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The purpose of the corporation is to improve and strengthen communities to bring together people and resources to meet the social and economic needs of the people of western Johnson County, to encourage and improve communication at and between all levels of our communities, and to provide support and guidance addressing community needs and interests.

We are very proud of our Community Activity Center and Thrift Center and welcome you to come and enjoy them with us.

Holden is a small rural town located about 50 miles southeast of Kansas City, Missouri and about 25 miles southwest of Warrensburg, Missouri, home of the University of Central Missouri.

Two state highways intersect the town, Hwy 58 and Hwy 131.

Traveling east from Kansas City:

Take US Hwy 50 east from Lee’s Summit toward Sedalia. About 24 miles you will come to a flashing yellow light (Pittsville) and turn right (south) on Hwy 131. Follow Hwy 131 south for about 9 miles into Holden. After crossing the railroad tracks take a left (east) on the first cross street (McKissock) by Sonic. You now see the back of the Community Activity Center. Continue 2 blocks to South Market St, it is a one-way street going north so DO NOT turn right, instead you may park in the lot straight ahead or pull through the lot back on to South Market St and if parking is available, park in front of the building.

Traveling west from Warrensburg/Sedalia:

Take US Hwy 50 west from Warrensburg toward Lee’s Summit. About 5 miles west of Warrensburg at the flashing yellow light, turn left (south) on Hwy 58. Continue traveling south on Hwy 58 past Centerview and stay right on the curve at F junction. Now traveling west on Hwy 58 continue for about 8 miles into the east edge of Holden. The highway curves back to the north and in about 8 blocks you will come to a stop sign at Second Street. Turn left (west) and continue for 2 blocks to South Market Street. Turn right (north) and you should now see the Community Activity Center.

Parking:

South Market Street is a one way street (south to north). You may park on both sides of the street. There is limited parking in front of the CAC but there are two large parking lots for larger events. One is an asphalt lot directly in front (east) of the Community Activity Center and the other is a gravel lot directly behind (west) the facility.

About

The H.O.P.E. Coalition Mission

It is our mission to improve and strengthen our community by bringing together people and resources; to enlighten and educate the public as to the benefits and values of controlling alcohol and substance abuse; to encourage and improve communications in all levels of our community; to provide support and guidance to those in need. We feel it takes a whole community to raise a whole child.

History

H.O.P.E. Coalition was formed in 1995 following a traffic fatality involving a teenager driving under the influence of alcohol.

In November of 1996 after a community wide meeting involving parents, teachers, business, civic leaders, organizations, students, clergy and law enforcement officers from local communities, H.O.P.E. Coalition became Incorporated as a nonprofit organization and became known as H.O.P.E. Coalition, Inc. The acronym H.O.P.E. meaning Helping Overcome Problems Everyday was chosen for the organization. A Board of Directors and committees were set up to discover what the needs in Western Johnson County were and how to go about fulfilling those needs.

In January 1997 Unitog donated the former Holden Manufacturing Building through the Neighborhood Assistance Program to H.O.P.E. Coalition, Inc. and it became known as the H.O.P.E. Community Center.

In 1997 H.O.P.E. Coalition, Inc. became a Community 2000, MoACT and CADCA members.

In 1998 H.O.P.E. became a United Way agency.

In 2000 H.O.P.E. became a member of the Neighbor Assistance Program and the new Community Activity Center (CAC) was completed.

The Thrift Center was opened in November of 2009 to expand services provided to our community. The Thrift Center serves as a “point of contact” through which assistance can be acquired.

H.O.P.E. Coalition, Inc. partners with The Holden Area Ministerial Alliance to provide clothing, household items, emergency food, and utility assistance

Confidentiality is of utmost importance.

We are a United Way Agency.

Board of Directors

1st Vice President, Donna Chaney
2nd Vice President, John Roberts
Secretary, Tonyea Inglis
Treasurer, Donna Woods
Board Member, Bob Mickey
Board Member, Rusty Kephart
Board Member, Recolia Wehmeyer
Board Member, Kristy Talley
Board Member, Robin Stevenson

Community Activity Center

Holden Community Activity Center (CAC) is part of H.O.P.E. Coalition, Inc.

We are very proud of our centers and welcome you to come and enjoy them with us.

Our tournaments include not only local teams but any team who wishes to participate. We have several repeat participating teams from out of town.

These activities generate a major portion of our funding to operate the building. Team fees, gate fees, and concession sales are our return for paying referees, equipment, staff, concession items, and utilities.

Facilities

The balcony has 468 stadium style seats overlooking the gym. The CAC also has eight 15 foot and four 9 foot three-rise bleachers to accommodate additional seating.

We have two regulation size basketball courts, which can convert to three volleyball courts.

Batting cages available for rental.

There are bleachers alongside each court and for larger events a balcony with stadium style seating.

The facility has both heating and air conditioning.

Concession area and restrooms.

Our facility is available to rent for tournaments, wedding receptions, family gatherings, etc. Chairs and table are available at no additional charge when renting the facility for an event.