The Foundation of HOPE, Inc., held a certificate ceremony at the Talbot County Library for girls in sixth grade who completed the Economic Development and Empowerment Program at Easton Middle School.. The Economic Development and Empowerment Program is a 16 week afterschool program that delivers a new topic each week such as: self-esteem, how to deal with bullying, leading a healthy lifestyle, saying no to drugs and alcohol, the importance of community service, workforce development which includes; how to fill out a job application, how to interview, what to wear and the importance of a good personal record; economic and community development, social media, financial literacy, leadership, public speaking and entrepreneurship where they learn the tools to develop a business plan. The program provides for students to meet once a week after school to receive training. They spend the first hour focused on homework assistance and the remaining hour is spent learning the training program topics. Each week the participants are provided a hot meal, this year a local restaurant provided food each week.
The Foundation of H.O.P.E., was founded by Keasha Haythe, CEcD, a 16 year economic development veteran who is a certified economic development professional, Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA) Board of Directors Immediate Past President and President of The MEDA Foundation, Inc.. She continues her passion for economic development by serving as President and Founder of the foundation and launching the Economic Development and Empowerment Program. Haythe stated “As an economic development professional the common theme heard from business leaders is that adults are not prepared with the soft skills needed to fill positions. This program focuses on soft skills at an age where the young girls are transitioning and preparing for work in two years.The young ladies completing the program are receiving the necessary skills and tools to be self-sufficient and great leaders in their community,” said Haythe
Girls who received a certificate of completion were: Amorie Blake, Lilyanna Cook, Maya Hawkins-Bailey, Ashley Vargas, Maretta Walker and Ja’Kyra Ware. Without the support of our sponsors and many partners we would not be able to offer this program. We are grateful for the partnership with Talbot County Public Schools. The Foundation of H.O.P.E. Board of Directors is preparing for their Annual Fundraiser to be held at the Milestone in Easton, MD on Wednesday December 6, 2017 from 6pm-8pm.
About the Foundation of HOPE
Our mission is to help young girls lead productive lives in their communities by providing cultural, social and educational development. For more information like us on Facebook and visit our website at www.foundationofhopemaryland.org
Write a Letter to the Editor on this Article
We encourage readers to offer their point of view on this article by submitting the following form. Editing is sometimes necessary and is done at the discretion of the editorial staff.