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A Day in the Life: Barbara Mathis, House Parent at the DeLand Hope House

At OHU’s Hope Houses in Florida, we create a nurturing, family-like environment for children involved in child and family services and the juvenile justice system. Our unique “No Eject, No Reject” approach emphasizes genuine connections, understanding, love, and acceptance. 

Meet Barbara Mathis

Barbara Mathis joined One Hope United as a House Parent at our DeLand, Florida Hope House in December 2022. With a rich background in working with vulnerable populations, including young women in a human trafficking group home and special needs young adults, Barbara brings invaluable experience and a deep passion for helping others. 

Barbara going to pick up a youth from school

A Typical Day as a House Parent

Barbara’s responsibilities are vast and varied, getting the youth ready for independent living: 

  • Daily Schedule Management: She ensures that the boys keep up with their daily schedules, including school, interviews, and appointments. 
  • Cooking and Cleaning: Barbara not only prepares meals and maintains a clean home but also teaches the boys these essential skills. 
  • Medication Management: She helps organize and monitor prescriptions, ensuring each boy receives their necessary medication. 
  • Reward System: The boys earn points for completing chores, which they can redeem for an allowance. This system teaches them responsibility and life skills. 
Barbara organizing youth's medication for the week

Passion for Helping Others

Barbara’s passion for helping others is rooted in her personal experiences and values. As a mother of five and grandmother of nine, she understands the importance of guidance and support.  

One of Barbara’s favorite parts of her job is seeing the youth learn and grow. One of her favorite moments was when a boy earned $70 in one day through their chores point system, and he eagerly asked what more he could do. She is proud when she can teach them everyday life skills including yard work, cleaning their room, how to do laundry, and more. 

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You have to have a certain type of heart, drive, and passion to help people. Children need someone to look out for them. Can you imagine if nobody was guiding them, what would the world be?

– Barbara Mathis, House Parent at DeLand Hope House
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Advice for Aspiring House Parents

Barbara believes that the key to being a successful House Parent is to create a supportive environment where youth are guided and helped. She advises anyone interested in this role to embrace the challenges and find joy in helping others, encouraging them to give as long as they can and continuously support young people in thriving.

Barbara meal prepping for dinner
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You need to recognize that the guidance and support you provide might not show immediate results, but it will come to them eventually.

– Barbara Mathis, House Parent at DeLand Hope House
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Barbara’s dedication and compassion make Hope House a true family home. Her work ensures that every child who comes through Hope House leaves with the skills, confidence, and support they need to succeed in life. We are proud to have Barbara as part of our One Hope United team, making a difference one day at a time. Thank you, Barbara, for all the work you do! 

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Join our team

Grow Your why at OHU

We encourage our Hope Members to reflect on the core of their work – their ‘why’. This serves as a symbol, purpose, and commitment to the work we do at OHU. Fulfill your ‘why’ at OHU today!  

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