HOPE BUILDERS BLOG

Ana: A Journey of Hope

Ana first applied to Hope Builders in 2021. A survivor of domestic violence, Ana, shares “I was not confident in myself and felt like I had no motivation or goals since I couldn’t afford college.” Even though Ana never set up an initial interview, Hope Builders stayed in touch with monthly emails to encourage her…

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Winter Advancement Ceremony

On Thursday, February 16th, Hope Builders celebrated 148 young adults who achieved significant milestones—ranging from training completion to long-term career retention—along Hope Builders’ student journey at the Winter Advancement ceremony. Construction program graduate, Fredi, served as a keynote speaker to commemorate his successful completion of training and career launch. Prior to learning about Hope Builders,…

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Unlocking Greatness: Q1 and Q2 FY 24 Update

Hope Builders exists to unlock the greatness of young adults in our community. In the last 6 months: By June, we expect to: Under the strategic leadership of Shawna Smith, Hope Builders’ Executive Director, and Alex Calabrese, CEO of RSI Equity Partners and Vice Chairman of the Board and Chair of the Operations Committee, Hope…

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In Good Company

This week, the Orange County Business Journal (OCBJ) named Hope Builders’ 2023 10 Days for Launching Careers event as a top 5 Unique Event in their 2024 Charity Event Guide (page 54). Cheril Hendry, CEO & Owner of Brandtailers, and Tim Blett, CEO & Partner of eMaxx Partners, led Hope Builders’ creative and fundraising efforts…

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Q&A with Construction Trainee Joshua

In the fall, we shared that 24 young adults completed orientation for Hope Builders’ Construction Training Program. To follow up on their progress, we recently checked in with Joshua, one of the new trainees, to hear about his first weeks of training.   How did you hear about Hope Builders? My oldest brother and his wife…

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Amigo Spotlight – Paul Ohta

Paul first learned of Hope Builders in 1999 after joining St. Joseph Health System as a senior financial analyst. During his time with the health system, Paul worked with several Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange, Hope Builders’ founders. “I had daily interactions with the Sisters in the office, or while visiting the hospitals or…

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Building a Strong Foundation: Orientation Week at Hope Builders

Last week, 24 young adults attended orientation for Hope Builders’ newest Construction Training Program cohort. Orientation marks the end of the Applicant Stage of Hope Builders’ Student Journey, pictured above. During this one-week introduction to Hope Builders, prospective trainees meet with staff, including their training supervisor, support specialist and employment readiness coordinator, to more deeply…

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10 Days for Launching Careers Raises $670k for Hope Builders’ Training Programs

Hope Builders’ annual fall fundraiser, 10 Days for Launching Careers, ran from August 26th through Labor Day. The primary focus of the campaign this year was to recognize the perseverance and transformation of trainees as they triumphantly “Turn Roadblocks into Pathways”. Sponsors and VIP guests gathered on August 24th to kick off the campaign at…

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Linda and Tod White Charitable Fund

Hope Builders is proud to recognize the Linda and Tod White Charitable Fund as Premier sponsors of 10 Days for Launching Careers. For the past 10 years, Tod and Linda have generously supported Hope Builders’ training programs. Their financial investments, including their support of Hope Builders expansion to Anaheim in 2016, have made it possible…

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Jeff and Valerie Roos

Hope Builders is grateful to Jeff and Valerie Roos for their Platinum sponsorship of 10 Days for Launching Careers. Jeff was first introduced to Hope Builders when the agency sought local business leaders to strategize how to best develop and scale innovative solutions to the skills gap in Orange County.  As Regional President for Lennar,…

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