At Hands of Hope, our mission resonates with the values we cherish. We aim to honor God by extending love to His children and being the conduit of hope. Our focus lies in tending to children’s material, medical, educational and spiritual needs. We accomplish this by facilitating life-changing surgeries for children with unique abilities, forging lasting discipleship relationships. Additionally, we provide essential medical equipment and partner with rescue and training centers to offer service dogs. We extend support through adoption grants and nurture spiritual well-being for both children and their families.
Hands of Hope traces its roots back to the summer of 1999 when Jim and Tammy Palmer stumbled upon a yard sale and purchased a bag of homemade baby dolls. This simple act sparked an idea—to gift these toys and more to children during Christmas, alleviating the despair parents feel in times of need.
Tammy, raised in a single-parent household, witnessed her mother’s struggles, fostering in her a deep empathy for the pain of disappointment and depression.
Jim, part of a large family, remembers his parents’ challenges in providing for them, especially during Christmas, leading to a lifelong passion for supporting those in need.
From this humble beginning, the Hands of Hope Christmas Ministry flourished, touching the lives of over 600 children each season, offering not just material gifts but also spiritual nourishment and hope.
In 2010, Jim and Tammy embarked on their adoption journey, bringing home their first daughter from China, followed by four more adoptions over the years. Their dedication to children, particularly those without a voice or facing physical challenges, fuels their commitment to adoption, embracing differences, and supporting service dogs. The Palmers harbor a profound affection for dogs that have endured hardships, reflected in their care for two rescue black labs trained for physical assistance.
“Hannah’s condition revealed to us the importance of specialized care beyond state boundaries,” the Palmers express, having experienced firsthand the challenges and expenses involved in seeking treatment for their daughter, Hannah, who has Larsen syndrome—a rare condition requiring specialized care.
Gratefully blessed with assistance for their children through adoption grants, medical gifts, and service dog training, the Palmers now seek to pay forward their blessings through the Hands of Hope initiative.
“Our desire is to channel our blessings and experiences into giving back to God,” Jim and Tammy affirm.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
