After Domingo Ramos worked the Shaniece Harris case in 2017 as a private investigator, he decided he wanted to do more to try and help families find missing kids.
In 2022 he founded Hope Alive 845, a volunteer organization that provides support to families while helping them bring their missing child back home.
Members communicate with families to keep them updated with the progress being made in bringing their child back home, while providing support services. Hope Alive also works within the community, talking to people to try and find information about the missing.
Last year, Ramos says Hope Alive helped resolve 149 of 170 cases.
“We show support for the families, that’s the main thing,” Ramos said. “During the time with the family struggling, we want to be there to help them get through it all.”
Ramos, alongside Hope Alive Vice President Dyan Thiele and 15 volunteers, work closely with the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Michael Schiff says the collaboration goes a long way to getting kids home.
“Talking to Domingo’s people, there’s a comfort level sometimes that we don’t have,” Schiff said. “It’s a partnership, gathering information from people that might be hesitant to talk to police. It breaks that barrier.”
Hope Alive will host its third annual Kickball game with local law enforcement at 10 a.m. May 9. All are invited to watch and enjoy family activities at Hurleyville’s Morningside Park.