Our Blog
Navigating daily life when English isn’t your first language
If English isn’t your first language, everyday tasks like going to the grocery store, seeing a doctor or meeting with your child’s teacher can seem impossible. Not only is there a language barrier, but cultural unfamiliarity can lead to more confusion if you’re new to America. What are…
How did HopeWorks start?
For more than 30 years, HopeWorks has supported Memphians needing second chances by providing essential education, counseling and career development programming. These programs cultivate personal relationships and lay a foundation for sharing the Gospel. But you may be wondering – how did HopeWorks come to be an organization?…
Meet the staff – Carissa Davis
HopeWorks is blessed with caring staff who are committed to our students and helping them succeed. One of those employees is Carissa Davis, associate director of Adult English as a Second Language. Carissa is passionate about her job and finds joy in assisting our students as they transition…
Why does passing the HiSET matter?
If you didn’t finish high school, you’re not alone. Nearly 20% of students in Memphis don’t graduate high school. There are a lot of reasons students choose to stop attending school, but those reasons don’t matter when you enter the job market. If you haven’t finished high school,…
Meet the staff – Fred Ross
HopeWorks is blessed with caring staff who are committed to our students and helping them succeed. One of those employees is Fred Ross, a student coordinator for Adult Basic Education at all of our corrections sites – including Shelby County Division of Corrections, Shelby County Jail, Jail East…
What is HopeWorks’ case management program?
Did you know all HopeWorks students have access to our team of case managers? No matter your story, life can be difficult – especially as you’re working to overcome the obstacles and hurdles that stand between you and your dreams. Our case management team is committed to helping…
Meet the staff – Hilarie Pulley
HopeWorks is blessed with caring staff who are passionate about our students and helping them succeed. One of those employees is Hilarie Pulley, a Personal and Career Development instructor at SCDC and an Employment Essentials instructor at HopeWorks’ Summer Avenue location. Hilarie’s love for others is apparent through…
Meet the staff – Cheryl Ruddy
HopeWorks is blessed with passionate staff who care about our students and want them to succeed. Today, we’d like to introduce you to Cheryl Ruddy, one of our ESL instructors. Cheryl’s desire to help others and share the love of Christ is infectious, and we’re so grateful she’s…
Employment in the Bible
In the Bible (and today), people’s professions are often used as identifiers – some accompanied by negative connotations. However, there are countless examples of people in the Bible with varying careers who were sought after by Jesus Himself, serving as a reminder that Jesus’ love is unending, unfailing…
If immigrants have graduate or postgraduate degrees in their home countries, why don’t they apply here?
Did you know the Migration Policy Institute estimates 20-25% of college educated immigrants are underemployed? This means despite their education in their native countries, some immigrants are working jobs they’re overqualified for while others struggle to find employment. Why is it so difficult for immigrants to obtain meaningful…