Hope Network was born from a belief that no human is more valuable than the next.
Equally Human is more than a message. It’s a movement.
That movement starts with you. If you shift your attitude and your actions and start to advocate for others, you can help us create a world where everyone is seen as equally human.
Attitude
Every person is valuable.
People are so much more than what society labels them as. We are here to challenge the stereotypes, reject unconscious bias, and embrace the humanity in every person. Disability? Diagnosis? Doesn’t matter. We are all equally human.
Actions
Health. Independence. Self-belief.
Everyone deserves the chance to reclaim their strength, find their independence, and rediscover their purpose. It’s on all of us to create a world where barriers are broken, support is unwavering, and every person has the tools to thrive.
Advocacy
Don’t walk away. Walk toward.
Advocating for inclusion means taking action: dismantling bias, amplifying voices, and creating a world where everyone belongs. Together we can build communities that embrace every person as equally human.
Every day, we put in the work so everyone can thrive.
From sunrise to sunset—and long after dark—Hope Network is on the move. Across Michigan, in every moment, we’re empowering people, breaking barriers, and creating opportunities. Watch how we’re making an impact around the state, 24/7.
Serving 30,000+ people annually.
With 2,000+ team members.
At 125+ locations across Michigan.
The work we do makes a real impact.
For over 60 years, all across Michigan, Hope Network has been breaking down barriers and creating communities where people can truly thrive. Explore our 2024 Impact Report to learn more about how we’re making a difference.

Everything we do at Hope Network is guided by our mission, shaped by our vision, and grounded in our values.
Our Mission
Hope Network helps people maximize their health, independence, and self-belief—because everyone deserves to live in a world where they can thrive.
Our Vision
We will collaborate, innovate, and advocate until every community we’re in embodies the belief that we are all equally human.
Our Values
At Hope Network, our work comes down to one human helping another—to heal, to work, to learn, to thrive. We are bound by our shared humanity—no one more valuable than the next.
We are all equally human.
And if we want that belief to be true for everybody, it has to start with us—consistently, emphatically, and universally. Our values, rooted in HOPE, reinforce that belief.
No person is more valuable than the next. We intentionally act with kindness, care, and a commitment to the well-being of our employees and the people we serve.
You can’t thrive with a closed mind. We consider new ideas without prejudice, fostering adaptability, appreciation for diversity, and constructive communication.
Our purpose comes from a higher calling. Hope Network is rooted in a broad and compassionate interpretation of Christian-service. We embody grace and mercy, honoring our commitments and understanding the need to instill trust with persons served, our co-workers, and the community.
Empathy is the key to meaningful connection. We don’t always travel the same path, but by leading with empathy in every word and action, we create a more loving, accepting, and empowering environment for all.
We’ve earned the top seal of excellence.
The hard-earned Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) seal is given to providers who show a deep commitment to continually improving services, encouraging feedback, and serving the community.
“We were willing to take risks that other organizations were not willing to take.”
–Herb Start, Founder of Hope Network
On our organization’s 50th anniversary, our first three CEOs from over the years told their story—each focused on the different eras they served. As we move into our sixth decade, new CEO Bob Von Kaenel is honored to build upon the foundation of strong leadership set by his predecessors.
How’d we get here? Let’s wind back the clock…
Our Pastoral Services team meets people wherever they are, whatever their faith tradition.
Our pastoral services work is all about breaking down barriers, reaching across them, and forming relationships between churches and the people we serve.

Annual Statistics
Our Leadership Team
Hope Network Board of Trustees
Hope Network Foundation Board
Partner with Us
If you’re in the business of helping people, building stronger communities, and making Michigan’s economy better, we should talk.
Work at Hope
From Physical Therapists, to Finance, to Direct Support Professionals, we’re always looking for the best and the brightest.
Follow Us
Like our Facebook page for updates, events, and more. It’s a simple way to support and spread our mission—with the click of a button.
Give Back
Learn more about the Hope Network Foundation and how you can donate, attend an event, volunteer, or support us in a different way.