For 177 years, Hope Chapel AME Zion has been more than a church—it’s been a lifeline for families across Utica’s East Side. Our story began on the front lines of the Underground Railroad and continues today as we walk alongside neighbors facing hunger, hardship, and uncertainty.

But what sets Hope Chapel apart isn’t just our history—it’s how we nurture hope, one relationship at a time. When a young woman came to us for a meal, she carried more than hunger. Her struggles were written in her quiet voice and downcast eyes. We listened, cared, and connected her not just to food, but to dignity—arranging for a local hairdresser to help her see her own beauty again. That moment of restoration sparked new confidence, helping her reconnect with family and community.

This is what your gift makes possible:

• A meal shared becomes a turning point.

• A literacy kit unlocks a child’s future.

• A safe space gives teens a reason to dream again.

• A caring network turns strangers into neighbors.

During Mohawk Valley Gives, we’re stepping out in faith to raise $50,000.

Every dollar fuels free meals, literacy programs, safe spaces, and life-changing resources for hundreds of children, parents, and elders. Your generosity doesn’t just meet needs—it restores hope, dignity, and belonging.

Join us. Help us remove barriers, restore hope, and build a Mohawk Valley where every neighbor knows they matter.