Building Dreams with Hope 139

In Athens, Georgia, a beacon of light shines for the community’s most vulnerable members—at-risk mothers and their children—thanks to the incredible mission of Hope 139. As an organization dedicated to empowering women in challenging circumstances, Hope 139 provides a loving home and support system for pregnant and parenting women, equipping them with the resources they need to thrive. Today, we’re thrilled to share more about this inspiring nonprofit and celebrate our partnership through the Harbin Family Foundation.

The Mission of Hope 139

Hope 139 exists to strengthen families and communities by supporting women who have chosen life for their babies. The organization welcomes mothers from any race, religion, or background into its safe, grace-filled living spaces, helping them overcome adversity and prepare for a brighter future with their children. Their vision goes beyond immediate housing needs; it includes parenting support, life-skills training, and holistic care to help women navigate the challenges of motherhood.

By fostering resilience in these women, Hope 139 aims to reduce the strain on foster care systems and create stronger, healthier families. As they state so beautifully: “We want to provide a loving home and support system for pregnant and parenting women of any situation or walk of life making decisions to give life outside the womb to their babies.”

Shelly Tanner: The Visionary Behind the Mission

The heart of Hope 139 is Shelly Tanner, the organization’s Executive Director. A graduate of the University of Georgia with a degree in Health Promotion and Behavior and Emory University with a degree in nursing, Shelly has dedicated her career to serving others. Her experience as a registered nurse and her work with organizations like Teen Matters, Kupendwa, and the Mercy Health Center fueled her passion for helping both children and their biological mothers.

As an adoptive mother and a friend to many foster families, Shelly recognized the need to support women at all stages of motherhood. She saw firsthand that empowering mothers with housing, education, and life-skills training could transform generations. This vision became the foundation of Hope 139.

From Vision to Reality

Hope 139 began with a few rental properties and a dream. In 2019, the vision gained momentum when a generous local developer donated a 17-acre lot to establish the organization’s home base. Like many projects, the pandemic temporarily slowed progress, but by 2021, Hope 139 was back on track, refining its plans to meet state guidelines.

In 2023, Hope 139 broke ground on its campus. Armor Homes, who is also a customer of ours, is building this project. Today, three homes are built and nearing completion, while construction on three additional homes is well underway. The long-term plan includes 12 cottages and a community meeting space, providing a nurturing environment for mothers to heal, grow, and raise their children. 

A Partnership Close to Our Hearts

The Harbin Family Foundation is honored to support the transformative work of Hope 139. As partners in this mission, we believe in the power of community to uplift those in need and keep families together. The work of Hope 139 aligns perfectly with our values, reinforcing the importance of family and helping mothers build strong, supportive homes for their children. Together, we are fostering a future where women are empowered, children are nurtured, and families are kept whole. It’s a future built on hope, grace, and the unwavering belief that every life has value and purpose.

As houses 1, 2, and 3 receive their finishing touches and construction begins on the next phase, we encourage you to join us in supporting this incredible cause. Whether through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, you can make a difference in the lives of mothers and children in Athens.

Let’s build dreams together with Hope 139.