Under a bright October sky, EmberHope celebrated a monumental milestone — the groundbreaking of Hope Estates, a 38-unit affordable, trauma-informed supportive housing community in Newton. What began as a vision years ago has now taken physical form, marking the start of something deeply transformative for both the organization and the community it serves.
A Promise Fulfilled
For EmberHope President & CEO Nickaila Sandate, the moment carried deep significance.
“This celebration was more than the start of construction on a project,” Sandate shared. “It is a fulfillment of a promise. For EmberHope, it means we have truly listened to the needs of those we serve. Hope Estates represents our expanded purpose — to provide safe, affordable housing that helps individuals and families transition on a path toward permanency and stability in their lives.”
Standing alongside community partners, donors, and staff, Sandate reflected on how meaningful it was to see a shared vision of hope come to life.
“Personally, it was deeply meaningful to stand alongside others who share this vision of hope,” she continued. “Those in attendance and many others have shown they are committed to meeting individuals and families where they are — walking beside them as they grow, rebuild, and thrive. It’s a visible expression of what it means to live out our mission to serve others and offer hope in tangible, lasting ways.”
Years in the Making
The celebration represented the culmination of years of collaboration, planning, and persistence. From initial discussions to architectural plans and funding approvals, Hope Estates has been a true community effort.
“This groundbreaking was years in the making,” said Sandate. “To see it finally come to life was incredibly special. What makes Hope Estates unique is that it transforms underutilized greenspace on our campus into something life-changing — a supportive, affordable intergenerational living community.”
The new development will feature apartments and townhomes for young adults transitioning from difficult life circumstances, grandparents raising grandchildren, seniors seeking connection, and families working toward housing stability. Each household will have access to supportive services including life skills coaching, case management, mental and physical health resources, and employment and education assistance — all rooted in a trauma-informed approach.
“For all of us involved,” Sandate said, “it’s special because it reflects the very heart of EmberHope: identifying real needs, creating solutions, and inviting others to join us in building hope.”
A Community United
The turnout for the groundbreaking was a powerful display of partnership. Representatives from the City of Newton, Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC), and other local leaders stood side by side with EmberHope staff and community members to celebrate the beginning of a new chapter.
“Seeing so many partners, city leaders, and supporters gathered together reminded us that this work is not done alone,” said Sandate. “It’s done through collaboration, trust, and a shared purpose. When people take time to celebrate with us, it sends a clear message that they believe in their community and this mission. Their presence reaffirmed that our community sees the value in Hope Estates and stands with us in creating opportunities for people to thrive.”
A Vision Built on Gratitude
As construction begins, EmberHope recognizes the many hands and hearts who helped bring Hope Estates to life.
“I’m deeply grateful to so many who made this possible,” Sandate shared. “The City of Newton for their partnership and support, Kelley Hrabe of Riverstone Platform, Jim Scott of Scott Associates, Earls Engineering for their expertise, WNC, our EmberHope Board of Directors, and our dedicated staff — each has played an essential role in turning vision into reality.”
She also extended her appreciation to the broader community.
“Thank you for believing in this project, for sharing your ideas when we asked how we could better serve, and for welcoming us back when we relocated our headquarters to Newton in 2017. Hope Estates is for you — because of you.”
Hope, Stability, and Belonging
When complete, Hope Estates will be more than housing — it will be a community built on connection, resilience, and belonging. Designed to foster relationships between generations, the environment will encourage residents to support one another through shared experiences, mentorship, and neighborly care.
Thanks to the investment of the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) and countless community partners, Hope Estates is poised to transform lives for years to come.
“This is what hope looks like,” Sandate said. “It’s a community where people can find stability, strengthen families, and know they belong.”
Get Involved
EmberHope invites you to be part of this exciting new chapter. Whether through prayer, partnership, or financial support, your involvement helps create lasting change for children, families, and individuals on their journey toward stability. To learn more about EmberHope, explore partnership opportunities, or make a contribution, be sure to visit our website.
Together, we can continue building pathways to hope — one home, one family, and one future at a time.
