She also returned to the campaign trail for her husband's re-election bid earlier this month.
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