New from This Side of the Ocean

You don’t often hear about the stateside operations that work in support of all the good things in Liberia. I wanted to let you know about some happy changes here with our team.
 
After 11 years in my position as Executive Director, the board has approved my request to restructure my job to be shared. One full-time position will now be filled by myself and Sandi Bammer. We asked Sandi to share a little bit about herself and her connection to Hope.

“My connection with The Hope Project began about 15 years ago when I met Jackie playing roller derby! Over the years, I’ve stayed involved with Hope in various small ways, and I was so excited to join the board last summer. Traveling to Liberia in January was life-changing, and experiencing the work firsthand made the impact of Hope feel even more personal and real in a way I wasn't expecting. I was honored and excited to be asked to step into the shared Executive Director role alongside Jackie. As a former small business owner and longtime community collaborator in the Wenatchee Valley, I care deeply about creating connection, supporting community-centered work, and bringing people together — usually around food and good conversation. I’m thrilled to be part of this next chapter with Hope and excited for all that’s ahead!”

Sandi, Jackie, and Andrea

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Andrea Britt will remain as Associate Director and is celebrating her 10th year. I feel like the luckiest person to work alongside these two. Sandi officially begins on June 1st and can be reached at sandibammer@hopeproject.org. Feel free to send her an email of welcome.
 
Speaking of people we are lucky to have, Bettina, Tom, and Sam have recently joined our Board of Directors. We are excited to have their leadership and talents. Please join me in welcoming them.

The heart of what we do all together happens in Liberia. These people, alongside you who generously give, make so much possible.
 
Together Here and There,
Jackie

Two Things to Celebrate...In No Particular Order

Many of you may remember in April 2025 we shared the story of 9 amazing Hope International teachers. They were in their final semester working towards their advanced teaching certifications when they received terrible news. Funding for their coursework had been halted when the United States discontinued USAID funding in Liberia. One of the challenges Liberia faces is the lack of support in the continued education and training for the country’s teachers.

The teachers were saddened by the news. After hearing about what happened, one of our stateside families (a teacher herself, alongside her supportive partner) stepped in and funded the last semester for all 9 of Hope’s teachers. And the generosity didn’t stop there. Another partner (also a former teacher) in this community shared a monthly gift to help cover the transportation costs for one of the teachers to attend classes.

Fast forward to Saturday, April 25th, all 9 of these teachers graduated! Just look at them shine. Their hard work and sacrifice combined with the generosity of this community made such good things happen.

Hope Teachers: Prince Chedeh, Portia Tuan, Hellen Siryee, Teetee Nyanford, Bessie Cheechea, Cleopatra Cooper, Josephine Appleton, Thomalina Banmore, Moses Forkay

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Last week we shared with you our post-event financial picture and the reality of where we stood short of our goal. This community stepped in and continued their generosity streak. With pre-event gifts, the donations and pledges night-of, and the post event expressions of Hope, we find ourselves having met our goal. Words cannot express the gratitude we hold.

We are flush with examples of being Better Together, but this one is extra sweet.

Better Together Since 2nd Grade

Aminata and Patmelia are Hope International graduates and university scholarship recipients. They are set to graduate in 2026 from United Methodist University with degrees in nursing.

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Better Together | A Story of Friendship

By Aminata & Patmelia

Our friendship began at an early stage in life when we enrolled at Hope International School in 2007. We started together in the first grade, though we were not very close at that time. However, everything changed when we were promoted to the second grade we somehow became best friends.

During recess, we would combine our money to buy food; especially our favorite treats cream biscuits and candy. After eating, we would spend the rest of the break playing together until it was time to return to class. Beyond the fun, we supported each other academically. We studied together; helped each other with assignments, and whenever one of us didn’t understand something, the other would try to explain. If we were both confused, we would not hesitate to seek help from our classmates (Aminata and Patmelia were Class of 2019 Co-Valedictorians you can read about that here).

Like any true friendship, we faced challenges along the way. We had disagreements at times, but we never allowed others to interfere. We believed in settling our issues ourselves. Whoever was wrong would apologize, and everything would return to normal. This approach has helped our friendship grow stronger over the years.

Our bond has endured from childhood all the way to the university level. We never allowed differences in tribe or religion to come between us. Instead, we built our relationship on love, respect, and genuine care just like biological sisters. In fact, many people assume we are sisters because of the deep connection we share.

We celebrate each other’s successes rather than envy them, always wishing for greater achievements for one another. We have also learned not to be influenced by negative opinions from others, which have greatly strengthened our friendship. Our relationship has become a source of admiration within our community.

Though words cannot fully capture everything we have shared, we are deeply grateful to God for blessing us with such each other. This sisterhood is one that will last a lifetime, even as we grow old together.

A Message of Gratitude

To the Hope Project, we extend our heartfelt appreciation for these life-changing scholarships. It is truly a dream come true. Because of this opportunity, we are now able to pursue our dreams of becoming nurses.

Without this scholarship, we wouldn’t have been certain of attending university after completing high school. Our parents would have tried their best but may not have come this far. For this reason, we are deeply grateful to all of you, and to our sponsors, who made it possible.

We promise to make you proud and not to disappoint you. Thank you so much for believing in us and for giving us this opportunity. It takes truly remarkable and compassionate individuals to do what you are doing for us.

Thank you and may God richly bless you.