Stories of the Hope
Stories of the Hope
Podcast Description
Mission of Hope is a ministry that provides essential resources for students and families living with poverty across rural Appalachia through our Outreach Programs. This podcast will share stories directly from those served by and those volunteering with Mission of Hope. Learn more about our organization at http://www.missionofhope.org
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast centers on themes of hope, education, and community empowerment, with episodes spotlighting real-life stories from beneficiaries and volunteers, including topics such as the impact of the Back to School programs and the significance of the Christmas initiatives in uplifting families in rural Appalachia.
Mission of Hope is a ministry that provides essential resources for students and families living with poverty across rural Appalachia through our Outreach Programs. This podcast will share stories directly from those served by and those volunteering with Mission of Hope. Learn more about our organization at http://www.missionofhope.org
👤 Guest:
Sheila Fuson
Title: Coordinator – Family Resource and Youth Services Center (FRYSC)
Organization: Lone Jack School Center, Bell County, Kentucky
In this deeply emotional episode, host Benson Gregory sits down with Sheila Fuson, FRYSC Coordinator at Lone Jack School in Bell County, Kentucky — a woman whose persistence and compassion have literally changed lives.
Sheila shares her 34-year journey serving the children and families of her small Appalachian community. From taking kids to dentist appointments and helping parents apply for jobs, to delivering Christmas gifts in the snow on her own time, Sheila is more than a coordinator — she’s a lifeline.
The episode builds to a heartbreaking but redemptive story: two young girls found in heartbreaking conditions after their mother passed away. Thanks to Sheila’s persistence and Mission of Hope’s support, those girls were given warmth, furniture, education — and a new life. One of them, now a high school senior, still remembers the moment everything changed.
What FRYSC coordinators really do
How poverty, addiction, and family loss affect kids in Eastern Kentucky
The real-world impact of Mission of Hope’s school partnerships
Why volunteers are urgently needed — and how to get involved
A story of loss, love, and redemption that will stay with you
“If you don’t have a heart for a kid, then this is not a job for you.” — Sheila Fuson
Mission of Hope: missionofhope.org
→ Donate, sponsor a child, or sign up to serve a school like Lone Jack.
📝 Episode Summary:🔑 What You'll Hear:💬 Quote of the Episode:🔗 Resources:
Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
For a complete disclaimer, please see our Full Disclaimer on the archive page. The Podcast Collaborative bears no responsibility for the podcast’s themes, language, or overall content. Listener discretion is advised. Read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for more details.