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Dear friend,
I am writing today with an important update for supporters, stakeholders, and friends of Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference.
We are at a critical juncture with our on-campus Hands4Hope Service-Learning Club program at four Folsom schools. We have experienced thriving programs at these schools, with incredible demand from youth wanting to participate, engaged youth, and a meaningful impact on the community and our partner agencies. Unfortunately, right now we do not have the community financial support to sustain these programs in Folsom, and have paused Folsom on-campus clubs. This decision comes after more than a decade of program impact in the Folsom community, and more than five years of dedicated efforts to build and sustain the financial support necessary to maintain the programs at their current scale.
This is not a shutdown, but a strategic pause to reassess community interest and explore new, sustainable ways to support the on-campus programs in the Folsom area. Hands4Hope remains committed to collaborating with the local schools and Folsom community and hopes to relaunch these impactful programs in a form that is both community-supported and sustainable. We will use this time to fundraise and develop a viable future model.
What is not changing:
Hands4Hope Education Program will continue to offer its on-campus Hands4Hope Clubs at 11 middle and high schools outside of Folsom, as well as after-school Committees that are open to any youth regardless of where they attend school. The Hands4Hope Community Engagement Program also will continue offering opportunities to any youth throughout the region and will continue to serve Folsom organizations. The pause only affects the on-campus Hands4Hope Clubs at Sutter Middle School, Folsom Middle School, Folsom High School, and Vista del Lago High School.
Our commitment to creating a community of civic minded and socially responsible citizens for generations to come is not changing, either. As a nonprofit organization, Hands4Hope relies on grants, community donations, and volunteers to implement our work. We are seeking interested volunteers to help with fundraising, strategy, marketing, and engagement through our Folsom Steering Committee, which meets once per month.
Your voice, time, and support can help shape what’s next. With the support of the Folsom community, we are hopeful that the on-campus Folsom programs can return stronger than ever in the 2026-27 program year. We welcome your input and ideas. Please reach out to info@hands4hopeyouth.org.
Thank you for being part of Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference, and for your continued belief in the power of inspiring youth in leadership and service.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Bassett
Founder & Executive Director
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