Michelle Howard, HOPE Initiative Program Manager, kindly sat down to share with us why HOPE Initiative is so impactful for kids. Now, we’re sharing this information with you!

HOPE Initiative creates safe spaces where youth can thrive. It begins with our rule of 3, a Group Mentorship Model. Our group mentorship model ensures safety, connection, and belonging. From there, HOPE has so much to offer kids impacted by trauma due to violence:

HOPE is fun!
Camp HOPE and Pathways provide fun and engaging opportunities to spend time with friends and share awesome moments together.

HOPE is more than a week at camp.
Camp HOPE is part of a year-round group mentorship program and support journey for the youth and their families.

HOPE grows through healthy relationships.
Every child is matched with 3 caring adult mentors who show up for them consistently.

HOPE is a verb.
Youth learn how to set goals, create pathways, and believe in their ability to shape their future.

HOPE lives in nature.
Outdoor experiences at Camp HOPE and Pathways support healing in nature.

HOPE is connection.
Youth learn how to support each other and recognize their own influence on peers.

HOPE is built through positive experiences.
We intentionally create Positive Childhood Experiences that last a lifetime.

HOPE is trauma informed.
Mentors are trained to understand how adversity impacts behavior and healing.

HOPE is evidence-based.
Camp HOPE is grounded in hope science with proven outcomes.

HOPE is belonging.
Camp HOPE and Pathways programming creates a sense of belonging in everyone participating: youth, parent/caregiver, and volunteers. We measure this through a survey.

HOPE includes families.
Healing happens when caregivers and families are supported alongside youth and we provide case management and resource support for the family.

HOPE is prevention.
By building resilience now, we help break cycles of violence for the future.

HOPE develops leaders.
Youth gain confidence, communication skills, and leadership they carry into life. Our Leader in Training program allows our older teens to transition to becoming a mentor themselves.

HOPE transforms volunteers.
Many say serving with Camp HOPE changes how they see the world.

HOPE creates lasting memories.
Our week of Camp HOPE and our monthly Pathways activities provide positive childhood experiences which help rewire the brain for resilience.

HOPE Ripples.
When one child believes in their future, it will ripple throughout their family, classroom at school, and the community.

HOPE is fueled by generosity.
Donor support directly impacts mentorship, meals, transportation, and programming.

HOPE changes communities.
When we invest in HOPE, we build safer healthier communities.