Last year Boys Hope Girls Hope of Detroit was awarded a $100,000 grant from Michigan-based The Carls Foundation for the renovation of The Hope House, a residential home for girls who are nurtured and empowered for success. The renovation is a foundational step in BHGH of Detroit’s strategic plan to transform its programming from a traditional residential model into something much broader, more comprehensive, and in accord with its mission to support aspiring young leaders who face systemic barriers to become successful in college and beyond.
The 21st Century Urban Boarding Program has been completed and to celebrate women of color are joining together to share leadership lessons to inspire the next generation women leaders. Rochelle Riley, Tiffany Taylor, Brenda Belcher, and Dr. Kimberly Bland, amongst others were honored to share their thoughts in celebration of the project. Starting on Monday, August 10, 2020 each woman will share their leadership lessons via BHGH social outlets as a countdown toward unveiling the new 21st Century Urban Boarding Program to be revealed via video on Friday, August 14, 2020. The video not only includes a full tour of the house but also features a panel discussion entitled, “Voices of Impact: Inspiring the Leadership of Girls of Color.” This panel is hosted by Dr. Patrice S. Johnson, BHGH Executive Director, and Tiffany Taylor, BHGH Board Member. Panelist include Dr. Ashley Johnson, of Detroit College Access Network, Shadora Ford, Destined for Greatness Founder, and Kiesha Jackson, Caleb’s Kids Founder & CEO.
“For more than 35 years Boys Hope Girls Hope has served promising young girls and boys who face crushing levels of trauma and systemic barriers like generational poverty that ultimately reinforce institutional gender and racial inequities,” says Dr. Patrice S. Johnson, executive director of Boys Hope Girls Hope of Detroit. “As a millennial, female, executive director of color, I am thrilled that the vision I set for BHGH Detroit has come to fruition. This space is a place of safety for girls of color to develop their innate resilience and leadership skills. Thanks to Metry Interiors and the Carls Foundation our organization can continue producing life-changing results for young people in Detroit and amplify our efforts with the renovation and transformation of The Hope House into a 21st century urban boarding program that will be the first of its kind in the state of Michigan.”
The Hope House, a single family home located in the Green Acres neighborhood in the city of Detroit, was built in 1936. At present, the home has experienced water infiltration that has caused deterioration, mold, and water damage both in the recreational space and learning center. In addition, the home is in need of modern and technological upgrades in the bathrooms, study lounge, scholar bedrooms, and dining room. These renovations are critically important; however, Dr. Johnson and Boys Hope Girls Hope of Detroit scholars and staff are even more excited about the transformational programming to accompany the house’s reopening, including art therapy; digital learning; physical health, nutrition and wellness classes; and spiritual and social activities.
The Hope House will welcome six new scholars on September 1, 2020. The home includes an optimal learning and social environment that will be better able to shape students and greatly influence self-esteem, motivation, and the ability to develop skills needed for a successful life through self-directed and cooperative learning activities, all in a physical environment that is shaped to support those efforts. This program is tailored to address the special needs of Generation Z and help its scholars better strive for and achieve social equity in one comprehensive setting.
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