Sara E. Trollinger
Founder, House of Hope Orlando and National House of Hope
About Our Founder
Sara Trollinger, Founder and President of House of Hope Orlando, a Christian non-denominational residential program for healing teenagers, located in Orlando, Florida, is a native of Asheboro, North Carolina. She received a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the University of North Carolina, a Master’s Degree from the University of South Florida, and an honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree from International Seminary.
Sara’s 25-year teaching career in Orange County, Florida, included teaching in elementary school, in junior high school, and teaching emotionally handicapped youth. She taught behind bars at the Orange County Juvenile Detention Center. Here Sara witnessed firsthand the revolving doors for teenagers in the social service system. They would come and go, repeating negative behaviors time and again. She saw the need for these troubled teens to understand the life-changing principles based on God’s word. There is no lasting help when Jesus Christ can’t be shared.
With only $200 and five people praying, Sara started House of Hope in 1985. Since the beginning, House of Hope has taken no government funding. It was nationally recognized by the late President Ronald Reagan with these words: “The philosophy and example of the House of Hope, which receives no government funds, needs to be shared across our nation. Those who want to help disturbed teenagers should be able to know that there is a way…and that way works… Lives can be successfully rescued from drugs, sexual abuse, prostitution…” For a complete version of Ronald Reagan’s inspiring remarks about House of Hope, please click here. The House of Hope program has also been recognized by former Senator Mel Martinez, Gov. Jeb Bush, President George W. Bush, and countless other dignitaries.
At a Billy Graham Crusade in 1951, Sara received Jesus Christ as her personal Savior. Several years ago, she was featured in Decision Magazine in an article entitled “Where Are They Now?” A deeply committed Christian, Sara has authored several books, including Breakthrough: How to Listen to the Lord, Let’s Weigh our Words, Unglued and Tattooed, and Unglued, Tattooed, and Renewed. Both Unglued and Tattooed and Unglued, Tattooed, and Renewed pertain to troubled teenagers, their stories, the major issues they face, and the House of Hope ministry. Among Sara’s most recent books are Advanced Triage Counseling, and Teens & Families in Crisis, Teens & Families in Crisis Workbook, and seven Teens & Families in Crisis supplementary booklets on major issues: Addictions; Rebellion; Cutting; Bullying; Sex Issues; Social Media & Relationships; Prevention.
Sara has been a guest on numerous local and national television broadcasts, including The 700 Club, Trinity Broadcasting Network, 100 Huntley Street, and scores of radio programs. She is the recipient of many awards such as the National Humanitarian Award from the Religious Alliance Against Pornography, the Paul Harris Fellow Award from Rotary International, the Florida Champion Award from Florida Family First, and the first Orlando Habitat for Humanity Award. She also was honored with the 2000 Governor’s Point of Light Award from Gov. Jeb Bush, the 2002 Women of Distinction Award from the Citrus Council of Girl Scouts, and the Orange County Bar Association 2011 Liberty Bell Award, among others.
The vision for House of Hope expanded in 2001 with the founding of National House of Hope, which serves as the umbrella for House of Hope Affiliates. National House of Hope provides training to individuals who want to start a HOH, as well as resources for educating and equipping parents, youth leaders, teacher, counselors and others working with youth. The goal is to have Houses of Hope within every state across the nation and internationally, as well.
As the founder of both House of Hope Orlando and National House of Hope, Sara and her dedicated team have helped to restore the lives of thousands of teenagers and to reconcile countless families.