Local couple launches 'Hopes and Dreams' to help anyone in need

*Left: Hopes and Dreams board, Danika Kiefer, Stacy Taber, Mike Taber, and Lily Taber*

Mike and Stacy Taber are relying on their faith and a calling to help anyone in need through their nonprofit, Hopes and Dreams.

Through the organization, the couple operates a mobile relief effort, using a trailer filled with clothing, household items, personal necessities, and nonperishable food to help those affected by fires, tornadoes, or loss of income. The organization provides all services free of charge, relying entirely on donations to support its outreach efforts.

“Our mission is to assist anyone who has been struck by disaster,” said Stacy.

Their faith is important to the family, and Inspiration for Hopes and Dreams came several years ago through a dream that Mike described as a message from God. The vision included an enclosed trailer stocked with essential items that could be transported directly to those in need, meeting them wherever was most convenient.

While the dream was clear, the Tabers spent five years praying and waiting for the right time to launch their mission. That moment finally arrived in February when they secured the funds to purchase a trailer.

Since acquiring the trailer, the couple has been actively collecting donations and organizing their resources. They’ve reached out to local yard sales, asking to take leftover items, and have been overwhelmed by the community’s generosity.

“People are amazing and have huge hearts in this area! We have a whole room full of clothing, as well as our trailer!” Stacy shared.

The organization currently has an abundance of clothing but is still seeking donations of basic household items, non-perishable food, toiletries, baby supplies, Bibles, and monetary contributions. Financial donations help maintain their food supply and expand their ability to serve more people in need.

“We are trying to raise some money so that we can provide services to even more people,” Stacy notes. “We will go anywhere in the surrounding counties to help someone.”

Both Mike and Stacy bring significant experience in community service to their new venture. They have served in ministries at their local church and participated in outreach programs for the homeless in Indianapolis and Evansville.

Mike, who works at Hutson Inc. in Ireland and served 10 years in the Army National Guard, has a particular passion for helping veterans. The couple has cooked for the Homeless Veterans Roundup mission in Evansville and volunteered for the Southern Indiana Honor Flight.

Stacy has also contributed to the community through service on the Dubois County Humane Society board.

Hopes and Dreams is awaiting official 501(c)3 nonprofit status approval from the IRS, which they expect to receive by August. Along with Mike and Stacy, the couple’s daughters, Lily and Danika, are also members of the board of directors.

Those interested in learning more about Hopes and Dreams or seeking assistance can contact Mike at 812-639-3855 or Stacy at 812-639-7254. Information is also available by email at hopesanddreamsin@yahoo.com or through their website at https://hopesanddreamsin.org. The organization maintains a presence on Facebook as well.

“We are always looking for people to help, so if anyone knows of someone needing a little help, we are all ears!” Stacy said.

This fall, the group is hosting a meat cooler raffle fundraiser, offering a chance to win a cooler of frozen meat. Tickets will be sold for $10 each or three for $25.