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.

01Human-Centered

02Open-Minded

03Purpose-Driven

04Empathy-Led

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…

1960

An adjunctive therapy department (work experience) was established at Pine Rest Christian Hospital. Herb Start was the Director.

1963

The Sheltered Workshop at Pine Rest Christian Hospital became incorporated.

1964

The Pine Rest Sheltered Workshop building was built and opened as a work activity floor for people with developmental disabilities.

1974

Pine Rest Christian Rehabilitation Services became the new name for the Pine Rest Sheltered Workshop.

1983

A board for Pine Rest Christian Rehabilitation Services was established separate from the Pine Rest Christian Hospital board. Herb Start was appointed as CEO.

1985

Hope Rehabilitation Network became the new name for Pine Rest Christian Rehabilitation Services.

1986

Hope Network became a separate corporation from Pine Rest Christian Hospital.

1990

Hope Network was invited to attend the Americans with Disabilities Act signing ceremony in Washington, D.C.

1997

Became a Management Service Organization (MSO). The first Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) certified network in existence, setting the standard for future CARF surveys.

1999

Hope Network Behavioral Health expanded services to people with behavioral problems and complex psychological issues related to aging.

2002

Formalized a service corporation to provide competitive-paying jobs for persons with disabilities – cleaning and landscaping the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum.

2004

Hope Network West Michigan purchased four buildings on 36th Street in Grand Rapids and moved day programs, skill building, transportation, supported employment, and workforce development programs to this campus.

2007

Rehabilitation Services opened the Peter and Pat Cook Center in Grand Rapids, a state-of-the-art therapy facility for people with traumatic brain injuries.

2010

The Center for Autism, an outpatient facility to serve children and adolescents with autism and other neurodevelopmental disabilities, opened on the Coral Lettinga Campus.

2011

Acquired New Passages, Inc., a behavioral health company serving southeast Michigan.

2012

Implemented an electronic medical record system (eCARE) for improved consumer record-keeping.

2013

Acquired Michigan Education Corps, a reading program helping students overcome barriers in literacy and math.

2014

Hope Network Neuro Rehabilitation expands to include multi-state clients paid for by standard health insurance.

2015

Acquired Auburn Counseling Services, an outpatient behavioral health service serving 3,000 clients.

2016

Transportation Services initiates GoLux and Wheels to Work, two innovative programs to serve the community.

2017

Behavioral Health Services wins contracts to provide services in Saginaw and Jackson Counties, in Michigan.

2022

Hope Network Names local business leader Bob Von Kaenel as New CEO. A search committee chose Von Kaenel for his strong record of accomplishment and his passion for Hope Network’s mission.

2023

With the completion of 2023, Hope Network celebrates 60 years of service across the state of Michigan.

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.

Learn More

Partner with Us

If you’re in the business of helping people, building stronger communities, and making Michigan’s economy better, we should talk.

Get in Touch

Work at Hope

From Physical Therapists, to Finance, to Direct Support Professionals, we’re always looking for the best and the brightest.

See Careers

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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.

Get Involved