Empowering Black Youth Through Project HOPE Houston
Despite societal challenges, one local church initiative is making a difference in the lives of at-risk Black youth. Project HOPE Houston, led by Dr. D.Z. Cofield of Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church, offers a supportive and nurturing environment to empower young individuals to overcome obstacles and reach their full potential.
Dr. Cofield emphasized the program’s focus on providing comprehensive support and guidance tailored to each individual’s unique struggles. In just three years, Project HOPE Houston has successfully steered at-risk youth away from the juvenile justice system and equipped them with essential skills while also supporting their families.
Interview with Reverend Cameron Jenkins:
Defender: What specifically is Project HOPE?
Jenkins: Project HOPE is a youth diversion program in Third Ward that focuses on intervention and prevention for at-risk youth. We believe in building strong children to avoid repairing broken adults, emphasizing values such as education, service, income, and nutrition.
Project HOPE Houston offers a structured curriculum, weekly meetings, community service opportunities, and field experiences to broaden students’ horizons. The program ensures participants leave with tangible skills, such as t-shirt making, podcasting, or music production.
Jenkins: The relational aspect of Project HOPE is crucial, as it provides a safe space for students to express themselves and receive the attention and love they may lack elsewhere. Counseling and mentoring play a significant role in helping participants grow and develop.
YOUTH PARTICIPANT TESTIMONIES
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“One of the growths or changes I think I’ve had is a higher level of maturity. When I first came here I would like to goof off and play around. I feel like the program helped me mature and more or less help me to be a leader and not a follower.”
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“Before Project HOPE I was doing things I wasn’t supposed to be doing. After I came here I started doing things to become a better person.”
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“It’s not worth it, thinking about having to go to court, how your mama is going to feel if you get arrested, coming to pick you up from the police station.”
Discover more about Project HOPE Houston at https://projecthopehouston.org/.