In The News

August 2023

The LOHM Celebrates Black Business Month

Black Business Month is a time to recognize and honor the remarkable achievements of Black-owned businesses and the resilience of Black entrepreneurs. Their innovations, determination, and dedication to their craft have paved the way for progress in countless industries. At The Ladies of Hope Ministries (The LOHM), we believe that empowerment and economic independence are vital components of justice reform. By uplifting justice-impacted women as entrepreneurs, we are not only helping them regain their footing but also encouraging positive change within their communities.

Uplifting Justice-Impacted Women Entrepreneurs

Throughout our journey, The LOHM has been steadfast in its commitment to supporting justice-impacted women in their pursuit of entrepreneurship. We firmly believe that providing these women with the tools, resources, and mentorship they need to succeed can be transformative, not only for their own lives but for the lives they touch. This Black Business Month, we invite you to join us in celebrating the successes of justice-impacted women entrepreneurs who have defied the odds and turned their dreams into reality.

As we celebrate Black Business Month, we also recognize the importance of continued support. The journey towards empowerment and sustainable change is ongoing, and we need your help to make a lasting impact. By donating to The LOHM, you directly contribute to our efforts in providing justice-impacted women with the resources and opportunities they need to thrive as entrepreneurs. Your generosity enables us to offer mentorship, training, financial assistance, and a supportive community that empowers these women to rebuild their lives and inspire others.

Black Business Month reminds us of the strength that comes from unity and support. Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of justice-impacted women as they embark on their entrepreneurial journeys. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you who has been part of our mission to create lasting change.

Let's celebrate the achievements of Black business owners and justice-impacted women entrepreneurs this August and beyond!

Make an Impact

Black Business Month Spotlight

Meet Ayana Thomas, the remarkable CEO of Grieving Back to Life, an organization that seeks to uplift and empower women through the journey of grief and healing. Ayana’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience and the human spirit’s capacity to triumph over adversity.

As the founder and Executive Director of PureLegacee, Naquasia has transformed her personal journey into a mission of empowerment for other justice and trauma-impacted young women. Let’s delve into her remarkable journey and the impact she is making through her organization.

EPIC Ambassadors

We're thrilled to announce a momentous achievement, The LOHM EPIC Ambassadors Fellowship Program is celebrating the graduation of its trailblazing cohort of advocates. This innovative program, with a steadfast commitment to creating positive change, has equipped women impacted by the criminal legal system with the tools to be powerful legislative advocates, grassroots organizers, and lobbyists.

The EPIC Ambassadors have undergone six months of intensive training, honing their skills in policy writing, digital organizing, and community engagement.

With a steadfast dedication to addressing policies and practices that disproportionately affect women and girls entangled in the criminal legal system, the EPIC Ambassadors have their sights set on transformative goals. From advocating for improved reentry services and an end to cash bail, to supporting juveniles impacted by the system and championing family reunification policies, parole and probation reform, housing equity, and reproductive justice, their mission is multifaceted and impactful.

Congratulations to the 2023 EPIC Ambassadors!

Meet the EPIC Ambassadors

Grow with Google

Empowering Justice-Impacted Women in the Digital Age

The LOHM's mission is to uplift and empower women to overcome challenges, embrace their potential, and achieve their dreams. It's with immense pride and inspiration that we share the remarkable success story of Loreen Paeys a shining example of how determination, faith, and the power of digital learning can transform lives.

Founder News

Essence Fest Highlights! 🎉

Dr. Topeka K. Sam, Founder of The LOHM, delivered an empowering session at Essence Fest, where she joined a stellar panel discussing “Models for Wealth Building, Investing & Retirement Planning.” Don’t miss out on the crucial insights shared during this discussion, which covered essential building blocks for investing, retirement savings, and the power of generational wealth.

Watch Panel

The LOHM Founder Visits FCI Danbury

In a remarkable journey that exemplifies the resilience of the human spirit, Dr. Topeka K. Sam, founder of The LOHM, recently visited the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Danbury - a place where she once found herself incarcerated. This poignant homecoming was not just a reminder of her past, but a testament to the transformative power of healing, redemption, and second chances.

Dr. Sam's story is one of hope and determination. Her visit to FCI Danbury allowed her to share her own experiences of overcoming adversity and rebuilding her life after incarceration. Through her non-profit initiatives, a fintech company, and real estate projects, she has not only found personal success but has also made it her mission to empower others who have been impacted by the justice system.

Dr. Sams's journey is a testament to the incredible potential within every individual, regardless of their past mistakes. Her story reminds us that everyone deserves a chance at redemption and transformation. As we witness her return to FCI Danbury - not as an incarcerated woman, but as a symbol of triumph - we're reminded of the power of resilience, forgiveness, and the importance of extending a helping hand to those working towards a better future.

In a world often quick to judge, Dr. Sam's life and work challenge us to reconsider our perceptions of those who have been justice-involved. Her holistic approach to healing and empowerment demonstrates that by fostering understanding, providing resources, and believing in the potential for change, we can create a society that values second chances and enables individuals to rewrite their narratives.

The LOHM Team

🎉 Introducing Our New Team Member - Judith Negron! 🎉

We are thrilled to welcome Judith Negron to our team as the Partnership Lead for the Pathways 4 Equity Program (P4E). With an impressive background and a passion for social change, Judith is set to make a significant impact in her new role.

Drawing from her extensive career spanning over three decades in mental health and community services, Judith brings a wealth of experience to her position.

In her role as Partnership Lead, Judith spearheads business outreach, employer partnerships, and corporate sponsorships for the P4E Program. Her expertise in fair chance hiring will play a crucial role in bridging the gap between justice-impacted women and employment opportunities.

Impact Campaign

Open Call

The Represent Justice Impact Campaign Open Call will award in-kind impact campaigns to films and series addressing mass incarceration, and helmed by people who are currently or formerly incarcerated.

Represent Justice turns stories into action to change the justice system, while building the capacity of communities impacted by the carceral system. Together with filmmakers and film participants, we launch impact campaigns that connect award-winning films and series with movement leaders, and uplift community-led solutions to protect vulnerable communities, rather than reinforcing cycles of violence and harm.

Film teams can apply today for a 2024 impact campaign funded by Represent Justice, and collaboratively designed and led by our impact team. The deadline to apply is September 30, 2023.

Apply