The Impact of Higher Hope
Donors supporting our cause
Higher Hope Foundation provides crucial financial assistance to families impacted by violent crime through our structured grant program. We understand that in the aftermath of tragedy, families face unexpected financial burdens while seeking justice and healing. Our Hope Grants help cover essential expenses such as funeral costs, private investigator fees, and other critical needs that arise during these challenging times. Through our transparent application process and dedicated support team, we ensure that 100% of donation funds go directly to families in need. Our connection to Mile Higher Media allows us to amplify these stories while maintaining dignity and respect for those we serve.
Through our Empower Grants, we strengthen and support nonprofit organizations dedicated to victim advocacy and resources. We partner with established 501(c)(3) organizations that share our mission of supporting those affected by violent crime, extending our impact beyond individual cases to create lasting change. Our rigorous vetting process ensures that funded projects deliver meaningful results and sustainable support systems. By empowering these organizations, we help build a broader network of resources for families in need. This dual-grant approach allows us to address both immediate needs and long-term community support structures.
Over the years, you may have heard @kendallraeonyt mention being an `Active True Crime Consumer` while covering cases on True Crime with Kendall Rae and Mile Higher Podcast, but what does that mean?
It is no secret that true crime has become one of the most popular forms of media to consume, and over the last several years the amount of coverage has multiplied significantly.
This, in theory, means that more stories are being shared and more awareness is being raised. And while there has been a notable shift towards increased ethical true crime coverage, we are still seeing content that not only falls short of ‘ethical’, but content that outright ignores ethics altogether. So, what can we do about it?
Read more at the blog link in our bio!
Higher Hope Foundation, in partnership with Mile Higher Media, is excited to launch our brand-new monthly E-Newsletter on May 1, 2026.
Each edition brings you closer to important cases and communities, featuring thoughtfully written true crime stories from our team, updates on cases covered across Mile Higher Media shows, and meaningful ways you can advocate for justice alongside families who need it most.
This isn’t just a monthly update - it’s a way to stay informed, get involved, and be part of real impact.
Here’s a sneak peek at what’s coming in May. Sign up now at HigherHope.org/blog (scroll to the bottom of the page to the "connect with us" section).
On June 25, 2023, 39-year-old Amber Arnett was last seen in Lansing, Michigan.
Earlier that afternoon, she was captured on surveillance footage shopping with a friend. At approximately 9:00 p.m., she was dropped off on the south side of the city, where she had been staying. She has not been seen or heard from since.
Amber was last known to be wearing a black top, blue jeans, and black shoes. She is 5`4", approximately 150 pounds, with brown eyes and brown hair that may have been dyed red.
Through our “Hope” grant, we were able to support advocacy efforts led by Amber’s mother and fund a billboard in the area where Amber went missing.
Amber’s family believes someone has information about what happened and is urging anyone with knowledge to come forward.
A $10,000 reward is being offered for information related to Amber’s disappearance. Tips can be submitted by contacting the Lansing Police Department at 517-483-4600.
This week, April 19–25, marks National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, a time to honor the strength and resilience of survivors while raising awareness and access to resources that support victims’ rights.
This year’s theme `Listen, Act, Advocate` is especially meaningful to us at Mile Higher Media & Higher Hope. It calls for intentional, trauma-informed action and reminds us to emphasize advocacy and awareness. When we share victims’ stories, it should always be done with care, centering their needs and amplifying voices that deserve to be heard.
Being trauma-informed means recognizing and understanding the lasting impact of trauma on survivors of violent crime. It challenges us to approach advocacy with empathy and responsibility, ensuring that our efforts support healing rather than unintentionally causing further harm.
As you engage this week, take a moment to reflect on how your advocacy can be more thoughtful, informed, and survivor-centered.
#crimevictimsrightsweek #traumainformedcare #victimadvocacy
John Cornelius “JC” McGhee, a 45-year-old father of two, was fatally shot in the doorway of his home in Bridgeport during the early morning hours of July 11, 2002.
Witnesses told police the shooting may have been connected to a robbery next door, but despite this lead, the case remains unsolved. More than a decade later, John’s daughter Madison began investigating his cold case.
Early on, she located a key witness police had been unable to reach and even interviewed them on her podcast Ice Cold Case. Her findings have led her to believe the investigation into her father’s death was not handled properly.
Despite speaking with the primary witness, Madison’s search for answers is far from over.
Through our “Hope” grant, we’ve been able to support her ongoing pursuit of justice by funding key advocacy efforts, including billboards and conference participation to help raise awareness about John McGhee’s case.
If you have any information on the murder of John McGhee, please contact the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office at (740) 695-5124.
To support Madison’s path to justice:
www.icecoldcase.com/listenwatch
Spring is here, and so is our newest merch drop! 🌸 🌱
The Mile Higher Media Spring Merch Collection is officially LIVE at milehighermerch.com, featuring fresh, spring-inspired designs for all shows!
Even better? Every purchase makes a difference.💛
100% of proceeds go directly to the Higher Hope Foundation to support grant funding and create real impact for those who need it most.
Shop with purpose at MileHigherMerch.com
Testimonials like Cathy`s are a humbling reminder of why we started Higher Hope.
We are deeply honored to walk alongside families, amplifying their voices and reminding them they are never alone. Cathy, thank you for your courage, strength, and trust on your path to justice for Eric.
