Update! 5/23/25
Ellie has officially been at House of Hope for 3 weeks, and while it hasn’t been without challenges, we’re so thankful for the progress she’s making.
Last weekend, what was supposed to be a routine dental procedure led to an unexpected emergency room visit. She was in a lot of pain, but thankfully her tooth was pulled yesterday, and we’re praying this brings her some relief so she can fully focus on her mental and emotional healing.
Right now, Ellie is working hard to memorize Bible verses in order to move into what’s called First High Phase. Once she reaches that, she’ll earn her first 8-hour day pass to spend time outside the program — something she’s really looking forward to.
Zack and I have also been growing through this process — attending weekly parenting classes and couples therapy as part of the program.
We are learning so much and feel incredibly blessed to have found House of Hope.
Thank you all for your continued support, prayers, and encouragement.
We feel it — and so does Ellie. Every $1 helps!
With love,
Cara & Zack
Update on Ellie – 5/4/25
Ellie is settling in well and is currently in the orientation phase. During this time, contact with her is limited, but we’re encouraged by the process and trust it’s an important step in her journey.
We’re also looking forward to attending our first Parent Life Training course this Tuesday.
June Tuition: $1,500
We currently have $600 in committed donations for June. Ideally, we are praying for a single donation to cover the full year’s tuition. While we wait in faith for that, we’re asking for nine people to commit $100 each to help cover this month’s need. Thank you!!!
Update on Ellie 4/28/25
Thanks to your generosity, we were able to cover her enrollment fee and her first month's payment. We are beyond grateful.
Ellie has now been in the hospital for 19 days. We are so excited to share that she will be released on Wednesday and has been accepted into House of Hope, a truly amazing program just 15 minutes from our home.
This next step is critical for Ellie's healing journey.
House of Hope provides intensive care, including weekly family counseling and required parenting classes — supporting not just Ellie, but all of us as a family. The program costs $1,500 per month and could last 3, 6, or even 12 months, depending on Ellie’s needs.
We still need your help to continue giving her the best chance at total healing. We will be fundraising monthly to meet these ongoing costs.
First, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your prayers, encouragement, and generosity have meant more than we can ever express. You’ve given us strength through some of the hardest days.
On April 8, 2025, we visited Teen Challenge in Virginia — the program we originally planned for Ellie. After much prayer and conversation, we realized it wasn’t the right fit for her. The very next day, Ellie was hospitalized for her mental health, confirming how urgently she needs a Christ-centered place to heal and grow.
God has opened a new door!
House of Hope — just 15 minutes from home — offers a beautiful, Christ-centered 12-month program focused on counseling, education, and discipleship. As her parents, we’ll be involved every step of the way through counseling, training, and regular visits, ensuring Ellie knows she is loved, supported, and never alone.
The only obstacle now is the cost — per month to cover her care, counseling, education, and life skills training.
If you’d like to learn more, here’s their website: https://www.houseofhopeofnc.com/
We believe with all our hearts that God has a beautiful plan for Ellie. Thank you for standing with us, praying with us, and helping us get Ellie the healing and support she so deeply needs.
Every prayer, every share, and every donation moves mountains.
We are forever grateful.
Donations can be sent directly to House of Hope: Please contact Cindy at https://www.houseofhopeofnc.com/ to make a donation to Ellie Gibson's account.
(Every $1 helps!)
With love and hope,
Zachary & Cara