About Us
Restoring Hope. Transforming Lives. Serving With Faith.
Imperial Hope Ministry is a community-focused ministry based in Benton Harbor, Michigan, serving Benton Harbor, St. Joseph, Berrien County, and surrounding Southwest Michigan communities.
Who We Are
Imperial Hope Ministry is committed to strengthening individuals, families, and communities. We build programs, partnerships, resources, and opportunities that help people move toward stability, wellness, personal development, workforce readiness, self-sufficiency, community connection, and greater opportunity.
Faith is part of who we are, and everyone is welcome. Families and community members are invited to participate, whether they come for support, for connection, or simply to serve alongside us.
Our Mission & Vision
Our Mission
Imperial Hope Ministry exists to create programs, partnerships, resources, and opportunities that strengthen individuals, families, and communities through faith, wellness, education, workforce development, community engagement, and service.
Our Vision
Communities where individuals and families have access to the resources, relationships, skills, support, and opportunities necessary to build stronger futures — where hope leads to opportunity, and opportunity leads to lasting change.
Our Values
Faith
Serving with compassion, purpose, and faith.
Service
Meaningful service should create dignity and positive change.
Hope
Hope becomes powerful when people are given opportunities.
Development
Helping people develop skills, confidence, and stronger futures.
Community
Lasting change happens when communities work together.
Opportunity
People deserve pathways to learn, develop, and succeed.
Legacy
Honoring those who came before us by creating opportunities for those who come next.
Our Story
Imperial Hope Ministry was founded from a deeply personal place—faith, loss, love, and a determination to create meaningful change in the community.
After losing my mother, Jurlene C. Edison, affectionately known as “Red,” I knew I wanted her legacy to live on through something that brought hope and opportunity to others. Her life inspired me to take my grief and turn it into purpose—not only by honoring her memory, but by creating programs that encourage people, strengthen families, and help our community move forward.
That purpose first came to life through Red J Mile, a weekly community walking and wellness initiative where families and neighbors come together for movement, encouragement, awareness, and remembrance. What began as a walk in my mother’s honor has grown into a larger vision for community service.
Imperial Hope Ministry was created to carry that vision forward. Through initiatives such as Red J Mile and Renova, we are building opportunities for wellness, volunteerism, workforce development, skilled-trades exposure, neighborhood revitalization, and stronger community connections.
I believe hope should lead to action. It should help people gain confidence, develop practical skills, access meaningful opportunities, and recognize their ability to create a better future.
This ministry is still growing, but its foundation is strong: faith, service, community, and legacy. My goal is to build something that will continue serving people for generations—one walk, one home, one opportunity, and one life at a time.
Founder's Story
“I believe hope should lead to action. It should help people gain confidence, develop practical skills, access meaningful opportunities, and recognize their ability to create a better future.”
Renisha Edison-Farmer
Founder, Imperial Hope Ministry