Sector F in Colonia Los Piños is not an easy place in which to grow up. Perched on the outskirts of Tegucigalpa, Honduras’s capital, this neighborhood is known for its severe poverty and the constant shadow of gang violence.
Most families live in makeshift homes without running water or proper sanitation. Access to government services is minimal, and public education — though vital — is not truly free. School fees, uniforms, and supplies create an impossible burden for many parents, causing children to drop out at an early age and perpetuating the cycle of generational poverty.
These are the streets upon which Molly Hornsby has faithfully walked for over a decade. She has been carrying books, lifting small children into her arms, and bringing hope wherever she goes. Originally from Franklin, Hornsby moved to Honduras at the age of 20, shortly after graduating from UNC Chapel Hill. What began as a quiet calling has become Future of Hope Family Ministry, a nonprofit that now provides tuition assistance, including school uniforms and supplies, for around 200 at-risk students each year.
Hornsby also established a small tutoring center in a rented building, where local teachers help children catch up academically while offering encouragement, hugs, and nutritious snacks. Recognizing the emotional trauma many children face, she brought in a psychologist to offer critical mental health support and has worked tirelessly to connect families with additional local resources.
After years of walking alongside this community — listening, praying, and simply showing up — Hornsby has become a trusted presence. So much so that, during a recent community meeting, she was approached with a remarkable offer.
The individual who once ran an outreach center in a nearby section of Los Piños sought her out. The center, previously funded by USAID, had fallen silent after its funding disappeared. Once alive with classrooms, a computer lab, and even a music room, the building now sat empty. But he had heard of Hornsby’s work. He had heard of her heart. And he asked: Would she take it? Could she use it to expand her ministry?
In that moment, Hornsby was handed what she had spent 12 years building toward: an opportunity to more than double her impact. This building is located on the other side of a highly-contested gang territory border. Having a physical presence there will allow Hornsby and her staff to finally help students on both sides of the community. And it is a fully-equipped building, ready to go, sitting empty, ready to be filled again with laughter, learning, and hope.
But in order to take this bold next step — while still sustaining the original site — Future of Hope must expand its operational budget.
For those who would like to be part of this powerful next chapter, consider becoming a monthly donor at futureofhopefamilyministry.com/donate. One-time gifts are also deeply appreciated. Donations by check can be mailed to: Future of Hope Family Ministry, 44 Gibson Cove Estates Dr., Franklin, NC 28734.
Future of Hope is entirely funded by generous individuals, small groups, and churches.
Christine Sapp is a board member of Future of Hope.