Five students from Brooklyn's Packer Collegiate Institute recently spent a week volunteering at HOPE! Thank you Aliza, Coby, Eric, Jelani and Colleen for helping us profile the journies of two HOPE students.  

Carla, a former executive assistant, came to HOPE because she admired how they accept all walks of life. She saw it as an opportunity to get back on her feet and get ready to work again. Carla joined the GROCERYworks program because she wanted to switch fields. Now a few weeks into the program, she thinks her determination and HOPE's community that encourages her to do her best will help her succeed. "You need to take all you can from this program, whether it is learning new skills, getting your GED, or getting a job." 

Joseph joined The HOPE Program after he was turned down from multiple jobs. He chose HOPE over similar programs because they take pride in what they have to offer. HOPE has helped him advance his knowledge in subjects he had previously struggled with, like math and computers. Joseph admits that there have been challenges such as committing to coming to HOPE each and every day, but he knows it will all be worth it. For those currently enrolled, as well as those who are considering, his advice is simple: "Commit to yourself, do your best behavior, update your resume and communication skills and suddenly, GEDs, completing the program and jobs are all within arm’s reach."