Our Story

Stella Robinette is very passionate about helping young people and it shows through in the H.O.P.E. organization. H.O.P.E. (Help Our Potential Evolve) was founded in 2008 by Ms. Robinette.

 

H.O.P.E. is a nonprofit organization (501c3). Our target demographic are youth from 11-19 years of age. While participating in H.O.P.E., our youth will gain the necessary life skills to become self-sufficient later in life.  Our college prep programs, "Dress for Success", etiquette, banking, and CPR classes, and involving them with other businesses and charity organizations, are just some of the ways we prepare them for being productive members in society for the future.

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With our college prep programs, we teach them how to go on to higher education with little or no money through scholarships and grants. Our youth tour colleges campuses to learn what resources are available, what they are eligible for, and to gain a perspective on college life. Through this exposure, it teaches them that college and higher education is attainable. We also help with the application process and making sure they are doing the appropriate things to be eligible for assistance with college.

We have conducted "Dress for Success" sessions, teaching participants the appropriate attire for job interviews. With this instruction, they learn the proper attire for distinct types of jobs for which they may interview, and how to present themselves.

The youth in H.O.P.E. have participated in etiquette classes so they are more prepared for certain social and professional settings they will face in the future. We feel like it gives our youth an opportunity to stand above the crowd when they attend formal social and business functions.

Another great thing we provide is a banking class. A representative from a local bank comes in and teaches the youth about saving money, managing a checking account, and teaching what it means to build your credit and how to manage it wisely. They are also taught how to be vigilant about creditors with college lending. 

We have our youth certified in CPR. This especially helps those considering the medical field, but  it also benefits any youth who is going into other fields just by knowing this vital skill. It also a tremendously helpful skill to have for the ones who are babysitting while still in school.

H.O.P.E. also awards the Joyce Dockery Memorial Scholarship to graduating seniors each year. Our youth are required to do so many volunteer hours, such as Clean-up Downtown Kingsport, Fun Fest and other activities. We have taken them on a mission trip to New York to work with special needs children. We want to impress upon our youth how important it is to give back to your community.