Hope Gain Network

Mental illness is a leading reason why people quit their jobs, but companies that accommodate employees with mental health conditions are in high demand.

Sheri Munsell, the founder of Hope Gain, experienced this firsthand when her own mental illness made it difficult for her to work in traditional office settings. She was fired several times due to anxiety episodes or depression and felt defeated and ready to give up.

Inspired by her own journey, Sheri started a work-from-home group in December 2018 to help others who may be struggling like she was. She quickly realized that many group members also had mental illnesses and could benefit from the safety and flexibility of working remotely. As the group grew to over 180,000 members, The Hope Gain Center was born.

Today The Hope Gain Center has several programs that reduce the barriers to employment for those with mental health disabilities. The center partners with companies that are sensitive to mental health and works to place program participants in the best fit for them.

Mission:

To increase the ability of those who live with mental illness to get and keep long-lasting careers by connecting them with legitimate remote opportunities and housing.

Vision:

Empowering individuals with mental health challenges to achieve career success and improved well-being through remote employment and support services.

Values:

1. Inclusivity: We believe in creating a supportive and inclusive environment for individuals of all backgrounds and struggles.
2. Empowerment: We empower individuals to pursue fulfilling careers and overcome barriers to employment.
3. Compassion: We approach our work with empathy, understanding, and a commitment to supporting the mental health and well-being of our participants.
4. Diversity: We embrace diversity and celebrate the unique strengths and experiences of each individual we serve.
5. Collaboration: We collaborate with community partners, employers, and mental health advocates to maximize our impact and support our participants effectively.

What We Do:

At Hope Gain Center of West Michigan, we provide a range of programs and services tailored to the needs of individuals living with mental illness:

• NexGen Arts and Technology is a program committed to teaching our students that they are superheroes; their inner selves, skill sets, and abilities are their superpowers. Through our curriculum, we instill in them the belief that they have the power to have influence. 
• Tech Ready Youth is a program offering animation skills, job readiness training, and mental health support for young individuals aged 16-25. Through VR experiences, educational modules, and workshops, participants gain skills while prioritizing emotional well-being, fostering creativity, resilience, and personal growth.
• Hope from Home Mentorship Program: Offering personalized mentorship and support to individuals seeking remote career opportunities, including assistance with job applications, interviews, and resume building.
• Virtual Certify Program: Providing free access to Google career certificates in high-demand tech fields, empowering participants to acquire valuable skills for remote employment.
• Restore and Renew Home Cleaning Program: Offering free home cleaning services for individuals struggling to maintain a clean living environment due to mental health challenges.
• Companies That Care Database: Facilitating partnerships with employers who prioritize supporting individuals with mental illness in the workforce and providing access to mental illness-friendly job opportunities.

How We Do It:

• We engage participants through personalized mentorship, training, and support services tailored to their unique needs and goals.
• We collaborate with community partners, employers, and mental health organizations to expand our reach and ensure our programs are effective and inclusive.
• We prioritize empathy, compassion, and respect in all interactions with our participants, fostering a supportive and non-judgmental environment.

Why We Do It:

We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to pursue meaningful and fulfilling careers, regardless of their mental health challenges. By providing access to remote employment opportunities and support services, we aim to empower individuals to achieve career success and improved well-being. We are driven by a commitment to promoting inclusivity, empowerment, and compassion in our community.

Hope Gain Network is a Charity participating in the NASCAR Day Giveathon 2024 a Giving Day event, presented by The NASCAR Foundation.