In 2002, Vinton Baptist Church moved to its new location up on the hill on State Route 160. The new pastor, Marvin Sallee, loved people and his community. He saw the devastation being caused by substance abuse, broken lives, and relationships. He longed to have a place of healing for folks. As he, his staff, and some concerned leaders in the church looked across Route 160 at the former North Gallia High School property, the Spirit of God began a work in their hearts. The FOH vision was born. That would be the healing place. Through the generosity of a local family, we purchased the property in 2008.

The miraculous cleanup and early renovation of the property is detailed in the book “God Can” available at the FOH or online. Author Kevin Dennis will provide a signed copy upon request. When the school was in operation, it had a cafeteria, gymnasium, and many classrooms. Other property amenities include a fishing pond, maintenance garage, football field with press box, tennis courts, a walking trail, sewage treatment plant, and 46 acres of rolling hills and partially wooded property.

The Field of Hope became an incorporated business with the state and the federal government in 2012. In 2017, the 16-person Hope House was completed, and the residential program began. Also, Office Complex 1 was completed and put into service – 8 office spaces, a conference room, and two-bathroom areas. The second 16-person facility – the Faith House, opened in 2019, along with Office Complex 2 containing 6 more office spaces, a large conference/meeting/training room, and the first finished section of the main hallway. All construction meets commercial building standards, was designed by a professional architect and the plans were approved and inspected by the state of Ohio.