Friendswood-based nonprofit Hope Village honored more than two dozen residents in Pearland, Friendswood and Bay Area communities this month through “Faces of Hope” nominations and celebratory yard signs.

Hope Village, which provides residential and support services to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, invited community members to vote for a person or entity they feel exhibits hope, motivation or positive energy, according to a July 21 news release from the nonprofit. This was Hope Village’s inaugural “Faces of Hope” fundraising event.

Nominees received yard signs that were out on lawns for approximately two weeks in early and mid-July, per Hope Village’s Facebook posts; the three sign options were “A Face of Hope Lives Here,” “A Face of Hope Works Here” or “This Business Shines Hope.”

The event was designed to spread positive recognition and inspiration throughout Friendswood and neighboring cities, especially given the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, staff said in the release.

While the signs were collected after two weeks, nominees also received a personalized honorary keepsake certificate, per the release.

Hope Village did not get to host its usual in-person fundraising events this year, of which there are normally three, but staff said in the release the pandemic provided opportunities to develop and execute new fundraising strategies.



The fundraiser received more than 40 nominations across the region, including some recognizing staff members within each of the five residential homes on Hope Village’s 18-acre campus, per the release. The goal is to repeat the fundraiser next year, Fontenot said in the release.

“The inspiring concept was well received, and we feel this is something we can truly grow in the future,” she wrote. “The world can always use more hope and good news, and this is something that delivers that.”

The 2021 “Faces of Hope” nominees are listed below, in alphabetical order by city:

  • Alvin: Ken and Sherry Clark
  • Bacliff: Linda Cardella – Lighthouse Christian Ministries
  • Bayou Vista: Robert and Kellye Hollins
  • Friendswood: Jersey Mike’s Subs, John Fontenot – Renew Psychotherapy Group, Doug and Lori Wrinkle, Cindy Deaton, Julie Pappan, Kim Brizendine
  • Houston: Debbie Roan, The Pocklington Family, Angela Smith
  • Kemah: Kathy Gray
  • League City: The Hull Family, Jorge and Janice Finch, Tammy Sims, Donny Gillock, Arlene Taylor, Anchor Point, Maurice and Cathy Estlinbaum
  • Pearland: Epic Plumbing, Sarah Muske, Dorothy Raska
  • Santa Fe: Lisa Sabatier
  • Seabrook: Diane and Jesse Jones, Jr.
  • Spring: David and Janet Bradley
  • Webster: Houston Physicians Hospital