Greetings!

With great pride, I am introducing myself as the new Board Chairwoman of The HOPE Program, building on ten years of board service, including the past four years as the board chair of Sustainable South Bronx (SSBx), HOPE's subsidiary. I am so proud of SSBx's success in this time, including the solidification of sound governance practices, the launch of new transitional employment programs, and a 59% expansion in New Yorkers served.
Years ago, my mother immigrated to Brooklyn with her children in hopes of providing her family with a better life. This experience is not dissimilar to many of our students' experiences. So I understand the challenges many of our jobseekers face. At this critical moment, I am honored to work alongside our dedicated Board of Directors as well as Executive Director Jennifer Mitchell and the entire HOPE staff to provide opportunities to our most vulnerable neighbors, especially Black and Brown New Yorkers who are disproportionately affected by unemployment.
It is humbling to follow in the footsteps of Paul Neuman, HOPE's visionary board chair for seven years. During Paul's tenure, HOPE grew by 171% and moved into the fast-growing green jobs sector. Paul also launched A Taste of HOPE, our annual event that has raised over $2 million to date. Most recently, his leadership has been a driving force behind HOPE's ability to meet the needs of the communities hit hardest by the dual crises. 
 
As I take the helm, HOPE will build on this legacy, maintaining our focus on best-in-class job training, comprehensive support, and lifelong career services. At the same time, we are partnering with peer organizations convened by the New York City Employment and Training Coalition to lead New York City's inclusive recovery. HOPE stands behind the recent Recovery for All recommendations for building a 21st century local, interconnected, and participatory economy that provides resiliency and well-being for all. These include: 

  • Expanded municipal funding for education and workforce development
  • Investments in public infrastructure which can simultaneously provide jobs
  • Direct relief to the families bearing the brunt of the pandemic
  • Support for small businesses
 
In these unprecedented times, we need our partners more than ever before. Each and every one of our volunteers, employer partners, donors, graduates, staff, and board members are vital to promoting economic justice in New York City. Thank you for your continued investment in this critical work. 

Gratefully yours,
Lauren Samuel
Chair, HOPE Board of Directors
Vice President, Barclays Strategy
The HOPE Program, One Smith Street, 4th Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Sustainable South Bronx, 1360 Garrison Avenue, Bronx, NY 10474