Resource Service Ministries was formed by Lynn Westergaard in 1984, as a non-profit Christian Ministry. Our first office was located in a vacant building on the property of North Avenue Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, Georgia. Leading a crew of workers and volunteers, he began to provide services for low income, elderly widows who needed weatherization of their homes to cut down on their heating bills, allowing them to live comfortably and economically in their homes.
It was approximately 10 years earlier, in the mid-1970’s, while working for MARTA, Lynn met Mrs. Dubose, an elderly senior lady, who would bring hope and change into Lynn’s life like he had never imagined.
Mrs. Dubose led Lynn to accept Jesus as Savior and Lord of his life. From that day forward, Lynn’s life would never be the same. Fueled by new found hope, and sensing an incredible call on his life, Lynn was determined to bring help to destitute elderly widows in Atlanta.
Over 30 years later, Resource Service Ministries continues to grow. Behind the leadership of Executive Director, Michael Kimsey, Resource Service Ministries has cultivated support across the community, from churches, corporations, businesses, and individuals to further Lynn’s vision.
The population of elderly widows in need continues to accelerate in growth, both in Atlanta and beyond. In an effort to engage a younger generation to serve even more low income seniors in the years to come, the decision was made to rebrand Resource Service Ministries as HopeWorks.
HopeWorks will become a new platform for God to carry Lynn’s original vision into the future, with expansive programs to harness the passion and potential of the community to impact those in need.
Whether it be Mrs. Dubose bringing new hope into Lynn Westergaard’s heart in the mid-1970’s or Michael’s staff restoring hope for an elderly widow with a new furnace in 2015, HopeWorks
What We Do
Have you ever thought of your backyard as a mission field?
For many parts of the greater Atlanta region, that’s exactly what it is. A short 30 minute drive can bring you within arms reach of close to 170,000 seniors and widows living below the poverty level.
Our committed and compassionate family of partners and volunteers bring Caring Hearts & Helping Hands to low income widows and at risk fatherless youth in the city of Atlanta.
For over 30 Years, we have been helping low income widows in the metro Atlanta area with:
- Weatherization assistance for their homes
- Gas furnace and gas water heater repairs
- General home maintenance
On average, HopeWorks helps over 400 senior homeowners each year to warm their homes, lower utility costs, and ultimately remain independent longer.
HopeWorks is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) Christian Ministry.
Why We Are Needed
As the baby boomer generation reaches retirement age, it’s estimated that the United States senior adult population will rise from 40 million to over 72 million by the year 2030. This 60+ age group makes up over 16% of the total population in the state of Georgia alone, which accounts for almost 1.5 million seniors.
Simply stated, our desire is to reach and help as many low income widows as possible.
Without your partnership, volunteer efforts and generous donations, our rescue efforts could be
too late for many of these widows. We need your help to amplify and accelerate our reach in Atlanta and beyond.
