Jerry Freels started The HOPE Program in 2014 after his short stay at a People's Inc. facility and started his first run at college. Where he went to Saint Paul College and then on to Concordia University. Suffering from a mental illness his self he wanted to give back to the same community he relates to. A motivational speaker and advocate for the mentally ill he has appeared on the Dec 2014 issue of People's Inc. newsletter. While The HOPE program does not support one side of any political group Jerry has talked to a number of different politicians such as Congresswomen Betty McCollum and Senators Al Franken and Amy Klobuchar. On different views retaining to mental health. To Jerry help begins with people who understand what we are fighting for everyday.