Dear Family,
2013 was an amazing year of strengthening and growth for HOPE worldwide and the Community Service Division (CSD). Volunteer commitment and effectiveness grew as programs and Chapters were solidified and supported through the investment and hard work of the CSD staff and volunteers.
US Chapter leaders and volunteers in over 100 North American Chapters demonstrated their commitment during two National Days of Service. The 2013 Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service saw 8,500 volunteers serve over 54,000 hours in 24 states through 148 projects, bringing the five-year total to 30,000 volunteers serving 500,000 people and partnering with 150 community organizations. The 9/11 Day of Service brought out 5,300 volunteers who served for 40,000 hours in 53 cities, honoring first responders and serving in the community. In addition, 1500 volunteers served in the 7 Canadian Chapters and 2700 volunteers served in the 8 Chapters and 3 Affiliates in the Caribbean. The Alaska Chapter was honored as “Chapter of the Year” due to their dedication and impact in the Anchorage area.
Individual programs continued to expand during 2013. Saturday Academy, one of the CSD’s signature programs, resulted in mentoring for 2050 young people in 18 cities and 31 locations. HOPE worldwide Singles Corps expanded from 1 to 3 sites, drawing over 100 single volunteers from all around the globe, and Youth Corps grew to 500 participants selected from 2000 applicants.
US Chapter and youth leadership was also strengthened as 13 National Chapter Advisory Board members and 17 High School and College students, members of the National Youth Advisory Council, led 8 geographic regions across the US, providing support and opportunity to serve to thousands. The Community Service Fellows program offered 96 interns the opportunity to serve over 37,000 hours, impacting 1200 youth and providing $125,700 in educational awards.
The CSD’s Disaster Services Programs also grew dramatically, drawing accolades and awards from FEMA and other organizations. Disaster Services staff and volunteers were quick to respond to Hurricane Sandy. 1750 NY and NJ disciples volunteered, overseeing 40,000 community volunteers, serving over 200,000 meals and rebuilding 350 homes. When devastating tornadoes struck the Oklahoma City area, 210 volunteers from 32 churches responded with care and compassion, serving 4,000 hours, helping victims with daily necessities, clean-up, repair and encouragement. Our partnership with Catholic Charities USA, which included an award of $239,500, has led to a cadre of 130 Disaster Case Managers who have provided $429,000 in case management services to disaster victims. In addition, our partnership with the American Red Cross resulted in an award of $703,556 for ongoing Hurricane Sandy relief.
We are deeply thankful for our partnership with our brothers and sisters in the International Churches of Christ and for our donors, partners, and friends, whose support and tireless service led to an incredible year of strengthening and growth in 2013. Thank you for joining us as We Volunteer!
Sincerely,
Antonio B. Boyd, Vice President,
Community Service Division, HOPE worldwide, Ltd
