When times are tough, people rely on HopePHL™ for a safe space to raise their children, food to nourish them, and support that helps them reengage in school or work. At HopePHL they build skills so they can achieve their goals, like moving to an apartment, finding a better job, or improving their parenting skills. When they have knowledge and experience to share, they also have a chance to shine as a mentor for others. Like Terry, who discovered new connections working with other parents.

Terry (her name has been changed for privacy) lives in HopePHL’s supportive housing. She is raising her 15-year-old grandson. For Terry, creating a positive environment for him has always been her top priority. She has gone above and beyond to ensure his well-being. Terry was the first person to sign up for the Parenting Collaborative group being offered free of charge in her building. While she gained new insights on raising a teen in this fast-paced digital age, she also has taken on the role of a mentor, offering guidance to younger parents and helping them identify job readiness skills that they need to develop. Her positive attitude and willingness to help others have made her an essential member of the group, providing inspiration to those seeking guidance.

Her contributions to the Parenting Collaborative group have made a lasting impact, and we are excited to watch her build a sense of community with her neighbors for a common purpose — to ensure kids living at HopePHL are supported both in and out of school and have hope for the future. Because people with hope, thrive.

Your support enables us to provide essential programs like the Parenting Collaborative group, which extend our impact beyond housing and basic needs for the people we serve. It is through your contributions that we can create a nurturing and empowering environment, offering individuals like Terry the tools and opportunities they need to improve their lives and positively influence their communities.

On behalf of Terry and all those whose lives you touch through your generosity, thank you.

Kindly,

Kathy Desmond

President

My Job Title, Company: Manager of Customer Experience (CX), PECO

Last read book or favorite book: Inside the Dream Palace: The Life and Times of New York’s Legendary Chelsea Hotel by Sherrill Tippins

You can find me streaming: Kaskade

Guiding principle, philosophy, or motto: Don’t compare yourself to

What You Were Most Surprised to Learn about HopePHL: I was most surprised to learn of HopePHL's deep involvement in every aspect of the community. From housing, food and education, all of the things that many of us take for granted. By focusing on these needs, HopePHL helps to elevate individuals so that they can begin to develop and reach their own hopes and dreams. 

Why you joined HopePHL’s Board: I joined the HopePHL board because I was impressed with the holistic approach the organization takes to improving the lives of others.

Year joined the Board(s): 2020

The Philadelphia African American Leadership Development Forum (PAALDF), powered by United Way of Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey’s Impact Fund was created in 2017 in partnership with the Urban League of Philadelphia as an innovative program, sensitively designed exclusively for African American nonprofit leaders. It includes classic leadership training content and exposure to regional and national thought leaders in the nonprofit field.

Dante Leonard, HopePHL's Commercial Corridor Manager reflected on how special this project was for him, HopePHL and the community. "I have a passion for helping people and bringing people together to proactively solve problems and collectively build solutions. This is exactly what the community has done in bringing this once vacant and forgotten space back to life. The story of Lex Street has left a mark on Philadelphia history. It is a great feeling to be involved in this project that has the potential to positively engage young residents in this community. I have lived and worked in West Philadelphia my entire life. This neighborhood is very much a part of my fabric as a man, father, and community leader."