Education United States Project #48006

Support Black Lives in Atlanta Through Education

by H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People be Empowered)

Project Report | Jan 14, 2021
We are turning a NEGATIVE into a POSITIVE

By Kenita Smith | President/CEO & Founder

** WARNING! Explicit Language and Trigger Content**

Last week, our organization received two of the most degrading and appalling letters.

In our 11 years of serving the greater Atlanta community, we have never received racially-driven hate mail of any kind, so imagine how shocked, hurt, and angry we were when we read what was written (letters pictured).

I wanted to share these letters with you, not to encourage division, but to let our H.O.P.E family know that the support you've given our organization has ensured that our single parents, who are 95% African-American, can never be categorized as lazy, unemployed, and uneducated. You have given them the power to combat ignorance such as this, and incidents like these just fuel us and our drive to succeed in our mission.

We are currently working with the local police as well as the FBI to identify the perpetrator(s).

Thank you for all you do to give hope, and we pray that you allow your light to continue to shine in these seemingly challenging times.

Best regards,

Kenita Smith, BBA, MBA, MA

President/CEO & Founder

H.O.P.E, Inc.

Links:

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Nov 5, 2020
We're helping generations break free!

By Kenita Smith | President/CEO & Founder

Dear Partners,

THANK YOU! American families, especially black families, are staying in poverty for many generations, with some scientists estimating that it takes as many as 10 to 15 generations for families to break free of it, but NOT OURS! Your contributions have personally assured that the generations of twelve single-parent families are changed.

H.O.P.E, Inc. plays a key role in social justice by ensuring that our participants, who are 95% African American, are able to obtain their college degrees in six years or less, securing future wealth, opportunities, and privileges in the black community.

During COVID, 100% of our African-American participants were negatively impacted. They lost jobs, lost hours, lost daycare, and got behind on their bills. They had an emergency fund, thanks to our training and accountability, but those were quickly dissolved as the pandemic continued.

You helped them meet their needs. They had their rent supplemented, utility bill past due balances reconciled, groceries, and other emergency needs that were all a result of your generous support. You met our initial project goal and surpassed it, with many of you being new donors and new to our organization. Here is a testimony from just one of those families below.

"I have been struggling picking pick up more shifts and trying to figure out who was going to get my boys off the bus. Let alone pick up the extra load of rent that weighed on my shoulders. Then the H.O.P.E program sent an email stating funds were available. I felt as though it was a blessing from God himself. It could not have come at a better time. I was able to have one-month rent paid up and less stress on my shoulders. I am so thoughtful for their continuous updates and support. Thank you, H.O.P.E [doors] for getting us through this trying time." (Tiffany H.)

We thank you very much, and appreciate your help!

H.O.P.E, Inc.

Attachments:

You helped Tiffany avoid eviction! (PDF)

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