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NEURO REHABILITATION

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
DEVELOPMENTAL SERVICES
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
TRANSPORATION

For more than 50 years, Hope Network has worked in Christian service to help people overcome lifes challenges.
We specialize in advocating for those who face physical, mental, or social barriers that impact the way they live. For years, we
have recognized the unmet needs for Veterans in our communities, and have been actively looking for opportunities to help. As
a Veteran myself I am very passionate about making sure that Veterans get all the high quality services they need to be successful.
Two months before the State of Michigan issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans, Hope
Network met with the Director of the Veterans Affairs Agency to express our interest in managing the facility if and when the
opportunity became available. We believed our experience positioned us as a solid contender to rebuild the failing organization
for one of our most vulnerable and underserved populations.
It is true that the State added another tour to accommodate additional participants. At this tour with other organizations, it was
announced they were extending their deadline for all participants. No ethical standards that we are aware of would prohibit the
State from extending a deadline to accommodate additional respondents to an active RFP.
I want to make the following clear:
Hope Network did not ask the State for a new deadline.
The State did not offer Hope Network, specifically, a new deadline it was extended for all participants.
Hope Network was not guaranteed anything with a new deadline in place, except for the opportunity to complete an RFP.
After the State tour, we assembled an RFP team who worked around the clock with passion and urgency, the same that we
provide all our clients, even given a short window of time. Our proposal was driven by quality, a deep desire to provide local
Veterans with better care, and a successful and sustainable operational model. Our proposal doesnt just answer basic questions,
but we expressed our passion, and demonstrated our experience to make sure the highest quality services are provided to
Veterans who have lacked quality care.
We meet with lawmakers on a regular basis to discuss matters that affect the people we serve. Any lawmakers who verbally
expressed their support to Hope Network executives did so based on their desire to improve care for local Veterans, and nothing
more. This amounts to casual banter, and in no way suggests any favor or special accommodations for our organization. In fact,
the lawmakers our executives spoke to include only legislators, senators and others who have no business or force of power over
any decisions relative to this RFP.
As a non-profit organization, like any organization, our operations need to be financially sound and viable to allow us to
continue to pursue our mission of serving people. We dont have shareholders or investors who benefit from any financial gain
the organization generates through our operations. Instead, we have to have financial sustainability in order to grow existing
programs, so we can expand our services to the vulnerable populations we serve. Additionally, demonstrated profitability was a
requirement of the RFP.
Ultimately, what is most important is that all veterans receive the care and support they deserve, regardless of who provides it.
It is our hope that we will have the privilege to serve in this role but should another organization be selected, we will wish them
nothing but success in serving the veterans in our community and offer any support we can.
Sincerely,
Phil Weaver
President & CEO
Hope Network

616.301.8000 [P]
616.301.8010 [F]
3075 Orchard Vista Drive SE
PO Box 890
Grand Rapids, MI 49518-0890
A United Way Member Agency
Programs Accredited by CARF

In Christian ser vice, Hope Network empowers people to overcome challenges to achieve their highest level of independence.

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