TLDR;

• An incredible Success Starts with Hope Breakfast
• Kickoff to Summer
• Volunteer opportunities coming this fall!

$200,000+ Raised at the Success Starts with Hope Breakfast 

Our community came together and raised an astounding $200,000 to support our scholars and fund the development of a cutting-edge new learning center. Thank you to everyone who made this possible!

The breakfast was filled with inspiring moments. We heard heartfelt stories of how mentorship has profoundly transformed the lives of our scholars, guiding them long after their time in our programs.

We also celebrated our impressive Class of 2024, revealing their college choices—a true testament to their hard work, dedication, and the powerful impact of Boys Hope Girls Hope.

Keep reading as we continue to share more about our scholars' journeys and the exciting developments ahead!

Meet Scott Ellsworth: A Journey of Commitment and Impact

When I first learned about Boys Hope Girls Hope of Arizona, I was immediately drawn to their mission and the incredible impact they have on young people in our community.

Visiting the Boys Hope Girls Hope Center and seeing the programming firsthand was transformative. As a father of two children, the mission of this organization has become even more personal for me.

Reflecting on my journey from a wide-eyed ASU graduate to now having two kids in school with Boys Hope Girls Hope scholars, I’m filled with a deep sense of privilege and responsibility. Every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Scholars in Action: Jaam's Inspiring Journey

I wanted to share an inspiring story that highlights the transformative impact of Boys Hope Girls Hope. My journey began in Kakuma, Kenya, one of the largest refugee camps in the world, where I was born to parents of South Sudanese descent.

As preteens, my parents were among the Lost Boys and Girls of Sudan, fleeing their homes during the 1980s and ‘90s amidst Sudan’s second civil war. After many years in refugee camps, they met and married in Kakuma.

In 2001, I was born, and by 2006, my father had immigrated to Phoenix, eventually reuniting our family in the United States. Moving to the U.S. was a blessing, but it came with challenges. 

My parents juggled supporting relatives in South Sudan and Kenya while providing for us in the States, making it impossible for them to pursue a college education.

Attending Brophy College Preparatory was a significant commitment for our family, adding to our financial struggles. Initially, I felt out of place and unprepared for the rigors of a private institution. However, everything changed during my sophomore year when I discovered Boys Hope Girls Hope and joined their residential program.

The program provided the support and resources I needed to thrive academically and prepared me for college. It also enriched my life outside of academics, giving me joyful years filled with lifelong friends and mentors.

None of these achievements would have been possible without the unwavering support of Boys Hope Girls Hope. This program changed my life, providing me and countless other students with opportunities we could have never dreamed of.

I’ll always be grateful for the chance to realize my dreams and create new paths for my family. Thank you, Boys Hope Girls Hope, for making this possible.

Jaam

BHGH Scholar

Power of Mentorship: Become a Champion for Our Youth

The power of mentorship cannot be overstated. At Boys Hope Girls Hope of Arizona, we believe that every young person deserves a champion, someone who believes in their potential and helps them navigate the challenges on their path to success. 

When I was a young girl, I too had many different mentor figures in my life; that without a doubt have made me the person I am today.  The power of a person really listening, gently guiding and sharing new ideas and perspectives is important. The profound impact of those adults who poured their wisdom and support into me is immeasurable. I’m sure YOU all have had those remarkable people in your lives

Our mentors are the heart of our organization, providing guidance, support, and unconditional love to our scholars. 

Every scholar in our program has a unique journey, but they all have one thing in common: the need for a caring adult who believes in them and is committed to their success. 

That's where you come in. 

We are calling on our community to join us in this life-changing work. By becoming a mentor with Boys Hope Girls Hope of Arizona, you have the opportunity to make a profound impact on a young person's life. You can be the one who ignites their hope, nurtures their potential, and helps them achieve their dreams.

If you are ready to be a champion for our scholars, please reach out to Ceci Hartke at CHartke@bhgh.org today to find out more about becoming a mentor.