👤 Guest:

Sheila Fuson
Title: Coordinator – Family Resource and Youth Services Center (FRYSC)
Organization: Lone Jack School Center, Bell County, Kentucky

In this deeply emotional episode, host Benson Gregory sits down with Sheila Fuson, FRYSC Coordinator at Lone Jack School in Bell County, Kentucky — a woman whose persistence and compassion have literally changed lives.

Sheila shares her 34-year journey serving the children and families of her small Appalachian community. From taking kids to dentist appointments and helping parents apply for jobs, to delivering Christmas gifts in the snow on her own time, Sheila is more than a coordinator — she’s a lifeline.

The episode builds to a heartbreaking but redemptive story: two young girls found in heartbreaking conditions after their mother passed away. Thanks to Sheila’s persistence and Mission of Hope’s support, those girls were given warmth, furniture, education — and a new life. One of them, now a high school senior, still remembers the moment everything changed.

• What FRYSC coordinators really do

• How poverty, addiction, and family loss affect kids in Eastern Kentucky

• The real-world impact of Mission of Hope’s school partnerships

• Why volunteers are urgently needed — and how to get involved

• A story of loss, love, and redemption that will stay with you

“If you don’t have a heart for a kid, then this is not a job for you.” — Sheila Fuson

• Mission of Hope: missionofhope.org
  → Donate, sponsor a child, or sign up to serve a school like Lone Jack.

📝 Episode Summary:🔑 What You'll Hear:💬 Quote of the Episode:🔗 Resources:

🎙️ Stories of the Hope – August 2025 Episode
Title: Mentorship That Changes Lives: John Koch & Connor Blevins

Host: Benson Gregory
Guests: John Koch (Mentor) and Connor Blevins (Scholar)

Episode Summary:
In this powerful episode of Stories of the Hope, host Benson Gregory sits down with mentor John Koch and scholar Connor Blevins to explore the life-changing impact of Mission of Hope’s mentor-scholar program. John shares why he chose to get involved after retirement and how his weekly calls with Connor have become a rewarding, faith-filled connection. Connor opens up about his challenging childhood, his family’s path to recovery, and how the Mission of Hope scholarship and mentorship helped him envision and pursue a future he never thought possible.

Key Topics:

• How John Koch got involved with Mission of Hope after retirement

• What mentoring looks like when done remotely

• Connor's personal story: from instability and early exposure to addiction to academic achievement

• The critical turning point in 8th grade that sparked Connor’s pursuit of excellence

• How Mission of Hope’s scholarship and mentor program changed Connor’s life path

• Connor’s aspirations: law, business, and eventually politics

• The importance of thank-you notes and staying connected with scholarship organizations

• Advice for students and potential mentors

• A closing reflection from Ephesians 2:10 and the call to serve others

Notable Quotes:

🗣️ “We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works.” – John Koch quoting Ephesians 2:10

🗣️ “Knowing I’ve got somebody I can go to and just talk—that’s a pretty big thing for me.” – Connor Blevins

🗣️ “Don’t just get the money and run. Send thank you letters. Stay in touch. Step out of your comfort zone.” – Connor’s advice to fellow scholars

Take Action:

💙 Learn more about becoming a mentor or applying for a Mission of Hope scholarship: https://missionofhope.org
📣 Share this episode to help spread the word about how mentorship changes lives.
🙏 Are you retired or looking for ways to serve? Mission of Hope and find your place to plug in.

🔊 Show Notes:
In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Stories of the Hope, host Benson Gregory sits down with Madison Mullins, the 100th graduate of the Mission of Hope Scholarship Program. Madison shares her inspiring journey growing up in Claiborne County, Tennessee, overcoming family hardship, and how Mission of Hope helped change the trajectory of her life.

She reflects on receiving school supplies as a child, navigating college while caring for her ailing grandmother and younger siblings, and the incredible moment she opened her acceptance letter. Now a Student Success Coordinator helping students find their own paths, Madison is a living testament to the ripple effect of hope, perseverance, and support.

💡 Topics Covered:

• Growing up in Appalachia with limited resources

• The impact of Mission of Hope’s school supply and Christmas gift programs

• How the scholarship—and a dedicated mentor—made college possible

• Pushing through overwhelming obstacles to graduate early

• Giving back: now working in schools to guide the next generation

• Advice to students in difficult circumstances and potential mentors

🙌 Quote of the Episode:
"Be bold, be proud, and be loud. Don’t stop." – Madison Mullins

🔗 Learn more:
Want to help students like Madison? Donate, volunteer, or learn more at https://missionofhope.org

Stories of Hope Podcast: Alice Lloyd College & Mission of Hope

🎙 Host: Benson Gregory
🎙 Guest: Dr. Allison Southard, VP of Institutional Advancement at Alice Lloyd College

Episode Summary:
In this episode of Stories of Hope, we explore the remarkable history and mission of Alice Lloyd College in Pippa Passes, Kentucky. For over 100 years, this unique institution has been providing tuition-free, character-based education to Appalachian students, ensuring they graduate debt-free and ready to serve their communities. Dr. Allison Southard shares how Mission of Hope has been a key partner in supporting students, from childhood through college, with scholarships, supplies, and encouragement.

