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?
It all started in 1988. HopeWorks’ first director Wayne Reed recently opened Memphis Area Cooperative Services, a distribution ministry providing health and hygiene items to those in need. Around this time, several local Churches of Christ were called to help people experiencing homelessness in Shelby Country by providing temporary housing. These efforts combined in 1990 to establish the Life Skills Lab based on the Hope Program in New York City. In 1998, MACS was renamed HopeWorks and the Life Skills Lab was renamed Personal and Career Development. This is also the year HopeWorks received its 501(c)(3) designation.
From here, HopeWorks continued to grow and add new programs to support its students best.
- 2005 – HiSET preparation and testing offered
- Previously called the GED, HiSET or high school equivalency test is an avenue for those who didn’t finish high school to receive a diploma. HopeWorks became one of the largest HiSET training and test proctoring programs in the state of Tennessee.
- 2016 – PCD and HiSET courses are invited into Shelby County Department of Corrections
- 2017 – Adult English as Second Language (AESL) courses begin
- These courses assisted students with English speaking, reading, writing and listening skills.
- 2018 – Summer Avenue location opens
- On July 19, a ribbon cutting was held to celebrate and commemorate the new state-of-the-art facility, which contained four classrooms, several office spaces and a multi-use space.
- 2018 – Hope 2 Hire classes begin at Shelby County Division of Corrections
- Once students complete the PCD program, they’re eligible for Hope 2 Hire, a technical job-skills program. Initially, training was offered in masonry, logistics and building construction. Now, students receive instruction in culinary arts and building construction and maintenance.
- 2021 – AESL expands
- AESL began integrating cultural components to help students with American and community assimilation. This expansion included cultural and American professional education, supporting students from dozens of nations.
No matter what, our goal remains the same – to introduce people to Christ by offering life-changing assistance and guidance to those who need it most. Thanks to your support, we’ve influenced thousands of lives across the Mid-South.
To learn more about HopeWorks and our offerings, call 901-272-3700.