Families and student volunteers are preparing now to give of themselves and make a difference for the poor and needy in 2008 through the HOPE worldwide Volunteer Corps (HVC) and the HOPE Youth Corps (HYC). In this season of giving, we want to share with you about these opportunities to give.

Philadelphia and Baltimore are U.S. cities with a few things in common. Violence, drug addiction, single parented homes, very few positive roles models, lack of recreational facilities and teen pregnancies create an atmosphere and attitude of hopelessness in these cities. The giving spirit of the HYC and HVC participants provides a dramatic counterpoint.

HOPE worldwide’s partnerships with organizations like the Department of Education and the National Wildlife Federation, as well as, camp experiences with one-on-one mentoring opportunities bring hope and change lives for all involved. Because the mentees develop ongoing relationships as a result of our Saturday Academy and After-School Recreation Programs, hearts and lives are permanently changed. Usually, we tell about the impact on the life of those who received hope. I would like to share with you a few quotes from HOPE worldwide’s volunteers and the way serving others changed their lives.

"When I came to the HYC I was looking forward to being with friends for a month, when I left I was sad to leave my mentee because we had developed such a great friendship in such a short time." – Chris, HYC 2007

“The volunteers who serve are changed – the families they serve are changed. It is amazing to know that God is the center of it all.” – Casey, HYC 2007

”HOPE Youth Corps was an experience where I gave wholeheartedly, but received so much more.” - Jenny, HYC 2007

New Orleans has not recovered from Katrina. Since the disaster, we have had teams in New Orleans helping to rebuild homes and hope through our partnership with Habitat for Humanity.

"I cannot say that I had an 'impact' on those I helped, but they impacted me…Someday, I want to return to Camp Hope and help again. " - Jim, HVC 2007

In Seattle, as an outgrowth of our work with Mack and Zoe Strong's TEAM-WORKS Sports and Leadership Camp, HOPE worldwide served Native Americans from the Tulalip, Nez Perce and Muckleshoot tribes. The program models healthy lifestyles and character development. Volunteers teach youth alternative ways to avoid alcoholism, teen pregnancies and violence which is common to underprivileged communities.

“…this program will continue to influence many more lives for years to come”. – Amelia, HYC 2007

In 2008, the HYC and the HVC will make a difference in the USA. We have students with a desire to give that need your financial help in order to participate. Can you help through a gift of $20, $50 or $100 – what you might spend on a pair of shoes this holiday season? Your donation to the scholarship fund will help change the life of a student plus impact those they serve.

To make a donation please click below. Please note in the comments section "Volunteer Programs"

Please click here
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HYC & HVC programs

From the entire HOPE worldwide team, we want to thank you for your support and wish you and your family a happy and safe New Year.