Your resilience inspires us every single day💙
Our most recent Empower grant recipient, Proyecto Alcance Maunabo, is a trusted and compassionate presence in rural communities of Puerto Rico, responding to the urgent needs of women, children, and families impacted by domestic violence, abandonment, and trauma. They offer a wide range of essential services (always free of charge) while prioritizing confidentiality, dignity, and cultural sensitivity in every interaction.
As the need for resources continues to grow, our ‘Empower’ grant will help Proyecto Alcance Maunabo expand critical outreach efforts, provide emergency relief, and strengthen their capacity to serve victims with urgency, care, and hope. For those who have lost faith in receiving help, their impact extends far beyond the services provided—it lives in the trust they’ve built and the lives they’ve helped reclaim.
To learn more and support Proyecto Alcance Maunabo visit ProyectoAlcance.org
Testimonials
The Higher Hope Foundation reached out to me on one of my hardest days since losing my mom to homicide. Since the day I learned she was taken from me, I have lived in constant financial stress, agonizing grief and the feeling of just wanting RELIEF, even if I couldn’t name it. When I was told I would be receiving help to cover costs regarding the loss of my mom, I cried. I had a release of those very emotions I mentioned above. Knowing that there was a foundation made for people in my situation, sponsored by people who have the means to help and actually do was a great feeling. In the midst of tragedy, I was not alone. I was seen and I was supported. Higher Hope gave me relief. Thank you, from the bottom of my broken heart. This will help my family get one step closer to escaping financial strain.
Leah Howard, Daughter of Valerie Howard
As a viewer of TCKR and eventually all the Mile Higher Media shows for 8 years now, I never thought I’d have a need for this grant. I have supported by buying merchandise and being an active viewer of the channels. When this tragedy happened, and we realized there would be a high financial need, I immediately thought to apply for a Hope grant. My family is beyond grateful to have been chosen to receive this grant. Haley emailed me and we hopped on a call the same day, only about a week after applying- and I signed paperwork the same day. Our goal is that Paxton is not forgotten and that what happened to her can be a lesson for women or men enduring the same abuse she did. If someone who loves you lays a hand on you, they do not love you. Seek help and safety as soon as possible. Do not doubt that the abuse will escalate. Paxton April Wallace was a smart, kind, and resilient woman. She was a sister, a niece, and a daughter. Her death will not be in vain.
Alida Wallace-Baldwin, Mother of Paxton Wallace
The Empower grant enabled us to waive registration for all families of unsolved homicide victims and long-term missing persons, allowing them to attend our 2025 Cold Case Symposium in person or virtually. Our symposium brings together families, experts, advocates, and investigators to raise awareness and share insights while working towards resolution in unsolved cases, while also promoting healing.
Project: Cold Case, Inc.
Advocating for a missing or murdered child is perhaps the second toughest duty that a parent may ever face, the first obviously would be accepting that their child is, in fact, missing or murdered. It is emotionally draining, physically exhausting and financially burdensome. The Hope Grant awarded us by the Higher Hope Foundation has helped alleviate this burden and allow us to continue the task of putting this horrible puzzle together. For this we are incredibly grateful!
Steven and Renee Patten, Parents of Morgan Patten
The Higher Hope Foundation ‘Empower’ grant has significantly improved the quality of the forensic interviews that CARE House of Oakland County conducts by providing funding for newer, fully-functioning microphone systems that are used to record the interviews of child abuse victims for multi-disciplinary team child protection, law enforcement and prosecution personnel. The ‘Empower’ grant is also impacting the ability of CARE House to conduct these interviews, by providing funding directly for the cost of forensic interviews, so that child abuse victims have a safe and welcoming environment in which to share their experience. CARE House of Oakland County is only able to help child abuse victims heal with the generous support of incredible partners like the Higher Hope Foundation.
CARE House of Oakland County
The Higher Hope Foundation has made a huge impact on my family’s life. Making me give hope for humanity in the darkest times of our lives. The process of receiving the Hope Grant was beyond easy to do. The process was explained very well. The people I talked to were all so kind and caring. Through the process they were always there and I can’t explain how much this means to us. The money is going towards the Lawyer’s bills. This money is going up help take some stress off of our shoulders. We can’t believe how much helo the Hope Foundation is willing to help victims and their families like us.
Brianna Stockemer, Sister of Betty Bowman
Because of Higher Hope’s investment, the Arizona Border Alliance was able to launch Puentes de Esperanza in Douglas, Arizona, a comprehensive, trauma informed program serving survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and trafficking in one of the most underserved border communities in the state. This funding has directly enabled us to provide bilingual crisis response and case management, expand access to healing services like trauma informed yoga and art therapy, and create safe, private spaces for survivors to access virtual therapy, legal services, and court proceedings through our SafeTech Project.
Arizona Border Alliance
At Missing In America Network, we are honored to be a recipient of the Empower Grant, a gift that is making a real, measurable difference in our mission to support families with missing loved ones.This grant came at a critical time, allowing us to strengthen the core of our operations and expand the reach of our advocacy. With Empower’s support:We’re now reaching up to 250,000 people per day through our missing person billboard campaigns.Our online awareness campaigns are reaching over 50,000 people daily, not including shares.In just 6 weeks, we’ve printed and distributed 1,500 flyers directly to families, plus another 1,000 through community partners.We’ve invested in specialized training for our Family Advocate Support Team.Today, we are actively supporting over 100 open cases, and have walked beside more than 500 families over the past four years.Thanks to the Empower Grant, our families feel seen. Our advocates are better equipped. And our reach is growing to bring hope where it’s needed most. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.
Missing in America Network
Higher Hope has been a pleasure to work with. Their application is really easy to fill out and we really appreciate their support of our work.
