Sara Trollinger

Sara E. Trollinger is founder and president of House of Hope, a Christian non-denominational residential program for troubled teenagers, located in Orlando , Florida . Founded in 1985, House of Hope Orlando has helped to restore the lives of thousands of teenagers and to reconcile families. It serves as the national model for other Houses of Hope across the nation.

A native of Asheboro , North Carolina , Sara received a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the University of North Carolina and a Master’s Degree from the University of Florida . Sara’s 25 year teaching career in Orange County , Florida , included teaching elementary and junior high school students and working with emotionally handicapped youth. She also taught behind bars in the Orange County Juvenile Detention Center .

Sara witnessed firsthand at the Detention Center how the social service “system” was nothing more than a revolving door for these teenagers. They would come and go, repeating their negative behaviors time and again. She saw the need for troubled teens to understand 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 opened House of Hope for girls in 1985. A home for boys was later opened, and today fifty teens are in residence at the Orlando campus. House of Hope is grateful for the 95 percent success rate of reconciling teenagers and their families.

Sara received Jesus Christ as her personal Savior at a Billy Graham Crusade in 1951. 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 Weight Our Words, Prayers, Promises and Advice for Moms, Are You Tired of Chasing Rainbows?, Unglued and Tattooed, and Unglued, Tattooed and Renewed.. Both Unglued and Tattooed and Unglued, Tattooed and Renewed, especially, pertain to hurting teenagers, their stories, the major issues they face, and the House of Hope ministry.

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. Sara received 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, the 2003 WMFE Speaking of Women’s Health Award, and Women Who Make Magic Award, among others. Sara has served on the national boards of Enough is Enough and Coalition Against Pornography.

In 1998, Dr. Bill Bright of Campus Crusade partnered with Sara in her vision to establish “The Last Wave,” a drug-free, sex-free, alcohol-free venue for teens in Central Florida . Here teenagers enjoy wholesome fellowship, music, games, and a coffee shop.

Sara’s vision expanded with National House of Hope which offers tri-annual training seminars, teaching individuals who share the same vision to establish Houses of Hope in their communities based on the national model, House of Hope Orlando. The goal is to have Houses of Hope within driving distance of every major city across the nation and internationally, as well. National House of Hope, healing America ’s teens, is a national partner with Women of Faith, enabling Sara to share her vision with thousands of women across North America and in Canada.