Hearts Across the Country are Lighting Up as They Donate to Supporting Black Lives in Atlanta!
Since H.O.P.E., Inc. first launched this project initiative last year, we have been humbled and overwhelmed by the response. Not only have supporters in the Atlanta area come forward to help their community, but we've also received gifts from individuals across the country who were new to H.O.P.E.'s mission. Tapley is a recent new H.O.P.E. donor who lives in New Hamshire.
"The increasing public awareness around the issue of systemic racism in this country has led to the realization that this exact sort of support is the... thing that Black Americans have less access to because of the financial (and other) boundaries put in the way... going back generations."
"I searched for racial justice-related causes on GlobalGiving, but the first several didn't really make me feel that spark of, 'Yes, this! It makes my heart light up to think of more people having this!' - until I got to the description of your Support Black Lives in Atlanta Through Education initiative. I got excited at being able to contribute to the goals you describe, even in a small way." - Tapley T., New H.O.P.E. donor
Yours and Tapley's donations certainly made our hearts light up, too! Because of your commitment to providing educational opportunities for our single-parent college students, we had three graduates in January, and have two H.O.P.E. participants graduating this month, with another three more on track to earn their degrees by the end of 2021! A total of 8 graduates this year! We know that without your help, none of this would be possible.
We will continue to focus on supporting Black Lives in Atlanta through education and hope you will continue to join us in this mission.
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"You have no idea how much this means to me." - Ruby F., H.O.P.E. participant
Indeed, all of us at H.O.P.E., Inc. can not thank you enough for donating to this project, helping single-mother Ruby, finally finish her Bachelor's degree. Ruby began her educational journey in 1995 and has been derailed numerous times due to life's challenges. Despite the obstacles she faced, she persisted, until recently when she was notified that her student financial aid had run out.
We called on Team H.O.P.E. to help us generate the necessary tuition funds to keep Ruby in school and you answered our call! Together, we raised approximately $12,000 which will cover Ruby's outstanding tuition debt and has allowed her to enroll in the Fall 2021 semester. With only two semesters remaining, Ruby is positioned to graduate in Spring 2022, all because of your incredible generosity!
"I feel that saying 'thank you' isn't enough to show my gratitude and I wish that there was more that I could do to show my gratitude to you." - Ruby F.
We invite you to follow Ruby's journey to graduation on our social media pages and continue to connect with H.O.P.E. through our GlobalGiving partner.
"Thank you for your support...to make sure that I graduate." - Ruby R.
Yes, thank you for your incredible support of our mission and for making a lasting impact in Ruby's life.
With sincere gratitude,
Kenita Smith
H.O.P.E., Inc CEO/President and Founder
It's hard to believe that just a year ago, HOPE became a partner on the GlobalGiving platform. It has been an honor to share our mission with wonderful supporters like you who care about making a positive and long-lasting impact in the lives of single parents enrolled in college.
Although 2020 was quite the year, it didn't stop you from changing lives! With your help, last month three of our single-parent participants were able to graduate with their degrees! For these new college graduates, Basia T., Darlene C., and Jasmine P., life will never be the same. As single mothers, these women faced an uphill battle to graduation. According to the Institute for Women's Policy Research (IWPR) only 8% of single mothers who start college are able to earn an associate or bachelor's degree within six years. You helped them overcome these discouraging statistics and positioned them for a lifetime of self-sufficiency! All three ladies graduated with at least two job offers with boosted incomes to match.
What's even more exciting is that your donation has also helped improve their lives outside of their career paths. Research shows that college graduates and their families have improved access to health care, paid leave, and retirement benefits. There are also societal benefits to single parents earning a college degree such as improved educational opportunities and health outcomes for their children.
Again, we thank you so much for helping our three recent college graduates on their journeys to earning their degrees. We invite you to continue to join us in making a difference in the lives of even more single parents.
With sincerest thanks,
Kenita Smith
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