The Emerald Coast Association of REALTORS® Leadership Development Program has completed a transformative service project at Hope House in Crestview, raising approximately $25,000 and delivering extensive renovations to the residential facility that serves youth ages 10-17 following adjudication.
- What began in March as a modest plan to paint three bedrooms, reorganize a day room and revamp a laundry room evolved into a comprehensive restoration that has changed the facility’s atmosphere and launched ongoing community support.
“I am so incredibly proud of this group. They did so much for Hope House,” said Mallory Fotiades, a mortgage loan originator with Lend Smart Mortgage. “I often think that the LDP class looks for their project to be the next big ‘legacy project’. I do not believe that this was their intention — but that is exactly what they did.”
The Leadership Development Program is designed to identify, cultivate and empower future leaders within ECAR by providing high-level training, mentorship and opportunities to engage at the local, state and national levels. Each year, participants complete a service project that challenges them to communicate, collaborate and lead.
Heather Vaughn, a realtor with The Property Group 850, said the team knew Hope House had substantial needs when they selected it as their project focus.
- “I had been made aware of the Hope House in Crestview and knew there was such a huge need there,” Vaughn said. “I felt that with the LDP team we had this year, we had connections to make a big impact in the house.”
Through community partnerships and volunteer efforts, the project delivered a new roof, upgraded plumbing and electrical systems for a fully functioning laundry room, fresh paint throughout the facility, new bedding, and games and activities for the children.
Timberman Roofing partnered with the project to handle the roof replacement, reaching out to suppliers to secure donated materials and labor. The roof was completed in October.
Over the summer, the LDP class created an Amazon wish list that included games, outdoor activities, puzzles and laptops. The list was filled within two days through their networks. Community members and colleagues donated paint, brushes, bedding, curtains, blinds, bathroom supplies and even replaced a broken window.
- “The support we had from the community blew me away,” Vaughn said. “Seeing in real time that the community cares, that we care, really began to change the entire atmosphere in the house.”
Kevin Stamper, vice president of development at Lutheran Services Florida, sent the class a video message as the project neared completion.
“They have taken on this place to make it as beautiful as the youth they serve,” Stamper said.
Hope House, operated by LSF Family Focus at 5127 Eastland St. in Crestview, offers life-skills training, counseling support and resources that empower youth to regain independence and build long-term stability. The facility provides temporary shelter, behavioral management programs, family counseling, individual counseling, group counseling, case management and family support services.
- LSF reports an approximately 98% success rate of youth returning home to their families following their stay at the shelter. The organization’s staff includes master’s-educated professionals trained to work with and advocate for troubled youth.
Services extend beyond residential care to include community counseling services such as screening and assessment, intervention, case management and 60-day aftercare follow-up.
The project’s impact extends beyond the renovations. A Hope House Ambassador Group is being formed to hold monthly meetings that will identify needs and develop ideas for continued community involvement.
“Because of this project, there is a Hope House Ambassador Group being put together,” Fotiades said. “This will be a monthly meeting that will help identify the needs and come together with ideas of how to get the community involved to help. This project will far exceed the year. This is just the start.”
Vaughn said the experience showed her the lasting impact of community involvement.
- “Although our year with the LDP program has come to an end, our work and support for the Hope House is just beginning,” she said. “I am honored to have been a part of this project and I look forward to what is to come in the future.”
The 2025 LDP team included:
- Stefanie Fair – Endless Horizons
- Holly D’Arcy – Berkshire Hathaway
- Samantha Lapomardo – Coldwell Banker, Niceville
- Stephanie Fleener – Coldwell Banker, Niceville
- Taylor Labno – Coldwell Banker, Niceville
- Geoff Goodsell – Coldwell Banker, Niceville
- Catherine Pittman – The Property Group 850
- Heather Vaugh – The Property Group 850
- Heidi Merritt – The Property Group 850
- Matt Hoover – The Property Group 850
LDP CHAIR
- Thomas Canada – Coldwell Banker
LDP COCHAIR
- Brandy Brown – Southern Choice Properties
LDP LIASON
- Melissa Garza
LDP SPONSORS
- Ashley Bowen – Emerald Coast Title
- Mallory Fotiades – Lend Smart Mortgage
For more information about Hope House, call 850-682-2374.
One Response
A huge shoutout to the amazing donors who gave their time and services to help make this project happen!
Timberman Roofing,
John Thornton with Combat Air,
Kenny Sherman’s Landscaping LLC,
All-Pro Shutters and Blinds,
Hope City Community Church,
Thin Blue Line Painting Company LLC,
KG Plumbing Services,
Crestview Flooring America,
Barlow Electrical Service inc.,
@Dream Home Designs,
Sean Brown with Gulfeagle Supply Fort Walton Beach,
Shane Carpenter with Bayou Home Inspections and
@Superior Exteriors of NWFL
This would not be possible without your support!