The Hope Center

07/16/2026

FYI

🌫️ Free N95 Masks Available at STAVI 🌫️

With wildfire smoke impacting air quality across the Southern Tier, the Southern Tier Association for the Visually Impaired (STAVI) is offering FREE N95 respirator masks to anyone in our community who needs one while supplies last.

Poor air quality can affect everyone, but it can be especially challenging for older adults, individuals with respiratory conditions, and those who spend time working or exercising outdoors.

📍 Masks are available for pickup at the Elmira office at 719 Lake Street today until the office closes at 3:30.

07/16/2026

Important Update:

Smoke from wildfires continues to impact our region, resulting in unhealthy air quality. Chemung County Fire and Emergency Management, in coordination with the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES), encourages everyone to take steps to protect themselves, especially older adults, young children, individuals with heart or lung conditions, and anyone who works or spends extended time outdoors.

😷 Free N95 Masks Available (See details below)

Thanks to our partners at the Southern Tier Association for the Visually Impaired, N95 masks will be available today from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM at:

📍 719 Lake St. Elmira, NY

Masks are available while supplies last.

Their goal is simple: help protect our neighbors, particularly those who may be more vulnerable to poor air quality.

What You Can Do:

🏠 Limit outdoor activities and spend more time indoors.
😷 If you must be outside, wear an N95 or KN95 mask.
⏸️ Take frequent breaks if working outdoors.
🕒 Adjust outdoor schedules when possible to reduce exposure.

📲 Stay informed by signing up for New York State emergency alerts. Text CHEMUNG to 333111 to receive real-time emergency and weather notifications.

For the latest air quality conditions and health recommendations, visit: https://www.AirNow.gov

Please help us spread the word by sharing this post. A few simple precautions today can make a significant difference in protecting the health of our community.

Stay safe and stay prepared Chemung County!

05/21/2026

Are you a youth looking for opportunities this summer? Check out the 2026 Summer Youth Entrepreneurship Program at IncubatorWorks!

This four week summer program is designed for 10th and 11th grade Elmira High School students who want to explore careers, connect with local entrepreneurs, and build real world skills for the future. Students will visit local manufacturers, businesses, and colleges while learning how to pitch ideas, think creatively, and plan for life after high school.

Applications are now open for the 2026 Summer Youth Entrepreneurship Program at IncubatorWorks!

This four week summer program is designed for 10th and 11th grade Elmira High School students who want to explore careers, connect with local entrepreneurs, and build real world skills for the future. Students will visit local manufacturers, businesses, and colleges while learning how to pitch ideas, think creatively, and plan for life after high school.

Participants will also receive a stipend while they learn and grow throughout the program.

Program Dates: July 6th through July 31st, 2026
Orientation is the evening of July 1
Location: 318 Madison Ave, Elmira

Questions? Contact [email protected]
Apply at the link in the comments!

05/13/2026

The Sisters of Hope are proud to launch The Hope Center!

02/03/2026

It’s American Heart Month! Let’s take a look at some AED facts.

02/02/2026

Winter can stretch budgets thin — especially with higher heating and utility bills. ❄️💡

Help is nearby. Use our Food Finder to find free, local food resources when you need them most.
Get help. Find food. 👉 https://foodbankst.org/find-food/

01/30/2026

If you are unhoused/homeless, please consider the warming center this weekend.

Please note that our Warming Station for those experiencing homelessness is open extended hours during inclement weather. This Warming Station is designed to support those who are unhoused. The Homeless Shelter is also open 24/7 at 160 High Street. Meals are provided for individuals in the Shelter and Warming Station.

Thank you for your concern for those experiencing homelessness this winter. If you would like to help, we are in desperate need of men's gloves and hats. Donations may be brought to our Samaritan Center or ordered online and shipped directly to us. https://ow.ly/Bprl50Y3mIY

01/30/2026

"We often confuse unconditional love with unconditional approval. God loves us without conditions but does not approve of every human behavior."
~ Henri Nouwen

This piece of wisdom of Henri Nouwen is so important today. Many have confused the concepts of unconditional love with unconditional approval. We need to distinguish the difference between loving the person and condoning harmful behaviors. To love someone does not mean that their actions also have to be accepted.

Jesus taught us in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” This is unconditional love - Jesus came, died, and rose again so you might have everlasting life.

In contrast, Psalm 97:10a says, “O you who love the LORD, hate evil! …” 1 John 1:5-6 goes on to say, “This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.” A reminder that we need to put aside who we once were before accepting God into our lives.

If you struggle with sin, remember God loves you. If you have a friend or family member who is stealing, lying, etc., not approving of those inappropriate behaviors, does not mean that they aren’t to be loved. We can disagree on politics, the news, parenting styles, finances, etc., but we can still love the person!

Finally, remember that just because God has unconditional love for you, does not mean that He will approve of your sin. Repent of your sin, love God, and love your neighbor.

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01/29/2026

Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:19-21,
[19] “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, [20] but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. [21] For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also…”

Knowing this, we realize how apt Thomas Aquinas words were, “The things that we love tell us what we are.”

What do you love?
Where is your heart?
What do you treasure?
If someone close to you was to describe you, what might they say?

Take a moment today to examine what is important to you. Think about what needs to be realigned in your life. Do you struggle with addiction, infidelity, unrighteous anger, perfectionism, impulsiveness, etc.? Do you spend more time on social media than with God and your loved ones?

Remember: God is near you and able to help you navigate through your life. Psalm 145:18 teaches us, “The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” Consider realigning your life and start by loving God and then loving your neighbor…

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