HopeTree Receives Grant to Implement Accessibility Upgrades to Abingdon Group Home

Home > HopeTree Receives Grant to Implement Accessibility Upgrades to Abingdon Group Home

SALEM, Va. (September 19, 2025) – HopeTree Family Services, a leading provider of mental and behavioral health services, is proud to announce that it has been awarded a grant from the Wellspring Foundation of Southwest Virginia. This funding will go toward accessibility upgrades for HopeTree’s Developmental Disability Ministry (DDM) group home located in Abingdon, VA.

“HopeTree Family Services appreciates the support from the Wellspring Foundation,” said Randi Paxton, vice president and chief operations officer at HopeTree Family Services. “The Foundation’s investment in Abingdon’s DDM program demonstrates their dedication to the region through empowering positive changes for lives for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.”

HopeTree’s Developmental Disabilities Ministry (DDM) provides compassionate, person-centered care for adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Through a network of 17 safe, supportive group homes across Virginia, the program offers a nurturing environment where individuals can thrive, achieve greater independence, and engage with their community. Through personalized care, life skills training, and community engagement, individuals are supported to reach their full potential while ensuring their dignity and well-being.

The program’s goal is to provide a safe and enriching home environment while fostering independence, personal growth, and a sense of belonging. With dedicated staff, and individualized care plans, the DDM program empowers residents to achieve their fullest potential. Each group home is licensed and monitored by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services.

The Wellspring Foundation of Southwest Virginia serves Virginia residents of Washington, Grayson, Russell and Smyth counties through investments in health, children & families, workforce development, education and economic development. More information on programs that the Wellspring Foundation supports can be found at wellspringva.org.

About HopeTree Family Services

HopeTree Family Services, the premier faith-related human services organization in Virginia, offers a wide range of ministries for at-risk children and youth and their families across the state. Programs include Treatment Foster Care, Therapeutic Group Homes, Developmental Disabilities Ministry, HopeTree Academy, Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy, and Family Centered Treatment. Visit www.hopetreefs.org for more information.

An Evening of Inspiration and Entertainment at HopeTree’s HopeGrows Fundraiser

Home > An Evening of Inspiration and Entertainment at HopeTree’s HopeGrows Fundraiser

SALEM, Va. (August 27, 2025) – HopeTree Family Services, a leader in mental and behavioral health services, is delighted to announce its highly anticipated annual fundraising event, HopeGrows, taking place on Friday, September 12 at the Jefferson Center’s Fitzpatrick Hall in Roanoke. This premier event will bring together philanthropists, community leaders, and compassionate individuals who share a common goal of elevating HopeTree’s programs while making a positive impact on those they serve.

Date: Friday, September 12

Time: VIP Reception – 5:30 PM | General Admission – 6:30 PM

Venue: Jefferson Center – Fitzpatrick Hall, 541 Luck Ave SW, Roanoke, VA 24016

Guests attending HopeGrows can look forward to an enchanting night of unforgettable experiences. The event will feature:

Master of Ceremonies Jenna Zibton: WSLS 10 news anchor Jenna Zibton will serve as the evening’s master of ceremonies. Jenna has been pivotal for WSLS 10’s ’30 Days of Hope’ program that brings awareness to the successes and challenges of foster care and adoption. Every November since 2017, Jenna has featured children who can be adopted across Virginia, telling their stories along with those of families touched by the foster care system.

Keynote Speaker Cody Clark: is a Louisville‑based professional magician and autism self‑advocate whose performances seamlessly blend mesmerizing magic with relatable storytelling and humor. Diagnosed with autism at just 15 months, he defied early expectations—being told he might never walk, talk, or hold a job—and grew into a remarkable performer and advocate. Inspired at age 11 by his experience on stage at a magic show, Cody pursued the craft wholeheartedly. He honed his skills at the prestigious Jeff McBride Magic & Mystery School in Las Vegas and studied marketing and theatre arts at the University of Louisville—an education that laid the foundation for his unique style of performance.

Cody invites audiences into his world—using magic, comedy, classic country music, and personal narrative to share what life is like living with autism. His goal is to shift perceptions: to show that neurodiversity isn’t a limitation, but a different perspective that enriches us all. He has received numerous accolades, including sharing the stage with magic legend Lance Burton, earning the Society of American Magicians “Rising Star of Magic” award, and being named a Kentucky Colonel by Governor Andy Beshear in honor of his advocacy work.

