Courtesy of the Buzz Daily News Network, this interview features Hope Haven CEO Stella Johnson and "On a Mission" host Jack Sears.

Our CEO Stella Johnson Discusses Hope Haven’s 100-Year Legacy on, “On a Mission”

We’re excited to share that our CEO, Stella Johnson, recently joined Jack Sears on the Daily News Network’s “On a Mission.” During the interview, Stella dove into some of what we’re doing at Hope Haven to help families and kids in Jacksonville thrive.

As one of Jacksonville’s biggest and oldest nonprofits, Hope Haven offers a wide range of programs and services aimed at helping children reach their full potential. Stella talked about the range of support we provide—from clinical care and early diagnostics for toddlers to after-school programs, tutoring, and summer camps. It’s all happening at our Beach Boulevard campus, and it’s all about supporting kids in the best way possible.

Hope Haven's Year-Round Discovery School | For Children Ages 3-5

Each year, we’re proud to serve about 3,500 families, offering things like autism evaluations, in-depth interventions, and family advocacy. One of our key goals? Making sure cost isn’t an obstacle for families who need help. “We offer financial assistance for families who might be struggling to afford our services,” Stella said, showing how committed we are to equity and accessibility.

Stella also revealed a bit about her own journey. She’s been leading Hope Haven for seven years now, and her dedication to ensuring that every family gets the resources they need speaks volumes about her commitment to Hope Haven’s mission. Sharing during her interview, “It’s a privilege to be able to help other families get the support they need to thrive and become healthy, productive members of society.”

Hope Haven's Summer Reading Academic Camp

Financial support has become more important than ever, especially with rising costs making things tougher for many families. Hope Haven has provided over $800,000 in assistance this year alone, helping to ensure that families can access the care they need. Stella emphasized how critical community support is to keep these services running and to continue helping families during tough times.

Looking ahead, Stella gave a sneak peek into an exciting milestone—Hope Haven’s 100th anniversary in 2026. “It’s incredible to think about how far we’ve come from the old Hope Haven Hospital,” she said. “But one thing that’s stayed the same is our commitment to helping children reach their full potential.”

Hope Haven's Career Camp | Winter, Spring & Summer | For Ages 14-21 with an IEP or 504 Plan

Beyond the core programs and services discussed in the interview, there’s so much more happening at Hope Haven that we’re excited to share with you! One of our standout areas is our Employment and Transition Services, where we help young adults and teens prepare for the workforce and independence. Through programs like Hope Academy, Pre-Placement Training, Self-Advocacy Coaching, On-the-Job Training (OJT), and Work-Based Learning Experiences (WBLE) we are equipping our students for real-world success. Whether it’s building job skills, boosting confidence, or creating new opportunities, we’re here to support them every step of the way.

If you or someone you know could benefit from our services, we’d love to hear from you! Feel free to give us a call at (904) 346-5100 or visit our website at www.hope-haven.org. Whether you’re interested in scheduling a tour of our Discovery School, setting up a mental health assessment, or learning more about getting involved, we’re here to help.

A huge thank you to Jack Sears and the Daily News Network for highlighting the work we do. Together, we’re helping families and children thrive!