Our Story

At Faith Forward Ministries, Inc., we believe that no one is defined by their past, their struggles, or a number on a client file. We see individuals. We see families. And above all, we see a future filled with hope.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving Indiana, Washington, Westmoreland County and surrounding communities, we share God’s love in practical, life-changing ways. We support individuals, children, and families facing homelessness, mental health challenges, substance use disorders, and other hardships through compassionate services, helpful resources, and encouragement. By linking arms with community programs and ministries, we help people find hope, build stability, and move forward.

How We Started: A Personal Call to Action

Our Story

Hope began in our own lives-and grew into a calling to serve others.

Rick and Dr. Dawn Hennessey founded Faith Forward Ministries out of their own experiences with hardship, healing, and the life-changing love of Jesus. They know what it means to walk through difficult seasons, need encouragement, and find the strength to begin again. Having experienced God’s faithfulness in their own lives, they felt called to extend that same hope to others.

For nearly 15 years, Rick and Dawn have served their community with a simple question at the heart of their work: “How can we help?”

That question continues to shape Faith Forward today. Sometimes the answer is food for a family, counseling during a painful season, encouragement in recovery, or help finding resources. Other times, it means listening without rushing, standing beside someone who feels alone, or reminding a struggling parent that there is hope for their family.

"We want every person who comes through our doors to feel seen, heard, valued, and loved." (Dr. Dawn Hennessey)

A Heart for Children and Families

Through her work in counseling and community services, Dawn witnessed how deeply addiction and trauma affect entire families-especially children. She saw parents searching for support, caregivers facing unfamiliar challenges, and children whose needs were not always recognized or understood.

Those experiences helped inspire Angel Arms, established in 2016 to support infants and families affected by prenatal substance exposure and related challenges. As children grew, so did the vision. In 2025, Angel Arms Brighter Path expanded that commitment to children and young adults who need continued emotional, developmental, educational, and family support.

"Our heart is to walk alongside children as they grow and support the people caring for them. Every child deserves opportunities to learn, build relationships, discover their strengths, and look toward the future with hope."( Dr. Dawn Hennesey)

Called to Care Mission Work

We believe missions begin in our own backyard in our neighborhoods,streets, schools, and communities-and extend around the world. Whether serving a local family or participating in international missions, our purpose remains the same: to share the love of Jesus through compassion, practical help, and meaningful relationships.

We also know that serving well takes partnership. By linking arms with churches, ministries, community organizations, and other service providers, we can reach more people and respond more fully to the needs around us.

Growing Together

As Founder and Executive Director, Dr. Dawn Hennessey brings more than two decades of experience in counseling, speaking, training, and nonprofit development. Her work includes supporting people facing addiction, trauma, mental health challenges, and marriage and family concerns. She holds master’s degrees in counseling and human services, a Doctorate in Ministry with a concentration in Counseling, and a ministry license.

For Rick and Dawn, this work remains deeply personal. As parents of seven children and grandparents of four, they treasure family and carry that love into the ministry they have built together.

We are grateful for our Faith Forward family-the volunteers, staff, partners, supporters, and friends who have stood beside us through the years. Your faithfulness and prayers help us continue to grow and serve as God leads.

Our story is still unfolding, and we would be honored to be part of yours.

You matter. Your family matters. How can we help?

What We Do:

Angel Arms Infant and Children’s Care: Compassionate care and support for infants and young children affected by prenatal substance exposure, trauma, and family substance use. We also support the parents, grandparents, kinship caregivers, foster families, and adoptive families raising them.
Angel Arms Brighter Path: Individualized support for children and young adults facing developmental, emotional, sensory, educational, Substance use exposure, trauma or behavioral challenges-with or without a formal diagnosis.
Counseling, Casework & Support Groups: Faith-based counseling, recovery support, practical casework, and supportive groups that help individuals and families navigate challenges, connect with resources, and build stability.
Called to Care: Speaking, workshops, and ministry training that encourage people to discover their calling, serve with compassion, and make a meaningful difference.
Faith Forward Institute: Faith-based education and training that equip ministry leaders, volunteers, and community helpers with practical skills to care for others.
Community Programs & Outreach: From emergency food and essential supplies to Random Gifts of Kindness, educational workshops, and community events, we offer encouragement and practical help while linking arms with local programs, churches, and ministries.

Looking Forward

Every single day, we witness overwhelming challenges, but we also witness something much stronger: the power of community, resilience, and faith. We aren't just here to offer a temporary fix. We are here to build lasting connections, establish a voice for those who need it most, and cheer on every individual as they step into their purpose.

Whether you are looking for support, wanting to educate your family, or hoping to make an impact as a volunteer or donor, there is a place for you in our story. Together, we can change the stigma. Together, we move faith forward.