Urban Hope, a local, grass-roots nonprofit located in Savannah, is featured in the May issue of Georgia Trend Magazine. Urban Hope’s mission is to instill hope in the inner city children of Savannah and empower them to seek change in their lives and in their community. Georgia Trend Magazine highlighted the success of Tyrone Holmes, a former Urban Hope student leader, who despite hardships in his life was able to attain a full scholarship to Morehouse College. Tyrone credits Urban Hope for part of his success, stating that the program taught him responsibility and work ethic, as well as helping him grow educationally and spiritually.

“Tyrone is just one of several hundred children that Urban Hope has been able to embrace over our 16 year history”, states Covardis Broadie, Urban Hope’s Site Manager. “These children are given the tools they need to succeed in spite of their income, social status or home life. We view each child as an individual that deserves the opportunity to use their talents to better their lives.”

Urban Hope, founded in 2000 by Jack Roszkowiak, serves children in grades 1-8 through its free after school program and summer camp. High school aged students are also encouraged to participate in Urban Hope’s Student Leader program and can earn a wage by aiding the instructors and mentoring to the younger children.

The success of Urban Hope stems from its staff, volunteers, and the financial support of the community. In addition to the great exposure from Georgia Trend Magazine, Urban Hope has recently received several local grants that will enable it to continue the free eight-week summer camp, Camp Urban Hope. Grants that have been awarded to Urban Hope are:

• The Downtown Neighborhood Association

• The Susan W. Thompson Literacy Fund

• Enmarket Encourage Health Education Series

• City of Savannah Department of Cultural Affairs’ Weave a Dream

Camp Urban Hope will provide a safe, loving, and enriching environment for 85 area children, that not only benefits their families, but our community as a whole.

Individuals interested in mentoring children, should consider volunteering at Urban Hope. This year, Camp Urban Hope will include fine arts painting and gardening classes at the Whitefield Center, as well as a Summer Literacy Program at Urban Hope’s main location, St. Paul’s CME Church. Interested individuals should email [email protected] or call Mrs. Broadie at 912-349-5475.