OUR STORY
— Sarah Elizabeth McCarty, age 13
WHY “HOPE IS EVERYTHING?”
Sarah’s life was a testament to love and courage. Sarah Elizabeth McCarty was a dynamic, loving, and compassionate 13-year-old who lived with Cystic Fibrosis. Despite her illness, she devoted her energy to uplifting others and finding joy in every moment. “Hope is Everything” were her final words, embodying her enduring optimism and generosity.
From a young age, her mother Debra knew Sarah would need special care—a sacred responsibility she felt called to fulfill. Sarah’s joyful spirit touched everyone, and through ‘Hope is Everything,’ her memory lives on, inspiring acts of hope, kindness, compassion, and love.
That spirit of hope is what drives everything we do. From local outreach to broader community support, our work is guided by kindness, dignity, and a commitment to meeting people where they are.
Meet Our Founders
Hope Is Everything was built on the legacy of Debra and Ken McCarty – guided by the simple belief that everyone deserves practical support and encouragement during life’s toughest challenges.
Debra graduated from Brigham Young University, earning a dual degree in history and education. She taught special education at the Provo School District and founded Busy Bee Preschool in Oregon. As an educator, mother, and grandmother, she has a primary focus on family. Debra and her husband, Ken, have three children, eight grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. She is passionate about finding ways to uplift the downtrodden and care for those in need.
Debra McCarty | President and CEO, Hope Is Everything
Ken graduated from Brigham Young University in 1974 with a degree in Business Administration and a minor in Economics and Accounting. He worked for the presiding bishop of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for 40 years, with assignments in fundraising and education. Ken McCarty has served as a bishop three times in the LDS Church and also as a state president of a single Stake. Ken is married to the president and CEO of Hope Is Everything.
Kenneth Robert McCarty, CFRE | Founding Board Member
WHAT WE DO
How We Share Hope
Our programs are designed to bring practical support and emotional encouragement to people navigating difficult seasons. Each effort reflects our belief that hope grows through action, presence, and care.
Community
Community Support Outreach
We build networks of compassion for individuals and families facing adversity, connecting them with encouragement, resources, and a caring community.
Children
Children’s Hope Initiatives
We support children facing illness, poverty, or other challenges with uplifting resources, encouragement, and opportunities to feel seen and valued.
Families
Family Assistance
Through Hope Hug Packages and compassionate outreach, we help families in crisis experience comfort, care, and renewed strength for the days ahead.
What Guides Our Work
★★★★★
“Hope Is Everything reminds people that they are not alone. Their care feels personal, uplifting, and deeply rooted in compassion.”
Community Supporter
Advocate
Hope Is Everything
Join Us
Be Part of the Mission
Whether you give, volunteer, or share our story, you can help bring hope, encouragement, and practical support to people who need it most.