Our Story

A serious gap exists between someone receiving medical treatment for mental illness and them learning how to live well in spite of it.  This gap is critical. So we become the bridge, the guide from the point of diagnosis to living well.

Our Story

One out of every five children, teens, and adults in America has a diagnosable mental illness in any given year. And the lives of those who love them are also affected by their mental health challenge. This means that a mental health challenge touches approximately 50% of the American population.

And while the doctor, therapist, and medicine are necessary, they are not enough.  Suicide rates continue to rise.  The medical (the doctor, therapist, and medicine) aspects of mental health recovery can lead to a type of “learned helplessness.” 

When someone’s life is interrupted by mental illness, it can be tough to see a practical way forward with day-to-day life, and a good future seems out of reach.  Feelings of hopelessness begin to settle in.  This hopelessness can lead to suicidal thinking and even death by suicide. W

A serious gap exists between someone receiving medical treatment for mental illness and them learning how to live well in spite of it.  This gap is critical. So we become the bridge, the guide from the point of diagnosis to living well.   Research shows that finding a way to live a hope-filled life can be best caught, not taught, by peers who have “been there” and are now living well.  Research also shows that the best antidote for hopelessness is a hope that is rooted in faith.

We provide those who are hopeless a safe place to process their pain and experience faith-filled hope modeled, shared, and given in support groups, classes, coaching, and resources that are led and written by peers who are living well in spite of their mental health challenge. This serves as a bridge between someone’s diagnosis and living well in spite of their diagnosis.  Our approach is based on seven mental health recovery principles and 25 years of clinical research on hope. And it works.

Because of Fresh Hope, thousands of people are living active, faith- and hope-filled lives.  They are enjoying their relationships, their families, their work, and are feeling more hopeful than ever before.  They are living well in spite of their mental health challenge. They are thriving!

Living Well In Spite Of A Mental Health Diagnosis Pastor Brad Hoefs, M.Div.

About Tenets / Principles of Fresh Hope

Fresh Hope is based upon six tenets/principles which we see as foundational for living well in spite of mental health diagnosis. These tenets/principles are for both the person who has a diagnosis (blue print) as well as for the loved ones of those who have a diagnosis (green print). The black print on each of the tenets is what we believe we share in common regarding that tenet. Each tenet is based upon a Scripture. These tenets are read at the beginning of each meeting.
We do not regard these tenets/principles as “steps”, but rather as building blocks of wellness. These tenets have not been created by a doctor or therapist, but by a peer who also has a mental health diagnosis – our founder, Brad Hoefs. Having overcome a devastating manic episode and a diagnosis of bipolar I, Brad “discovered” these faith-based principles, along with the help of his therapist and doctor, on his road to wellness. These principles work as we “work” through them. While the road to wellness is not linear and certainly has many twist and turns, we believe it quite possible to live well in spite of having a mental illness – because of the hope we have in Christ!

Fresh Hope Tenets

Tenets for those with mood disorders  |  Tenets for loved ones

Our purpose is to encourage one another to choose God’s fresh hope for our daily life and future.

Who we see here remains confidential. What is said here stays here. We don’t judge; nor do we lecture.
We listen, we share and we grow.

Our Mission:

To empower individuals to live a full and rich faith-filled life in spite of a mental health diagnosis.

The Goals of Fresh Hope (Vision)

Fresh Hope Philosophy

Fresh Hope is a peer-to-peer Christ-centered wellness approach to mental health recovery based upon six tenets that empowers people to connect both their faith and recovery principles. This approach both empowers and encouraging individuals live full and rich lives in spite of their diagnosis.

The Fresh Hope approach includes the following beliefs:

Research Supporting Fresh Hope

Research Prepared By: Breakwater Light

Disclaimer:
This document was completed using a literature review in May 2020. All information presented is based on research available as of May 2020. Research, therefore, after this date are not included and would need to be considered when further evaluating the program.

Please download the research document “Evidence to Support Efficacy of the Fresh Hope Support Group Model” (May 2020)
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What Your Gift Can Do for
Offering Hope to the Hopeless

For every 32 cents given, we are able to offer hope for a week to one person who has a mental health challenge.

For every $16.64 given annually, we are able to offer hope for one year to one person.

Any amount you are able to give will help bring hope to those who desperately need it.

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