We guide and support those with a mental illness, along with their loved ones, to find hope based upon research. Fresh Hope groups are also online.
We do this through an international network of support groups, coaching, and resources. Fresh Hope is a non-profit organization which is made up of an international network of Christian mental health peer-to-peer support groups. Churches and Ministries sponsor the groups and the facilitators of the groups are certified by the international Fresh Hope office. Plus, Fresh Hope provides all kinds of free resources online: videos, podcasts, free e-books, which empower those who have a mental health diagnosis along with their loved ones, to live well in spite of the mental health challenge they face.
09/09/2025
In this episode, Pastor Brad talks with Katie Allred—professor, author of Church Communication and community builder. Katie shares her story of growing up in the church, the importance of community, and how faith has shaped her journey.
When Katie was just 18 years old, her father passed away, a loss that deeply impacted her and her family. Driven by her natural achiever personality, Katie pursued success, but eventually experienced corporate burnout. This season led to severe depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts.
In this conversation, Katie opens up about her path to recovery—what helped, what she learned, and how she now encourages others who might be struggling with similar challenges.
We encourage you to share this episode with someone who may be going through a difficult time.
It's the final countdown! ⏳ We are just ONE WEEK away from the Celebration of Hope!
On Thursday, September 18th, join us for an unforgettable evening of laughter, music, and powerful community connection. Don't wait—seats are filling fast!
Experience the uplifting energy of:
😂 Comedian Anita Renfroe bringing the laughs.
🎵 Musician Josh Wilson inspiring the soul.
This night is for anyone who believes in the power of hope.
Event Details:
When: Thursday, September 18th
Schedule: 6 PM Appetizers and Dessert Reception | 7 PM Show
Where: The Relevant Center, Elkhorn, NE (or virtually!)
Ticket Options:
$45 In-Person
$20 Virtual
$350 Table for 8
The time to get your tickets is NOW! You won't want to miss this.
September 18th could be that night. Join hundreds of others for Celebration of Hope—where healing happens through laughter and music touches the deepest parts of your soul.
Experience:
✨ Anita Renfroe's side-splitting comedy that somehow makes everything feel lighter
✨ Josh Wilson's powerful music that reminds you why tomorrow matters
September 18 | 7 PM
The Relevant Center, Elkhorn, NE
Tickets available:
$45 in-person experience
$20 virtual access
$350 group table (8 people)
You don't have to carry hope alone. Let's celebrate it together.
Empowering individuals with mental health challenges and their loved ones to live full, hope-filled lives. Find a network of Christian peer-led support groups (in-person & online), blogs, podcasts, and resources rooted in faith. Discover healing, community, and a renewed sense of purpose.
09/05/2025
Hope looks different for everyone—but it's something we all need. 🌟
What if one evening could remind you that you're not walking this journey alone?
Celebration of Hope is more than an event—it's where stories intersect, laughter heals, and music speaks what words sometimes can't.
September 18th at The Relevant Center, Elkhorn, NE:
🍰 6 PM: Sweet treats and savory appetizers
😂 7 PM: Anita Renfroe brings the kind of laughter that lightens heavy hearts
🎵 Plus: Josh Wilson's music that wraps around you like a warm hug
Join us:
$45 in-person (desserts and appetizers included!)
$20 virtual from your couch
$350 for your whole crew (table of 😎
Because hope shared is hope multiplied. 💙
🌟 Ready for an evening of hope, laughter, and inspiration?
Join us Thursday, September 18th for our Celebration of Hope at The Relevant Center in Elkhorn, NE! 🎭🎵
✨ Special Guests:
Comedian Anita Renfroe (get ready to laugh!)
Musician Josh Wilson (prepare to be inspired!)
⏰ Schedule:
6 PM - Registration begins with appetizers and desserts!
7 PM - Show begins
🎟️ Tickets:
$45 in-person
$20 virtual
$350 table for 8
Whether you're on your own mental health journey, supporting a loved one, or passionate about spreading hope—this night is for YOU! 💙
Don't miss Celebration of Hope 2025: A fun night of music, comedy and giving! Enjoy comedy by Anita Renfroe & music by Josh Wilson. An uplifting fundraiser for Fresh Hope for Mental Health in Elkhorn, NE. Grab your tickets today!
08/28/2025
😔🧠 Have you ever felt like the "black sheep" because of a struggle no one else could see? We have too...
In our latest blog post, Ruby Lucas shares her honest and profound story of living with bipolar disorder since she was a little kid. It's a journey that began with her telling her mom, "Mommy, my heart is beeping so fast," unknowingly experiencing the onset of her illness.
🦋 Ruby found her way through it all with her faith and has now written a memoir about it. As she says, “I can honestly say that everything that I have been through has been worth it to me.” This isn't a story of perfection, but of finding hope and purpose.
If you or a loved one are navigating mental health challenges and need a warm and encouraging story today, you can find it here: 👇
🙌 We're so excited to have the talented Josh Wilson joining us for a night of inspiring music at Celebration of Hope 2025!
