FY'25 Impact Report - The HOPE Program

The Impact of HOPE

A Year of Innovation, Progress, and Renewed Connection

Thanks to your generosity, this past year we launched our strategic plan Home Of Prosperity and Empowerment and celebrated 40 years of HOPE—marking a deeper commitment to expanding pathways to economic mobility and increasing our impact in neighborhoods and communities. In every corner of our programming, we saw tangible results towards the four key pillars of the strategic plan.

*All data on this page reflects FY'25 results.

Bridge to HOPE

Bridge to HOPE creates accessible pathways for New Yorkers facing systemic barriers to enter our workforce development programs. In FY'25, the program engaged nearly 1,900 individuals through outreach and information sessions. From the very first moment we connect with New Yorkers, we open a Bridge to HOPE—helping them imagine a future beyond their current circumstances. Our initial information sessions do more than introduce our programs; they provide immediate, practical value, giving participants a sense of possibility and direction. Through new workshops in resume building, environmental literacy, career pathways, and managing medical debt, participants gain tools to tackle pressing challenges while discovering the confidence and motivation to continue their journey with HOPE.

1,900 Individuals Engaged Through Outreach

400 New Participants Enrolled in HOPE Training Programs

48 Out of 51 City Council Districts Reached

Raising HOPE

Raising HOPE transforms lives by creating pathways to genuine economic mobility, not just employment. To date, we've placed 146 FY'25 graduates into quality jobs—and that number continues to grow. David Lopez arrived at HOPE after years of unstable work and unfulfilled potential. Through our Green Construction Training Program, he gained industry certifications, hands-on skills, and unshakeable confidence. Today, David works full-time at The WaterMark as a Maintenance Associate, earning $30 per hour with clear opportunities for advancement. His journey from uncertainty to stability demonstrates what Raising HOPE achieves: we equip people not just to find work, but to build careers where their talent is valued and their futures are secure.

$19.2 mil In Total Wages Earned by HOPE Graduates

1270 Industry-Recognized Certifications Obtained by HOPE Participants

85% Program Completion Rate

HOPE on the Road

Through HOPE on the Road, we brought our work deeper into communities like Hunts Point—guided by a new geographic strategy and bolstered by partnerships with Macquarie and NYSERDA. The NYC CoolRoofs program brought cooling cost savings and heat protection to nearly 2,800 New Yorkers across 24 buildings. In Soundview, our Intervine team maintained 14 rain gardens capturing over 2.2 million gallons of stormwater annually—reducing flooding and improving public health across the neighborhood.

2,800 New Yorkers Served by CoolRoofs

2.2M Gallons of Stormwater Captured Annually

400+ Green Interventions Across NYC Through Our Horticulture Efforts

HOPE for Life

After 23 years of incarceration, Carlos refused to let his past define his future. In 2018, while working at a restaurant, he saw an opportunity for something greater and joined HOPE's green infrastructure training program. Starting as a Landscaper at ABM Industries Governors Island at $21 per hour, Carlos didn't settle. He pursued additional certifications in vehicle maintenance and repair, proving his commitment to growth. His dedication was rewarded with a promotion to Lead Maintenance Mechanic, earning $33.12 per hour—a 52% wage increase that reflects real economic mobility. Through HOPE for Life, Carlos stays connected to our community, accessing ongoing support as he continues advancing. His story demonstrates that with training, opportunity, and determination, reentry becomes not just possible, but powerful.

~600 Alumni Served Through Career and Supportive Services

$14,547 Average Salary Increase Reported by HOPE Alumni

24 Alumni Ambassadors

Our progress this year is a direct reflection of your belief in what's possible. Your donations allowed us to expand our reach, enhance our services, and build a more equitable future—one job, one community, one life at a time.

We are deeply grateful to each of our donors—your partnership fuels our progress. We have made every effort to accurately recognize all donors in this report. If you notice an error or omission, please accept our apologies and contact us at development@thehopeprogram.org so we can update our records. You can view the full list of our generous supporters here.

The Impact of HOPE

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