Blog Post

HOPE worldwide RECEIVES $460,000 GRANT FROM AMERICAN RED CROSS 

Shane Engel • Aug 27, 2018

San Diego, CA. (August 10, 2018) – HOPE worldwide ™ is pleased to announce it has been awarded $460,000 from the Hurricane Harvey Community Recovery Grant from the American Red Cross™. These funds will support recovery efforts in the Houston and Beaumont / Port Arthur, Texas areas through the HOPE worldwide SPARK Academy program (Special Program for Arts Resiliency for Kids).

The SPARK Academy is a program focused on art, theater and sports therapy that was created in 2013 by HOPE worldwide in response to Hurricane Sandy’s catastrophic effect on families in New Jersey and New York.

The highly effective program serves pre-K through 6th grade children and families who have been impacted by disasters. All too often, children suffer long term emotional effects of devastating disasters, with little or no support to help them recover. The SPARK Academy helps children by providing an avenue to understand and process their emotions after a disaster using art therapy. Post-disaster behavioral and emotional changes are often seen 6-24 months after a disaster; and the 12-18-month post-disaster time frame is often the most difficult time for recovery. HOPE worldwide is honored to bring this program to the communities affected by the hurricane, working together with partners to help those in need.

“This support will enable us to continue meaningful recovery efforts alongside those devastated by Hurricane Harvey” says Robert Carrillo, CEO. “HOPE worldwide is proud to serve the children of these impacted areas through our SPARK Academy and we look to do so with compassion, integrity and excellence.”

HOPE worldwide is an international charity that changes lives through the compassion and commitment of dedicated staff and volunteers to deliver sustainable, high-impact, community-based services to the poor and needy. This partnership among HOPE worldwide , The Greater Houston Church, the HOPE worldwide Houston Chapter and the American Red Cross begins September 1, 2018 and will provide services through February of 2020.

HOPE worldwide’s base of operations is located in San Diego California and Robert Carrillo is a San Diego native who has been serving the organization as CEO since 2015.


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PRESS RELEASE June 27, 2023 HOPE worldwide , a leading non-profit organization dedicated to providing sustainable, high-impact, community-based services, including critical healthcare services, disaster relief, and education, to underserved communities globally, is proud to announce the recognition received by the Lawes Road Clinic in Papua New Guinea during a recent visit by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken . This visit highlighted the impactful work carried out by HOPE worldwide global network member, HOPE worldwide Papua New Guinea (PNG), in collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) as part of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), the U.S. government’s largest effort to combat HIV. During his visit to Papua New Guinea, Secretary Blinken had the opportunity to tour HOPE worldwide PNG’s Lawes Road Clinic, which is led by HOPE worldwide PNG Country Director Priscilla Sine Mal, and witness firsthand the incredible efforts undertaken by the dedicated team. The clinic's commitment to improving the lives of the local community in various areas, including HIV prevention and treatment, and treatment for victims of violence against women deeply impressed Secretary Blinken. In his remarks, Secretary Blinken expressed his admiration for the clinic's work, stating, "This was a real privilege to be here at the Lawes Road clinic where quite literally our partners are saving lives, changing lives, every single day." The visit showcased the significant impact of HOPE worldwide Papua New Guinea’s clinic on the region, highlighting its vital role in providing essential healthcare services to those most in need and who often have the most difficult time getting treatment, in part due to the social stigma often associated with their conditions. The Lawes Road Clinic operates under the auspices of the Presidential Emergency Plan For HIV/AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), funded through USAID and implemented in collaboration with FHI 360 and HOPE worldwide . The clinic has been instrumental in providing critical care, support, and testing for HIV/AIDS patients in Papua New Guinea, contributing to the nationwide efforts to combat the disease. This year, PEPFAR celebrates its 20th anniversary, and its 17th year of implementation in Papua New Guinea. HOPE worldwide is honored by the recognition bestowed upon HOPE worldwide Papua New Guinea and the Lawes Road Clinic by Secretary Blinken and remains committed to its mission of transforming communities and improving lives through local, volunteer-based initiatives. With the continuous support of partners like USAID and the unwavering dedication of its teams on the ground, HOPE worldwide and its global network of members like HOPE worldwide PNG strive to create a healthier, more resilient future for all.
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