Silent Auction: Bid on exclusive items and experiences generously donated by our partners and sponsors. Every contribution made through the auctions will directly benefit HopeTree’s programs.

We are grateful to our event sponsors, whose unwavering support has made HopeGrows possible. Their commitment to HopeTree’s mission and dedication to transforming lives demonstrates the power of collaboration in effecting real change. Individuals and organizations interested in attending HopeGrows are invited to visit our website at hopetreefs.org/hopegrows for more information and ticket purchases. Limited sponsorship opportunities are also available for those who wish to contribute to the success of this significant event.

About HopeTree Family Services

HopeTree Family Services, the premier faith-related human services organization in Virginia, offers a wide range of ministries for at-risk children and youth and their families across the state. Programs include Therapeutic Foster Care, Therapeutic Group Homes, Developmental Disabilities Ministry, HopeTree Academy, Family Centered Treatment, Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy, and Outpatient Therapy. Visit www.hopetreefs.org for more information.

HopeTree Appoints Lewis to Director of Developmental Disabilities Ministry

Home > HopeTree Appoints Lewis to Director of Developmental Disabilities Ministry

SALEM, Va. (July 17, 2025) – HopeTree Family Services, a leader in mental and behavioral health services, has named Stephanie Lewis as Director of the Developmental Disabilities Ministry (DDM). In this role, Lewis will oversee strategic planning, program implementation, and daily operations across all DDM programs statewide. Her leadership will help ensure a person-centered, community-integrated approach that upholds the highest standards of compliance, quality assurance, staff development, and growth.

Lewis brings more than 12 years of behavioral healthcare and operations leadership experience to HopeTree. Most recently, she served as Director of Operations for Dream Builders ABA, where she led service delivery across multiple regions. Prior to that, she held leadership roles at the Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD), including Region Manager and Operations Manager. In 2022, Lewis was honored with the Founders Award at CARD for outstanding leadership.

“I’ve always had a heart for the adult population and a deep respect for person-centered work,” said Lewis. “Joining HopeTree felt like a natural alignment of values. I’m excited to build upon the strong foundation of the DDM program and champion a culture that uplifts the people we support, their families, and the staff who make this work possible.”

The Developmental Disabilities Ministry is a residential care program designed to support adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. The mission is to provide a safe and enriching home environment while fostering independence, personal growth, and a sense of belonging. The program includes 17 group homes while also providing sponsored residential and community engagement services throughout Virginia.

HopeTree’s Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Randi Paxton shared her enthusiasm: “We are thrilled to welcome Stephanie to the leadership team. Her combination of operational excellence, behavioral health expertise, and deep compassion for the people we serve makes her an ideal leader for our DDM program.”

Lewis holds a proven record of fostering inclusive, outcomes-driven environments that empower individuals and teams alike. She is passionate about expanding community-based support and ensuring every person with a developmental disability is treated with dignity, respect, and care.

HopeTree Receives Anne Felder Fund Grant to Enhance Developmental Disabilities Ministry Homes

Home > HopeTree Receives Anne Felder Fund Grant to Enhance Developmental Disabilities Ministry Homes

SALEM, Va. (March 31, 2025) – HopeTree Family Services, a leading provider of mental and behavioral health services, is honored to receive a grant from The Community Foundation’s Anne Felder Fund. This funding will support much-needed updates to HopeTree’s Developmental Disabilities Ministry (DDM) homes in Fredericksburg, Virginia, providing communal furniture for residents of the Kelly and Cates Homes. These improvements will enhance the comfort, quality of life, and sense of community for the individuals who call these homes their own.

“HopeTree Family Services appreciates the partnership and support from The Anne Felder Fund and The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region,” said Randi Paxton, Chief Operating Officer of HopeTree Family Services. “The Community Foundation’s investment in Fredericksburg’s DDM program continues to demonstrate their dedication to the legacy of service for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.”

HopeTree’s Developmental Disabilities Ministry operates 17 homes throughout Virginia, offering residential services, life skills training, and community engagement to help individuals achieve greater independence while ensuring their dignity and well-being. Each home is licensed and monitored by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, ensuring the highest standards of care.

The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region manages charitable giving for Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, and Caroline counties, as well as the City of Fredericksburg. The Anne Felder Fund is dedicated to improving the lives of intellectually disabled and disadvantaged individuals in the Fredericksburg area, making a lasting impact through strategic investments in local programs.