Did You Know? Our Tragic and Humble Beginning Turned into Hope, Healing, and Restoration for Thousands

Founder Je’net Kreitner knows what it feels like to be invisible. Her early life was marked by trauma and abuse—experiences she buried for years, hoping to move forward. But in 1991, those unresolved wounds resurfaced in the hardest way possible. The pain she had carried silently contributed to the breakdown of her marriage, leaving her and her young son without a home.

Homelessness brought despair, uncertainty, and fear. Daily survival became a struggle, and the future seemed almost impossible to imagine. Yet even in the darkest moments, Je’net experienced glimmers of hope—small, unexpected acts of kindness from strangers, and the unwavering support of Patrick Kreitner, who would later become her husband. These moments planted the seed of resilience and reminded her that compassion could transform lives.

With support, determination, and a growing sense of purpose, Je’net began to regain stability. She recognized that her journey through pain and recovery had equipped her with a unique understanding of what women living on the margins truly need—safety, dignity, and hope. She felt called to extend the same compassion that had helped her, creating a lifeline for others who had been overlooked and underserved.

In 2004, Je’net and Patrick took the first step in turning that vision into reality. They opened their home to women in need, offering shelter, guidance, and support. That humble beginning marked the birth of Grandma’s House of Hope. What started as a grassroots effort quickly grew into a formal nonprofit by 2007, offering more than just a roof over someone’s head. The organization provided housing, basic essentials, counseling, and programs for women facing domestic violence, mental health challenges, human trafficking, and homelessness.

Je’net’s mission was—and remains—clear:

 "To empower the invisible."

 She believed that everyone, no matter their past or circumstance, deserved dignity, hope, and a chance to rebuild their life.

Over the years, Grandma’s House of Hope has grown significantly. From a single home to 12 residences, the organization now serves both men and women, offering a wider range of programs and services to support a diverse population in Orange County. Beyond providing emergency and transitional housing, Grandma’s House of Hope equips residents with life skills, counseling, case management, and pathways to independence, helping them regain stability, well-being, and self-sufficiency.

Through it all, Je’net’s personal journey remains the guiding force behind every decision. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience, compassion, and community support. It reminds us that even in the face of overwhelming challenges, hope can take root, grow, and transform lives—not just for one person, but for countless others who walk through the doors of Grandma’s House of Hope.

Today, the organization continues to honor Je’net’s vision by empowering vulnerable adults in Orange County, offering them not just shelter, but the tools and encouragement to rebuild their lives and thrive. Every home, every program, and every success story reflects a single, enduring truth: no one should have to face life’s challenges alone.