HWAM HISTORY

In 2004, Executive Director, Kevin Lamson, began leading youth groups to Mexico to build homes for the needy and led a team to Alabama to help when Katrina hit. It was through these experiences, he felt compelled to seek out opportunities in his own community where he lived.

In 2006, Kevin read a newspaper article about 1,500 youth being homeless in Jackson County and the need for a youth shelter. After many discussions with local service agencies confirming this need and no other agency willing to take it on, he felt compelled to do what was needed to establish a youth shelter, which first required forming a non-profit organization. Hearts With A Mission (HWAM)  was granted their 501(c) 3 as a non-profit organization in March of 2007.  In 2008, HWAM received a Community Development Block Grant through the City of Medford, with which they purchased property at 521 Edwards. The home was renovated through generous donations from the community to house up to 17 youth. HWAM opened its doors as a licensed Child Caring Agency in the State of Oregon on December 21st, 2009.

Kevin, along with a committed board of directors, continues to do what he feels is the calling for his life. With the amazing support of God, remarkable staff, and a caring community, at-risk youth now have access to a home filled with love and compassion in a safe and supportive environment with family reunification as a primary goal.

Mission

Hearts With A Mission serves at-risk youth and families, by providing shelter, educational support, counseling, family reunification, transition planning, and elder companion care all with a faith-based approach.

Vision

Rooted in unwavering love and compassion, our vision is to nurture God’s grace by providing hope to the most vulnerable. We strive to offer a lifeline of care to at-risk children, youth, families, and seniors, providing the promise of a more hopeful tomorrow.

Hearts With A Mission is a non-profit 501 (c) 3, Tax ID 20-8678122

CORE VALUES

FAITH: We are prayerfully and gratefully living out our faith in Jesus Christ in a culture of trust marked by unconditional and nonjudgmental love, compassion, empathy, and mutual respect.

HOPE: We are inspiring hope among youths, their families, and all who are involved in our mission.

LOVE: We are acting with the love of Christ in all aspects of our mission.

SERVICE: We are providing a family-like environment for youth safety and growth, with a primary focus on family reunification whenever possible.

COMMUNITY: We are offering youth and their families optimal resources and opportunities through strong community relationships and partnerships.