Josh is a multi-instrumentalist and Dove Award-nominated artist known for hit singles like "Savior, Please," "Before the Morning," and "Dream Small." His music isn't just a performance—it's a powerful and honest reflection on real-life struggles, as he openly shares his journey with anxiety and depression. You won't want to miss his unique blend of heartfelt storytelling and live-looping mastery, which creates an unforgettable and hope-filled experience.
Get to know more about Josh Wilson and his music by following him on:
✨ In addition to Josh Wilson's incredible music, you'll also enjoy comedy by the hilarious Anita Renfroe, sweet treats by Uptown Java, and real-life stories of hope from our ministries.
🎟️ 100% of your ticket, donation, or book purchase goes directly toward free faith-based support groups, Hope Coaching, and resources that help people live full and meaningful lives in spite of their mental health challenges.
📍 September 18, 2025
📍 Relevant Center, Elkhorn, NE
🔗 Get tickets: onecau.se/celebration-of-hope
Can't attend in person? Stream it live or host a watch party!
🧠😔 Depression is more than sadness—it’s a serious but treatable mental health condition that affects mood, body, thoughts, and daily life.
Many people describe depression as emptiness, hopelessness, exhaustion, or disconnection—even when everything looks “fine” on the outside.
Common symptoms include:
✔️ Loss of interest or joy
✔️ Fatigue or low energy
✔️ Changes in sleep or appetite
✔️ Difficulty concentrating
✔️ Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or despair
The good news? There is hope. There is help.
💬 Talking to someone you trust
👩⚕️ Professional support (therapy, medication)
👥 Peer and faith-based community
🌱 Healthy routines: rest, nutrition, movement
🙏 Prayer, hope, and grounding in God’s promises
You are not weak. You are not alone. And with the right support, healing and hope are possible.
Save this post to remind yourself (or someone you love) that depression is real, treatable, and nothing to be ashamed of.
Is there a difference between being alone and feeling lonely? Mike Jacquart knows firsthand that there is, and the latter can have a powerful link to depression and anxiety. In a heartfelt post, he shares his personal story of isolation, the effect it had on his mental state, the ultimate realization that he needed a change, and how he found his way to hope.
The core message of the blog is a message of hope: while Mike wished he had turned to faith and community sooner, he now understands that he can use his past pain to help others. He concludes by emphasizing that there is no substitute for face-to-face interaction and true community.
🧠💊 Ever wonder how even someone deeply involved in mental health support can miss the signs of their own decline?
In this blog post, Peggy Rice, Hope Coach Trainer for Fresh Hope, shares her recent experience with medication adjustments and her deeply personal story about navigating a subtle but significant slide into depression, even with years of experience and support.
"I thought I knew all about managing my mental health, but a recent experience with medication changes really opened my eyes."
Her story highlights that mental health journeys can be unpredictable. It also shows why it's vital to keep your support system informed and have quick, open communication with your medical team when making changes to your care.
Peggy's honesty reminds us that it's okay to ask for help, reinforcing that God's presence and protection are with you through every step of your mental health journey.
A crucial reminder from Peggy: Do not make any changes to your medication without your doctor's guidance!
A Hope Coach comes as a peer alongside someone who is going through a difficult situation, a crisis, or one of the many messes of life. They walk with them, listening empathetically, helping them process their pain, fears and frustrations, and speaking hope into their situation.
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Fresh Hope for Mental Health posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
One out of every five children, teens, and adults in America has a diagnosable mental illness in any given year. And the lives of those who love them are also affected by their mental health challenge. This means that a mental health challenge touches approximately 50% of the American population.
And while the doctor, therapist, and medicine are necessary, they are not enough. Su***de rates continue to rise. The medical (the doctor, therapist, and medicine) aspects of mental health recovery can lead to a type of "learned helplessness."
So, when someone's life is interrupted by mental illness, it can be tough to see a practical way forward with day-to-day life, and a good future seems out of reach. And feelings of hopelessness begin to settle in. This hopelessness can lead to suicidal thinking and even death by su***de.
There is a serious gap between someone receiving the medical treatment for mental illness and them learning how to live well in spite of it. This gap is critical. So, we become the bridge, the guide from the point of diagnosis to living well. The research shows that finding a way to live a hope-filled life can be best caught, not taught, by peers who have "been there" and are now living well. Research also shows that the best antidote for hopelessness is a hope that is rooted in faith.
We provide those who are hopeless a safe place to process their pain and experience faith-filled hope modeled, shared, and given in support groups, classes, coaching, and resources that are led and written by peers who are living well in spite of their mental health challenge. This serves as a bridge between someone's diagnosis and living well in spite of their diagnosis. Our approach is based on seven mental health recovery principles and 25 years of clinical research on hope. And it works.
Because of Fresh Hope, thousands of people are living active, faith- and hope-filled lives. They are enjoying their relationships, their families, their work, and are feeling more hopeful than ever before. They are living well in spite of their mental health challenge. They are thriving!
