March 3, 2025
Clara T. Rankin, 1917-2025
Dear Hopewell Friends,
With heavy hearts, we share the news that our founder, Clara T. Rankin, has passed away. While words feel insufficient in expressing the depth of this loss, we want to take a moment to honor her incredible vision, dedication, and the lasting impact she has made on all of us.
Mrs. Rankin founded Hopewell in 1993 with a clear mission to provide an opportunity for adults with serious mental illness to experience a self-reliant and satisfying life through participation in a vibrant residential therapeutic community. Her unwavering belief in the role that nature and meaningful work play in mental health recovery and her tireless effort has shaped this organization into what it is today. She did not just create a non-profit—she built a strong community that will continue to thrive in her memory.
Her legacy will live on through the work we do together and the lives of the individuals and families that we touch. She inspired all of us to give of ourselves, to stay committed to our mission, and to always strive for better outcomes. As we move forward, we remain dedicated to carrying on the vision she set in motion, ensuring that the work she so passionately started continues.
While we mourn her loss, we also celebrate her remarkable life. Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and all who were blessed to know her.
Together, we will keep her vision alive, honoring her by continuing the mission she so deeply believed in.
Warm regards,
Colleen Welder, Executive Director
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