A.E Finley YMCA

At its root, Community HOPE at the YMCA is based on relationships. Proven literacy instruction is the tool, but one-on-one relationships are the secret to its success. Community HOPE brings volunteer mentors to low-income neighborhoods to meet with high-risk students for weekly mentoring sessions. Each year the students in the Community HOPE programs make phenomenal leaps in literacy skills, far above current norms. Even more, these children develop confidence and a vision for successful futures. The nuts and bolts of Community HOPE are simple: • Caring mentors who meet with their students for one hour at the same time each week during the school year. • A literacy curriculum, HOSTS, with proven and measurable results. • Comprehensive assessment and diagnosis of each child's literacy profile. • Individualized weekly lesson plans focusing on set goals. • Consistent attendance by students and mentors. • Training for mentors on the use of the HOSTS program and continued education on the art of mentoring during the year. For mentors, Community HOPE is also a life-changing experience filled with challenges and deep rewards.