Together We Can.

Giving back through life-changing experiences

Upcoming Events

Our Team

Founder/CEO Joseph Varaksa is currently serving as the full-time Chaplain at the Albemarle County Regional Jail.  In response to the challenges he's encountered in the incarcerated community, Joseph started HOPE IS EVERYTHING.  

Financial matters are handled by Amy Dolak, who has decades of experience in all facets of accounting and bookkeeping.  She is our contact person for questions about donor statements and financial issues, and can be reached at HIEbookkeeper@gmail.com

Our amazing team consists of  part-time volunteers who are committed to helping others. We take our convictions and turn them into action. Think you would be a good fit? Get in touch for more information! 

For all other questions, please send an email to info@hopecville.org

Our History

As a jail chaplain seeing first hand the despair and hopelessness that can affect individuals and families, any glimmer of hope can make all the difference. It all starts with the little things. That's how the concept of HOPE IS EVERYTHING began. I formed our organization with the idea of providing inmates with backpacks upon release and duffels to Social Services to provide to children put into protective custody.

Our Mission

Our mission is to provide hope to those who find themselves affected by the judicial and social service systems.  By using the best means available in our communities and providing a vision of hope, we want to help individuals in the midst of despair and uncertainty know that they are not alone.

Our Programs

Sanguine Ranch - Memorial Day Weekend "Cowboy Way" Camp

Hope Is Everything is excited to introduce a new and exciting opportunity to collaborate with Sanguine Ranch, a stunning 32-acre property nestled in Fork Union, in the southern part of Fluvanna County.

Our partnership will focus on supporting local high school-aged foster kids as they cope with their trauma.  With the help of local organizations like Elk Hill School, we aim to invite some of these young people to the ranch for experiences that will be truly transformative.

We plan to utilize equine therapy and the beauty of the outdoors to connect with young people whom some might consider unreachable.  At the end of the camp, every participant will receive their very own cowboy hat, symbolizing their journey with us.  Just imagine the positive impact this program could have both in the short and long term!

Learn about our "Cowboy Way" youth program (May 23rd - 25th)

Duffels, Backpacks, and Luggage

We provide duffels and luggage to the local Social Services organization so they can disperse these resources to children placed in protective custody. For recently released inmates, we provide backpacks filled with personal hygiene items and weather-appropriate clothing as needed. We take donations from local businesses and individuals to help us purchase these items.  Help us connect with donors and with people in need.

We also provide Duffels to The Bridge Ministry, a Program and Training Facility helping men overcome addictive lifestyles by teaching them marketable skills to enable them to become productive and responsible citizens.

Community Connections

Our community is full of people who want to help. We work to connect the people providing services with the people who need them. Do you see a need or are you a potential resource for our organization? Come connect with people in new ways.

Volunteer

Looking for Volunteers who share the vision of hope. Marketing skills, fund-raising skills, web design skills are greatly needed. Join us and see what can be accomplished when you get an impassioned team to focus on change.

Hope Makes A Difference

Testimonials

"Hope is Everything has been a great partner organization to Elk Hill Outdoor Adventure! We run an after school adventure group for kids in DSS Services from the Charlottesville area and the kids in the group often get referred to us with little in the way of the outdoor appropriate clothing and gear. The biggest challenge is often footwear that is safe and sturdy. Joe reached out and asked what he could do to help support us and when I mentioned the need for hiking boots, he jumped into action and purchased boots for the whole crew with multiple sets for future members. We're looking forward to future collaboration projects, including a whitewater rafting trip in the Spring and an equine therapy program for our youth.  It's been a great start to what we know will be a partnership that helps us achieve Elk Hill's mission of transforming overwhelming challenges into successful futures for our youth. Thanks so much to Joe and Hope is Everything! "
(Andy - Elk Hill School)

"There were so many happy tears shed for families that had no way to provide for Christmas.  We can never thank your organization enough."
(Employee - DSS)

 

News

Foster Kids Wish Lists / Sanguine Ranch

By Joseph Varaksa | December 10, 2025

Help Us Deliver Joy – Every year, we receive a wish list for foster kids and foster families in our area.  These requests typically come from the local Departments of Social Services, but not always.  There are certain cases that are brought to our attention from other sources, dire situations that normally involve children.  Your…

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Rivanna River Rumble Canoe & Kayak Race

By Joseph Varaksa | May 13, 2025

Rivanna River Rumble Canoe and Kayak race was held on May 3rd.  All proceeds went to Hope is Everything.  A huge shoutout to Dave Dolak and Dave Segars, the race organizers.   We are looking to make this an annual event.  We had many young individuals turn out to volunteer for this event and we’re…

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January 2025 Update

By Joseph Varaksa | January 24, 2025

HAPPY NEW YEAR I’m not even sure where to begin. Hope is Everything saw so much growth in the past year. The number of people we were able to help throughout the year is astounding. To begin with, let’s look at the numbers: The Numbers $100,000 We received over $100,000 in donations, grants, and in-kind…

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Update – Summer 2024

By Joseph Varaksa | August 12, 2024

I hope this finds everyone doing well. The year seems to be going by at a rapid pace, but in a very exciting way… LOCALLY We are ramping up now to supply our connected Social Services departments with backpacks filled with school supplies for those foster kids who find themselves in great need. In addition,…

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Christmas 2023 Update

By Joseph Varaksa | February 17, 2024

For four years now, Hope Is Everything has been assisting local Departments of Social Services (DSS) distribute Christmas gifts to kids put into protective custody (Foster Care.) When we started out, we focused on providing gifts to 50-75 kids in Albemarle and Nelson Counties and the City of Charlottesville.  We have recently added Greene County and…

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Past Events

Summer Cookout Fundraiser 2025
Rivanna River Rumble 2025
Covenant School Packing Party
1st Annual Golf Tournament Fundraiser 2025 - Devil's Knob
Christmas Deliveries 2024

Get Involved

There are many ways to join us and support our mission. Contact us to find out  more about volunteer opportunities, fundraising events, and ways that you can get  our message to your friends and family.