Our Mission
Hope for the Destitute exists to bring the hope of Christ and practical support to children and vulnerable communities in Kenya.
We believe every child is created with dignity and purpose. Through education, discipleship, and compassionate care, we walk alongside children and families, helping them build brighter futures and stronger communities.
Hope for the Destitute cares for orphans and vulnerable children in many ways, including:
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Provide Christ-centered education to orphaned and vulnerable children through a Lutheran school curriculum that integrates academic learning with faith formation.
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Ensure physical well-being by meeting the basic needs of children through daily meals and access to medical care.
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Support community transformation by serving not only children but also local adults, especially the elderly, through regular worship services, catechesis, and sacraments.
EDUCATION
Providing quality education and resources that open doors to opportunity.
DISCIPLESHIP
Sharing the love of Christ and helping children grow in faith and character.
COMPASSION
Meeting physical needs and providing safe, loving environments to thrive.
Our History
Our Beginnings
Hope for the Destitute began in 2005 through Rev. Dr. Joseph Ochola Omolo and his wife, Ruth Ochola. Having grown up as an orphan in Kisumu, Kenya, Joseph understood firsthand the challenges vulnerable children face in accessing an education. Through the generosity of Lutheran supporters, he was given the opportunity to continue his education and eventually pursue his calling in ministry. His experience inspired a desire to provide other orphaned and vulnerable children with the same hope and opportunity he had received.
Our Ministry
The ministry began by providing scholarships for 20 children to attend schools near their homes. As the need grew and more children sought assistance, the sponsorship program expanded. In 2016, Hope for the Destitute built Kibos Hope Integrated School in Kisumu to provide more children with access to education in a caring, Christ-centered environment.
More than Bread Alone
As the school grew, it became clear that education alone was not enough. Many children also needed nutritious meals, medical care, and other basic necessities. A chapel was established at the school to provide Christian education and nurture children in the Word of God, making spiritual care an important part of their development.
Registered Non-Profit
In 2024, Hope for the Destitute became a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in the United States, strengthening its ability to support and expand the ministry in Kenya. Today, Hope for the Destitute continues the vision that began with 20 children: providing orphaned and vulnerable children with education, essential care, Christian nurture, and opportunities for a brighter future. The ministry has served more than 3,000+ students since its inception.
OUR TEAM
Called to Bring Hope
Rev. Dr. Bishop Joseph Ochola Omolo – Director
Hope for the Destitute was started in 2005 by Rev. Joseph Ochola Omolo and his wife Ruth. Dr. Ochola Omolo grew up as an orphan in Kisumu Kenya and struggled to receive an education. Through philanthropic donors in the Lutheran Church, Dr. Ochola Omolo received an education and became a pastor in the Lutheran Church.
Education in Kenya is not free and thus many low-income families and orphaned children often do not have access to it. Lack of access to education leads to generations of illiteracy and poverty. Hope for the Destitute strives in its mission and vision to provide educational access and the gospel of Christ to orphaned children and low-income families.
Dr. Omolo currently serves as the Arch Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kenya. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kenya is in table fellowship with the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS)
Rick Imel – President of the Board
I’ve been blessed to be able to be a part of our church’s (Aboite Lutheran) involvement with HFD for over 14 years (we call it Mission Kenya). I’ve also been blessed to have been able to travel to Kisumu, Kenya on a couple of mission trips in 2004 and 2009 (I’m hoping to make another mission trip very soon).
I agreed to join the board because I wanted to be more involved in helping raise awareness and increase support for the overall mission of Hope for the Destitute.
Dianne Moellering – Board Treasurer
Serving on the Board is an opportunity to bring people to Christ while helping them receive physical necessities of life.
My life experiences include teaching for 43 years – and loving it. Math was my major but band music my first love. I help direct our church choir and serve on our church’s Mission Board. In retirement, I still occasionally work with kids, but also love gardening and traveling with my husband.
Monica Hartman – Develop & Program Manager
My father, now the Archbishop of the Lutheran Church in Kenya, grew up as an orphan. Life could have closed every door for him, but God, in His mercy, used the generosity of well-wishers and donors to open the path of education. That gift changed everything. It not only gave my father the tools to build his future, but also equipped him to become a servant of God and a leader to many.
About 15 years ago, I joined my father in this God-given mission. Together, we serve through Hope for the Destitute—offering orphaned and vulnerable children in Kisumu, Kenya the same life-changing opportunity my father once received: access to education and the life-giving message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Through this work, we have seen lives transformed—children finding not only knowledge, but also hope; families touched by the love of Christ; and communities strengthened in faith.
May the Lord richly bless all who pray for, support, and partner with us in bringing hope to those the world has forgotten—but God never will.
Alicia Herman – Secretary
I agreed to join the board because I wanted to be more involved in helping raise awareness and increase support for the overall mission of Hope for the Destitute.
Jocelyn Moellering – Communications Coordinator
I’m currently pursuing a degree in marketing and nonprofit management and am extremely grateful for the Christian education I’ve received in my life. Praise the Lord for the lives that have been transformed through this mission!
OUR HEART
Every Child. Every Life. Every Day.
We are committed to holistic, long-term transformation–addressing not only immediate needs, but also the root causes of poverty. With your partnership, we are building a future filled with hope.