🔹 What You’ll Learn:

• The inspiring story of Alice Lloyd and her vision for education in Appalachia
• How Alice Lloyd College operates as a work-study institution with no tuition costs
• The impact of Mission of Hope on students, faculty, and the surrounding community
• Personal stories of students who have come full circle—from receiving aid as kids to working at Alice Lloyd College
• How you can get involved with Alice Lloyd College and Mission of Hope

🌟 Key Quote:
"We were given something here—an opportunity. And now we have a duty to pay that forward." – Dr. Allison Southard

📌 Resources & Links:

• Learn more about Alice Lloyd College: alc.edu
• Support Mission of Hope: missionofhope.org
• Volunteer opportunities: Visit Mission of Hope’s website for ways to help in Appalachia

📢 Enjoyed this episode?
Rate, review, and share the Stories of Hope podcast with your friends! Your support helps spread the message of hope and transformation in Appalachia.

Podcast Show Notes – Interview with Emmette Thompson

Host: Benson Gregory
Guest: Emmette Thompson

In this heartfelt episode, Benson Gregory sits down with longtime friend and servant leader Emmette Thompson, Executive Director Emeritus of Mission of Hope. Emmette shares his inspiring journey from a corporate career to leading a life of ministry, his personal battle with addiction, and his unwavering passion for helping the people of Appalachia.

With nearly 30 years of service, Mission of Hope has grown from a small Christmas outreach to a year-round ministryproviding food, clothing, education, and scholarships to children and families in rural Appalachia. Emmette reflects on the power of faith, the importance of servant leadership, and the transformative impact of investing in others.

• How Mission of Hope started and grew into a vital community support organization
• The challenges of rural poverty and why many people don’t recognize its severity
• The power of connection in nonprofit work and why collaboration matters
• Emmette’s personal testimony of overcoming addiction and how it shaped his calling
• The importance of mentorship, faith, and passing the baton in leadership transitions
• Real-life success stories from the Mission of Hope Scholarship Program

🗣️ “You don't really know what somebody is going through until you follow them home.” – Benson Gregory
🗣️ “Every day is a victory. If you’re struggling, start with the first day, then the first week, then the first year.” – Emmette Thompson
🗣️ “We don’t need to reinvent the wheel. We just need to find the people already doing the work and support them.” – Emmette Thompson

🎙️ Subscribe & Review – Don’t miss future episodes!

In this inspiring episode of Stories of the Hope, host Benson Gregory sits down with Valerie Franklin, the dedicated Volunteer Coordinator for Mission of Hope. Valerie shares her incredible journey of faith, from feeling a lifelong call to serve the children of Appalachia to uprooting her life in Texas and moving to Tennessee to fulfill that mission.

She also provides a behind-the-scenes look at the vital work Mission of Hope does year-round, from disaster relief to scholarship programs, and, of course, their well-known Christmas and Back-to-School initiatives. Whether you're looking for a way to get involved or simply need a dose of encouragement, Valerie’s story is sure to inspire.

Tune in to hear how small acts of kindness and faith-driven service are making a big impact in Appalachian communities—and how you can be part of it.

🔹 Listen now and learn how you can help at missionofhope.org.

🎙 Stories of Hope Podcast: The Full Circle Impact of Mission of Hope

🎙 Host: Benson Gregory
🎙 Guest: Jonathan Defevers, Director of Special Education, Bell County Board of Education

Episode Summary:
In this heartwarming episode of Stories of Hope, we welcome Jonathan Defevers, a former Mission of Hope recipient who has come full circle—now serving as an educator, administrator, and parent in the same Appalachian communities where Mission of Hope continues to make an impact. From experiencing Mission of Hope as a student to witnessing its influence as a teacher, principal, and now a father, Jonathan shares how the organization provides not just gifts, but lasting hope to children in need.

🔹 What You’ll Learn:

• How Mission of Hope has impacted Jonathan’s life from childhood to his career
• The emotional and practical significance of Mission of Hope’s Christmas and back-to-school programs
• Stories of impoverished students whose lives have been changed by Mission of Hope
• How Mission of Hope helps families in crisis beyond just Christmas and school supplies
• The role of teachers and administrators in ensuring students receive hope and resources

🌟 Key Quote:
"Mission of Hope goes far beyond just giving gifts. It provides dignity, encouragement, and a sense of worth to children who may have nothing else." – Jonathan Defevers

📌 Resources & Links:

• Learn more about Mission of Hope: missionofhope.org
• Volunteer or donate to support Appalachian students and families
• Share this podcast to spread awareness and hope!

📢 Enjoyed this episode?
Rate, review, and share Stories of Hope with your friends! Your support helps bring encouragement and transformation to Appalachian communities.

🎙 Stories of Hope Podcast: A Conversation with David Heatherly

🎙 Host: Benson Gregory
🎙 Guest: David Heatherly, Executive Director of Mission of Hope

Episode Summary:
In this special episode of Stories of Hope, we sit down with David Heatherly, the Executive Director of Mission of Hope, to reflect on the past year, discuss the organization’s impact, and look ahead to the future. From disaster relief efforts to scholarship programs and Christmas gift deliveries, David shares the incredible ways Mission of Hope continues to bring hope to thousands of families in Appalachia.

🔹 What You’ll Learn:

• How Mission of Hope responded to devastating flooding in Eastern Tennessee
• The year-round programs that go beyond Christmas, including school supply drives and scholarships
• Stories of life-changing scholarships for students overcoming adversity
• The role of volunteers and community partners in making Mission of Hope successful
• How faith and service are at the heart of Mission of Hope’s work

🌟 Key Quote:
"We’re not just delivering gifts—we’re delivering hope. And that hope can change a life." – David Heatherly

📌 Resources & Links:

• Learn more about Mission of Hope: missionofhope.org
• Volunteer or donate to support Appalachian families
• Follow us on social media to stay updated on upcoming projects

📢 Enjoyed this episode?
Rate, review, and share Stories of Hope with your friends! Your support helps spread encouragement and transformation in Appalachian communities.