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Gardens of Hope Recovery Community Organization Corp

EIN 88-3009260 · Lyons, GA

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthFair53 out of 100GovernanceFair63 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

At Gardens of Hope ARSC, we cultivate a nurturing environment where hope blossoms and lives flourish. Our organization stands as a beacon of support, offering compassionate peer assistance and dedicated resources for individuals navigating the challenging journey of overcoming drug addiction. Rooted in empathy and understanding, we foster a community where individuals find solace, strength, and guidance. Through our diverse range of programs and initiatives, we aim to sow the seeds of recovery, providing a safe haven where individuals can grow, heal, and thrive. At Gardens of Hope ARSC, we believe in the transformative power of support, walking alongside each other on the path to a brighter, addiction-free future.

Income
$382,982
Spending
$370,182
Spent on programs
94%
Reserves
1 months of spending
Largest source of income
government grants, 64%
Employees
6
Highest pay
$55,000, director

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Fair: 53 out of 100. Higher than 26% of charities in its peer group (mental health, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    10 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 1.0 months of spending.

  • Debt

    5 of 20

    It owes 50% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 3% of income.

  • Spending floor

    15 of 15

    94% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 6 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Fair: 63 out of 100. Higher than 39% of charities in its peer group (mental health, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    6 of 7 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    0 of 15

    Reports no written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    0 of 8

    Reports no written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    7 of 7

    Has a written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    0 of 5

    Reports that it does not keep minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Pay set independently

    5 of 5

    Sets its chief executive's pay through independent review and comparison.

  • Independent check of accounts

    6 of 15

    Its accounts were not audited or reviewed by an independent accountant.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Impact evidence

Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.

Programs described in its return (1)
  1. $347,169 spent. In 2024, Gardens of Hope provided direct services within the RCO to 1,104 peers, with a total of 13, 155 interactions. 270 boxes of Narcan were distributed into the community. 636 Recovery meetings were held at the RCO. 3,057 additional individuals were served through outreach events in the community. Peers participated in our work life program, helping them meet their employment needs from gaining IDs to building resumes and interview training, for a total of 326 interactions. 552 community service hours were fulfilled by our peers at the RCO (a community service approved site). Major projects for 2024 include restoring the Historic Lyons Garden Club- future permanent site of the RCO- last year's gala fundraiser raised over $36,000 toward restoration expenses and RCO outreach efforts. Gardens of Hope was awarded 2 local grants this year in addition to the state contract with DBHDD. The $5,000 Ag South Grant provided us with the materials needed to build 2 cyprus raised beds and plant our first crops. The food harvested from each season's crops will be donated to the food bank next door, providing food resources to the community. In December, we were awarded $50,000 by the Meadows New Foundation for the 2025 year to provide on- call peer support to individuals identified with substance use disorder, as well as sponsorships for peers seeking various levels of treatment and temporary emergency housing.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2024, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Legitimacy checks

  1. Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.

    Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  2. Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.

    Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.

    Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated November 6, 2026.

  3. Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.

    On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.

    Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2024.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since January 2023.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  6. Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.

    Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.

    Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated November 4, 2026.

Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.