about us
our vision to EMPOWER the hurting.
WHO WE ARE
Marked For Life Ministries began with a simple yet profound mission: to meet people in their darkest moments and show them that hope is never out of reach. What started as small outreach efforts to provide food, clothing, and encouragement to those in need has grown into a thriving ministry that transforms lives across DeKalb County and beyond.
It all began when we saw a desperate need—families struggling to make ends meet, individuals caught in the grip of addiction, and neighbors left without a place to call home. We knew that handing out temporary relief wasn’t enough; people needed a path forward, not just a handout. That belief led to the creation of a new model of ministry—one that empowers individuals to earn, exchange, and work toward lasting change.
Marked For Life Ministries has become a lifeline for hundreds of individuals and families in need. Through The Hope Center, we provided 657 crisis appointments in 2024, helping neighbors take the next step toward stability. Neighbors earned over 4,153 hours through our Exchange Model, allowing them to invest in their future by working toward essential needs. As a result, 75% of those we served experienced real-life change—securing permanent housing, finding employment, making strides in recovery, or even encountering Christ for the first time.
Our Medical Center continues to meet a critical need for those without healthcare access. In 2024, we provided 81 patient visits and filled 65 prescriptions, saving uninsured neighbors over $15,400 in medical costs.
Meanwhile, The Hope House provided over 125 nights of shelter, offering a safe place for individuals transitioning from crisis to stability. We are excited to celebrate our first Hope House graduates in early 2025 as they move toward full independence.
Through our food rescue and outreach programs, we rescued 30,290 pounds of food, redistributing 20,598 pounds to local food pantries and families.
The need for emergency assistance remained high, and we responded to 8,207 crisis calls, dedicated 1,670 hours to disaster relief, and sheltered 24 neighbors in warming stations during extreme weather.
Our Deliver Hope Projects continued to bring people together in service and love. Over 5,000 neighbors were impacted through events like Love Night for single moms, Back to School Outreach, Baskets of Blessings for Thanksgiving, and Hope on Christmas for children in need.
Volunteers played a key role in making this happen, serving over 20,000 hours, which saved our organization more than $200,000 in operational costs.