Where We All Are Strengthened

Over the holidays we received this beautiful email from longtime friends of The Hope Project, Pete and Marcy, in memory of their friend Barb Kelly.

Barb, far left, with Pete, Marcy and friends, celebrating Hope

"Barb was a longtime supporter of Hope. During the pandemic, she hosted a Hope Project unEvent fundraiser. We went to her house where she had prepared a Liberian meal with all the trimmings thanks to a Hope food box. We shared the meal with her and other friends. Barb, who was not a cook, was thrilled to make the meal and host s. It was a festive and memorable time for all of us.

Recently, we went to Barb's house again for a meal, this one a potluck. It was the 1st anniversary of her death from brain cancer. Her family and friends were there and she was there in spirit. This was not a mournful affair, but rather celebratory. For our potluck contribution, Marcy and I pulled out our Liberian recipes and made Liberian chicken with greens, just as Barb had made those years ago. In this way, Hope was with us. And, by strengthening our Liberian neighbors, we strengthen our own community, one chicken dish at a time."

Grateful for Barb and all that she gave to the local and international communities during her life. Grateful for Pete and Marcy and all of you who through your generosity continue to strengthen our Liberian neighbors and our own communities. 

Putting the Celebration in Vocation

Congratulations to the recent graduates of Hope International's Cooking Up Hope and Power of Hope vocational programs. Family, friends, and faculty gathered to celebrate these students, their hard work and brighter futures.

"We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the extraordinary individuals who have successfully completed their vocational training at Hope International. Each of you has demonstrated unwavering dedication and resilience throughout your journey, and today marks a significant milestone in your lives.

We know you will use your skills you've acquired to uplift your community and contribute to the prosperity of Liberia...we look forward to hearing about your many accomplishments in the years to come." Michael Nash, The Hope Project Board President.

Our deepest gratitude to Project Redwood for sharing the generosity that made our three, on-site vocational programs possible. 

Mark your calendars for the week of January 22 for our Quilt of Hope drawing! It will be your chance to receive our one-of-a-kind handmade quilt, with proceeds supporting Cooking Up Hope, Sew Much Hope, and Power of Hope.

Congratulations graduates!

Cheers to Peaceful Elections

Please join us in congratulating Hope International’s newly elected student body President Michael Wiah and Vice President Princess Saye.

President Michael Wiah and Vice President Princess Saye

Speaking of elections, former Vice President Joseph Boakai was elected as President of Liberia in a run-off election on November 16th. Voter turnout was enormous. The crowds (a large percentage were young voters) were mostly patient and peaceful.

Hope International campus serves as a community voting hub during elections

This election marked the first time since 2003 and the devastating civil wars, that elections were run solely by Liberian authorities without international funding, assistance and oversight.

Your generosity supports these students in becoming leaders of Hope International now and Liberia in the future.