Our Story

In 2000, a group of parents and community leaders came together and determined that ARC Marion, Inc. needed another funding source.  ARC Marion has been a leader in caring for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (mental retardation, Down's syndrome, autism, Prader Willi syndrome and cerebral palsy) in the Marion County community since 1959.  Their primary funding source is Medicaid waiver, and this group of individuals wanted that to change.  Thus the ARC Marion New Hope Foundation was born.

The first fundraising event, Hog for HopeTM, was held in 2002 and raised over $20,000, a big step for the Foundation. 

In 2003-04, the Foundation board of directors assisted ARC Marion with their first new construction project on the SE Maricamp Rd campus and committed to the capital campaign of paying off the building in five years.  The final payment was made in November 2009.

In 2004, the Foundation voted to change the name to the Heart of Florida Hope Foundation, though most simply know us as The Hope Foundation.

In 2007, the Foundation determined it was time to grow and hired their first employee, an Executive Director.  Though the 20 member volunteer board of directors manages the Foundation, the Executive Director runs day to day operations.

Today, the Foundation continues to grow and flourish with new events and fundraising campaigns month after month, year after year. 

We appreciate the valuable support of the Ocala, Marion County community and our friends, partners and families literally all over the world!

Interested in seeing what we're all about?  Contact us to schedule a Point Tour. We promise you'll get the point of what we do in just one hour!

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