Jonathan, a young man who found beauty in the midst of chaos
From the turmoil of a broken youth, Jonathan found his potential in the arts. With the absence of his father and the death of his mother in a drive-by shooting, Jonathan’s personal life was wrought with violence and despair. The instability of his home life was reflected in his schoolwork, despite his natural scholastic ability. It was soon apparent that a change was needed. Jonathan began to attend Hope Street’s Central High School and discovered not only a positive learning environment but his own gifts as a writer. With the educational support provided through Hope Street’s small learning community, Jonathan is now a high school graduate and well prepared for college. A prolific writer and a recent recipient of the Huntington Library’s Langston Hughes Poetry Award, Jonathan has discovered his talent and is ready to create his future in an uncertain world.
Jasmine, a girl discovering her own strength and confidence
Growing up separated from her birth parents, Jasmine came to Hope Street as a quiet and reserved eight-year-old. She and her two brothers and sister were academically well below grade level and received tutoring from Hope Street’s after-school academic enrichment program. Determined to not let her circumstances decide her future, Jasmine continued to work hard in school and through Hope Street’s youth mentoring initiative steadily gained confidence in herself and her ability to succeed. Nine years later, Jasmine is a solid student and has developed into an outstanding track and field athlete. Today Jasmine is looking forward to her first year in college, with potential for sports scholarships and, ultimately, a career in social work.
