Eric and Christen Freund are co-founders of Hope on the Hard Road Inc.
College sweethearts, they have been married for 25 years and live in the San Diego area with their son and daughter.
Their family’s journey with special needs began when their daughter was diagnosed with Autism a week
before her fourth birthday. After their daughter’s diagnosis, they spent many years trying to balance
family life with doctor appointments, therapies, IEPs, etc., and found themselves feeling overwhelmed,
isolated and discouraged. Over time, with the love and support of friends and family, connections in the
community, and resources, they began to thrive in the midst of their circumstances. Soon they realized
that other families in the special-needs community were experiencing similar circumstances and had
similar needs that were not being met. This sparked a desire to find a way to help other families.
When they saw a need to increase the support at their church for families with children with special
needs, they helped to form a ministry team and program, bringing together a group of parents, special-
ed educators, and church staff to collaboratively implement a variety of supports for children, their
families, and the church staff and volunteers, and give input into the designing of special-needs’
classrooms, sensory rooms, and family live-feed rooms.
Eric and Christen are passionate about helping other families in the special-needs community find hope,
encouragement and support, and in 2019, they co founded the 501c3 nonprofit Hope on the Hard Road,
Inc.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
For a family raising a child with special needs, life can be difficult.
There are many storms to weather and struggles to address, and we often feel isolated and alone due to the nature of our circumstances.
Families have a need to connect and find resources, a need to be encouraged, and a need for hope as we walk down what can be a very hard road at times.
We encourage families to reach out and find community here, connecting with other families through our events and learning about resources and supports.
There is hope in the midst of the journey when families are surrounded by a community filled with understanding and support.
Our vision is to grow a thriving community through many different programs, where families with children of all ages with special needs can
feel connected, be encouraged, and find hope for the road ahead.
COMMUNITY
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Our personal local favorites are Cocina del Charro in San Marcos and Harbor Fish Café in Carlsbad
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I was born and raised in north county San Diego and have lived and worked in the community most of my life, and Eric has lived and worked
as a teacher and coach in this community for over 22 years. We’ve lived in other communities, but there is something so unique and
wonderful about the history and community of San Diego. .
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Oh, we’ve met lots of amazing people over the years. Eric and I are all about meeting people in the community from the server at the local
restaurant, to the teachers working hard in our schools, to the amazing nonprofit leaders serving our community, to those in leadership and
powerful positions of influence, all are valuable incredible people to connect with and get to know.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
My family has a long history in North County since the 1960’s, of self-employed business owners, and so we love to support local family
owned businesses personally, and often look for the local family owned restaurants, shops, and venders in our community.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
We love the street fairs and Escondido’s Cruise’n Grand.
OTHER/FUN QUESTIONS
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
We love epic historic movies and who doesn’t like a fun romcom once in awhile?
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I’ve been surfing since I was 12. My dad taught me on his 1967 Hanson’s custom made long board.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Esco Gelato!
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
God and my family
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family, Love, and Laughter
