Join us on Saturday, February 20, for a gourmet breakfast and a presentation from Sean Tuohy of The Blind Side!
The second annual HopeWorks breakfast will be held at the Woodland Hills Event Center from 8:30am to 10:30am.
The Connection : The Tuohy Story Seen in HopeWorks
Millions of Americans have read or watched the incredible story of Michael Oher, a homeless teenager turned football star, who achieved greatness largely through the help of Sean Tuohy and his family. Not only did the Tuohys support Michael’s education through high school and college, they brought him into their home and eventually adopted Michael as their son. Now a first-round draft pick with the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens, Michael Oher is a successful professional athlete and worlds away from the inner city streets of Memphis.
What the Tuohy family witnessed in their home is what HopeWorks strives to do every day in the lives of men and women in the city of Memphis. This inspirational and uplifting story is echoed through the transformed lives of HopeWorks’ graduates. Just as the Tuohy family showed compassion to Michael Oher by bringing him into their home, HopeWorks demonstrates compassion daily by teaching students and connecting them with supportive faith encouragers. In the same way the Tuohys gave Michael a high school and college education, HopeWorks provides students the opportunity for a holistic, 13-week Personal Career Development program, free of charge. And as Michael took advantage of his opportunities, HopeWorks’ students build on the foundation they get at HopeWorks to realize their potential in life.
The HopeWorks formula of showing compassion and giving opportunity is one that God has blessed for more than 20 years. We truly believe that the cycle of crime, addiction and irresponsibility can be broken and that all who seek a new life can become hard-working, faith-professing individuals. Our graduates may not be professional athletes like Michael Oher, but they have reached incredible heights – from a 30-year crack cocaine addict and prostitute turned college student to a discouraged and angry rape victim turned national AIDS awareness advocate.
Group Sponsorship Opportunities: You Can Help Break the Cycle of Poverty
High school dropouts get an education. Convicted felons receive employment skills for a new start. Fathers and mothers learn how to be responsible, caring parents for their children. All are given spiritual guidance and counseling by a staff who points them to a God who will sustain them wherever life takes them. It’s this holistic approach implemented at HopeWorks that we believe can break the cycle of crime, violence and addictions that trap so many in our city. And we believe this is an approach worth supporting.
It costs approximately $3,000 for a student to go through HopeWorks’ 13-week Personal Career Development program. This year we are encouraging church classes or small groups to sponsor a HopeWorks student. Your group can both support a student financially and be the student’s faith encourager. Below are the increments that we suggest your group consider when sponsoring a student:
One week – $250
Two weeks – $500
Three weeks – $750
One month – $1,000
Complete PCD Class – $3,000
If you are interested in group sponsorship, please contact Ron Wade at rwade@whyhopeworks.org or by calling (901) 272-3700 Ext. 107.