Blog Post

The Long Term Impact of HOPE Youth Corps

HOPEww Volunteer Corps • Apr 05, 2018

Never underestimate the impact you can have on an individual in the two weeks you serve on Volunteer Corps!

I received the most touching and inspiring Volunteer Corps application a couple of days ago. Back in 2007, Chris J. Harried used to be one of the vulnerable kids we serve on our programs. He came from a challenging home situation in Baltimore. The HOPE Youth Corps volunteers had a huge impact on his life, as they mentored him.

Eleven years later, Chris is a disciple of Jesus, a qualified educator, and is signing up for his 5th Volunteer Corps as a participant. Over the last few years, he has served in Dallas, Alaska, Atlanta, and India. This July, he is going to Zambia, where he will teach and train local teachers in Lusaka.

I was moved to tears as I read his application.

Now read Chris' own words...

"500 words simply aren't enough for me to adequately articulate what this organization and this specific program mean to me, not only a Christian, but simply as a person as well. I first was exposed to the impact of HOPE Youth Corps as a participant in their 2007 Camp Miracles program in Baltimore. At the time, I was a middle schooler who was experiencing a lot in my home life; my mother was caught up in the devastating heroin epidemic that swept my beloved hometown, and my father was struggling to make ends meet for me and my siblings, which often involved him being engaged in the penal system.

In addition to this, I was struggling to adapt to the social dynamic of my school, as I was blessed to perform well in my coursework-which drew the ire of my peers. The week I spent with those campus students from across the country radically changed my life and planted the seeds of God's word in my heart. As a result of their faithfulness, I began working with Hww's Baltimore Chapter in the winter of 2008, and subsequently was baptized in October of 2009. Since then, God has blessed me to be able to participate in 4 HOPE worldwide Volunteer Corps, spanning the globe from Dallas to New Delhi.

Each time that I am privileged to take part in these faith building journeys, God has revealed different elements of his character and his plan for my life. More importantly, my participation in these programs has allowed me to mature in my understanding of the calling that is placed upon my life to serve as Jesus did. The focus at its core is loving and serving one another and others with true humility.

My desire to take part in this year's program in Zambia stems from my wish to keep my heart soft towards being sacrificial in my giving, and also growing in my appreciation for God's incredibly designed canvas of his wonder and splendor. Despite being blown away by how much God has used what little I thought I had to offer in the past, I am excited at the possibility to of being able to merge my passion for education with my desire to serve in God's kingdom. Simply put: Through this opportunity, I am ready to embrace our oft-repeated yet continuously courageous rallying call of 'Here am I, send me'. To God be the Glory."

World Water Day Campaign

22 Mar, 2024
HOPE worldwide supplies clean drinking water as a first response during disasters, as well as by distributing water filters to many vulnerable people around the world including communities in the Philippines, Nepal, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Zambia.

2 Years of Relief Efforts in Ukraine with HOPE worldwide

23 Feb, 2024
For the past two years, HOPE worldwide has been actively involved in providing aid and support to the people of Ukraine amidst the ongoing humanitarian disaster where thousands of our brothers and sisters faced an unprecedented crisis. The situation has demanded urgent action, and with the help of generous donors and dedicated volunteers, many lives have been saved and significant milestones have been achieved. Let's take a look back at the journey:

MLK Day Sunday Suppers Hosted Around the Country

01 Feb, 2024
Inspiring Sunday Suppers hosted by our family of volunteers:

Celebrating a Legacy of Service: Nadine Templer's Impactful Journey of Hope

18 Dec, 2023
As the year draws to a close, HOPE worldwide would like to honor and acknowledge many years of leadership provided by Nadine Templer, Senior Director of International Volunteer Programs.

Marc Aguirre Featured in The Citizen Newspaper

29 Nov, 2023
A Higher Calling: Dr. Marc Aguirre's Mission to Serve the Marginalized and Vulnerable

Samantha Power Visits HOPEww Papua New Guinea

08 Nov, 2023
USAID Administrator Samantha Power Visits HOPE worldwide's Clinic in Papua New Guinea During Her First Official Visit

Report From Maui Fires Relief

12 Sep, 2023
Maui Fires Disaster Response Update: September 12, 2023

Ben's Letter to the Community

31 Jul, 2023
Dear HOPE worldwide Community, First and foremost, let me express my heartfelt gratitude for the warm welcome you have extended to me as the new CEO of HOPE worldwide . It is both an honor and a privilege to be entrusted with this leadership role, and I am excited to embark on this journey with each and every one of you. As I reflect on my life's journey, I am reminded of a pivotal moment that shaped the very essence of who I am today. Losing my mother tragically at the tender age of four taught me the harsh reality of impermanence, of how someone could be there one moment and gone the next. At such a young age, I did not fully understand the concept of death, but what I did understand was the importance of living. James 4:13-15 holds a profound truth that resonates deeply within me: “ Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that.’” Our time on this earth is fleeting, and the realization of this truth was the spark that awakened a desire in me to truly live and embrace every moment with purpose and passion. I have found my purpose, my calling, in the mission of HOPE worldwide. The work we do here, touching lives and making an impact by loving our neighbors, allows me to live my passion.

Dr. Ben Barnett Named New CEO of HOPE worldwide

24 Jul, 2023
The HOPE worldwide Board of Directors is excited to announce the appointment of Dr. Ben Barnett to the role of CEO and President of HOPE worldwide

U.S. Secretary of State recognizes HOPE worldwide Clinic in Papua New Guinea

27 Jun, 2023
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.
Show More
Share by: