A Hope and A Future

04/02/2026

Registration is open for our 9th annual summer camp, Camp Out Loud, for emerging adults aged 18 and over, as well as our 4th annual summer camp for teens aged 13-17.

Designed to support young people navigating the transition to adulthood, our mission is to empower them with the skills needed to overcome relationship challenges. The individuals we serve often deal with the impacts of neurodevelopmental conditions and may feel hopeless about achieving their dreams.

Unlike a typical summer camp, our program takes a distinctive approach. Our staff, composed of licensed professional counselors and extensively trained team members, emphasize proper nutrition, physical activity, and mental health strategies. We also incorporate team building, music therapy, art therapy, pastoral counseling, live music, and more, providing a holistic and enriching experience.

We offer our camp at a reduced rate, made possible only through fundraising efforts to cover staffing costs. If you or someone you know cares about this mission, a $300 sponsorship will display your company logo on the back of our Lift Out Loud T-shirts.

For over nine years, we have witnessed the transformative effects of our work. With your support, we can continue to expand our reach and serve neurodivergent young people in the Memphis area and beyond, those facing neurodevelopmental challenges. Register here: https://donorbox.org/events/923481 or https://donorbox.org/events/923480

02/21/2026

Announcing our 2026 annual Spring Fundraiser, Lift Out Loud, this charitable powerlifting meet, set for May 2nd at 10:00 a.m., is raising funds for our 9th annual summer camp, Camp Out Loud, for emerging adults ages 18+ and our 4th annual summer camp for teens ages 13-17.

Designed for young men navigating the transition to adulthood, our mission is to strengthen and empower them with the skills needed to overcome their obstacles. The people we serve have struggled with the adverse effects of neurodevelopmental conditions and come to us feeling hopeless about achieving their dreams.

Unlike a typical summer camp, our program is designed with a unique approach. Our staff, comprised of state-licensed professional counselors and comprehensively trained staff, focuses on appropriate nutrition, physical fitness, and mental health modalities. We also incorporate team building, music therapy, art therapy, pastoral counseling, live music, and more, making our camp a holistic and enriching experience.

We offer our camp at a reduced rate, which is only possible if we raise enough funds to cover camp staffing expenses. If you or someone you know is passionate about this mission, a $200 sponsorship will place your company logo on the back of our Lift Out Loud T-shirts. Lifters donate $60, and ghost lifters donate $50.

For over 9 years, we have witnessed the transformative impact of our efforts. With your support, we can continue to expand our reach and become an even more effective resource for young people struggling with developmental challenges in the Memphis community and beyond. https://donorbox.org/lift-out-loud-2026

01/23/2026

01/16/2026

The guys are building on skills learned in their last equine therapy session. Today, they focused on leadership skills. We genuinely appreciate what .reins.equine.therapy is doing and are grateful to have them as a resource!

01/15/2026

Our next Memphis Disability Network event is on mental health - HOLDING HOPE - Caring for your child's Mental Health and your own. NEW location! Sign up here https://christchurchmemphis.fellowshiponego.com/external/form/3f7af854-1ae4-4f6f-9aa1-e7431607123e

12/02/2025

As we reflect on a year of growth, we see how our needs have evolved. Your support can play a crucial role in uplifting our community!

By contributing, you’ll help provide weekly snacks and drinks, essential supplies like paper products and printer toner, and resources for culinary and handyman education. Your generosity can facilitate outings for skills practice and social gatherings.

Every dollar also supports emergency scholarships, meals for staff meetings, and caring gestures for those in mourning. Additionally, funding for app development and technology will help us innovate our programs.

Join us in strengthening our community! Your contribution will make a meaningful impact and help create a brighter future for all. Let’s work together!
https://donorbox.org/giving-tuesday-2025-867098

12/02/2025

https://donorbox.org/giving-tuesday-2025-867098

10/20/2025

This is encouraging!

Police departments from across Middle Tennessee are learning new ways to protect and serve people with autism through a groundbreaking training program that launched this week in Franklin. ibit.ly/kX6Sp

09/23/2025

APA Statement on White House Announcement on Autism https://ow.ly/P6k850X0zCi

09/13/2025

A Hope and Future hosted a successful first banquet last week. What was initially planned as an event for 80 community leaders and pastors turned into a gathering of around 150 supportive friends eager to learn about what God has been doing through A Hope and A Future.

Michael Steven Moore, Grace Fisher from Visible Music College, and Lady E-flat provided beautiful healing music throughout the evening. At the same time, Amanda Gomez poured her heart into an exquisite painting. Karen Anderson, Chaplain, began the event with a powerful devotional, reminding us of who lives in us as followers of Christ. Paul Berkes, Founder and Executive Director, presented the organization’s mission and values. Erica Hill, Board Member, passionately discussed the goals of the banquet. Everyone enjoyed a delicious meal served by some of our own students.

Mike Hill, Program Director, gratefully introduced the Camp Out Loud team (Justin Larrabee, Tyler McNeely, and Kolby Osborne) and shared the incredible progress of camps and group projects. Brodee Scott, Skills Instructor, served as Master of Ceremonies, helping attendees get to know the staff, including Carly Rowland, Administrative Assistant, and Jordan Scott, Behavioral Health Therapist.

Several videos were shown, highlighting the quality of services the organization provides. Dr. Daniel Henley, a special guest, delivered a profound message of hope for family members and friends of those who are neurodivergent. Janise Shamel, Behavioral Health Therapist, addressed the critical issue of su***de, which is the leading cause of death for autistic individuals.

Although we may have run long, the evening concluded with the beautiful voices of clients, both past and present, reminding everyone that God is at work in the neurodivergent community.

08/01/2025

This episode truly reflects the core of our approach to life skills development. Make sure to give it a listen!

Join Paul Berkes and Paul Hambrick as they explore the distinction between coping with suffering and building capacity through it. It’s not enough to be aware of your thoughts and feelings; we need to expand our window of tolerance to overcome adversity. Join Paul and Paul as they delve into an essential conversation about the difference between merely coping with suffering and developing resilience through it. Coping can often mean getting through tough times without fully addressing the underlying issues; however, building resilience involves actively transforming our experiences into opportunities for growth.

Both awareness of our thoughts and feelings and the ability to confront and process them are key components of this journey. While recognizing our emotional states is a critical first step, it isn’t sufficient on its own. To truly overcome adversity, we need to work on expanding our window of tolerance. This concept refers to our ability to manage stress and adversity. We can navigate challenges with greater ease and strength when we broaden this capacity.

Join this enlightening discussion to learn practical strategies for enhancing resilience and transforming your relationship with suffering. It’s about more than just survival; it’s about thriving in the face of life’s difficulties. https://open.spotify.com/episode/0Zecqbi50fUv3YFpOTnrVG?si=DBuOMA9xTzWkM1gzxFcGEQ