Coming May 2026 | Chemung County & Rochester, NY
St. Mary Our Mother Church (816 West Broad Street, Horseheads, NY 14845): May 4, 2026
St. Marianne Cope Parish (2061 E Henrietta Road, Rochester, NY 14623): May 7, 2026
People of Hope: A National Storytelling Experience
Coming Soon
Celebrating the power of compassion, service, and faith, People of Hope is a national, traveling storytelling experience that will tour communities across the United States—including special stops right here in Chemung County and Rochester.
Catholic Charities USA is preparing to launch this inspiring new initiative in the spring of 2026. People of Hope is a nationwide, mobile exhibit designed to shine a light on the real, human stories behind everyday acts of service—uplifting the voices of those who live out their faith by helping others.
Supported by a major 2024 grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., this innovative project will travel the country for more than two years, bringing an immersive, multimedia experience to communities nationwide. Our region is honored to be part of this one‑of‑a‑kind journey of empathy, reflection, and connection.
A Traveling Exhibit Rooted in Real Stories
At the heart of People of Hope is a retrofitted tractor‑trailer transformed into a warm, welcoming exhibit space. Inside, visitors will experience:
- Professionally recorded stories from Catholic Charities staff and volunteers, highlighting the beauty and vulnerability of serving others
- Immersive audio and visual elements that bring these real‑life encounters to life
- Opportunities to record and share your own story of service, hope, or transformation
Each story reveals how moments of compassion—whether helping a family find stability, comforting someone in crisis, or offering a simple act of kindness—can deeply impact both the giver and the receiver.
Why This Exhibit Matters
Research conducted for Catholic Charities USA revealed a powerful insight: while relatively few people volunteer regularly, the majority are open to doing so. Many are motivated by compassion, a desire to help, and the hope of feeling more connected to their community.
People of Hope aims to bridge that gap. By sharing authentic stories from across the country, the exhibit invites visitors—whether new to volunteering or longtime servants—to see just how meaningful and transformative service can be. Many volunteers say their greatest reward isn’t what they give, but what they receive through the relationships they build.
A National Effort to Inspire Service
Catholic Charities agencies support millions of individuals and families each year through the work of hundreds of thousands of staff and volunteers. People of Hope highlights this vast network of compassion while encouraging even more people to get involved in service that uplifts communities and restores dignity.
As the exhibit tours nationwide, it will be accompanied by a broad awareness campaign, extending its message well beyond the mobile experience and inviting people everywhere to rediscover the joy of helping others.
Coming Soon to Our Community
We are thrilled that People of Hope will be coming to Chemung County and Rochester as part of its multi‑year national tour. While specific times will be announced closer to the event, our community can look forward to:
- A meaningful, family‑friendly experience
- Time to reflect, listen, and learn
- A chance to contribute your own story to a growing national tapestry of hope
This promises to be a memorable event for our region, and we can’t wait to welcome it.
For more information about the People of Hope Museum, please visit the People of Hope website.
The People of Hope Museum is ADA compliant.
