In 2011, a shared vision for change was ignited around a humble dining room table, where a small group of family and friends gathered, bound by a common mission to uplift women, youth, and young adults who were struggling with poverty, disenfranchisement, and systemic barriers. The conversation that began in the heart of a home quickly turned into a call for action—a call to empower those whose voices often went unheard.

From this small but passionate gathering, Foundation of HOPE, Inc. was born. With limited resources but a heart full of determination, we set out to create programs for women and young people to build brighter financial futures. We understood that the journey to transformation required not just resources, but compassion, guidance, and community.

Our goal is to help people build stronger financial futures, and to teach youth and young adults, in high school and beyond, the fundamentals of financial planning. We offer an array of financial literacy workshops to help participants build assets and work toward realistic financial goals. We concentrate our efforts on group sessions in person and via Zoom, as we collaborate with other agencies and nonprofit organizations.

Our First Steps: Laying a Foundation for Financial Empowerment

In 2012, we launched our first 8-week workshop at Interfaith House, a respite care facility in Chicago. A group of 12 courageous women began their healing journey with us, as we offered financial literacy classes designed to support their economic and practical needs. This inaugural workshop focused on financial literacy and empowerment, offering them tools for financial management and economic stability. The success of this program set the stage for many more.

Expanding Our Reach: Workshops and Partnerships

From this first workshop, we quickly realized that there was an urgent need for the services we offered. Our programs expanded, reaching women and young adults in a variety of community settings. We began offering group-centered workshops in women’s shelters, libraries, churches, community centers, and other nonprofit organizations such as Morning Star Mission in Joliet, Illinois. These workshops addressed a wide range of topics, including saving, budgeting, establishing banking relationships, and basic financial management—empowering participants with practical knowledge to make lasting changes in their lives.

We also partnered with impactful organizations like Dress for Success in Chicago and Gifts of Love NFP in Olympia Fields, to ensure that the women and young adults we served had access to holistic support systems. Our mission was simple: to provide comprehensive resources that addressed both immediate needs and long-term goals, helping our participants develop the skills and confidence needed to navigate life’s challenges.

As we look to the future, we are excited to continue serving those who need us most, creating even more opportunities for education and empowerment through partnerships with organizations that share our goal. The journey that began around a dining room table is now a beacon of hope for countless women and young adults seeking a brighter tomorrow.