Hope Builders’ Construction Training Program trainees recently had the opportunity to gain firsthand experience during two on-site build days with Habitat for Humanity of Orange County. On both days, participants worked alongside Habitat for Humanity framing the first floor of a new multi-unit housing project. For many, it was their first time working on an…

For Hope Builders trainees, New Year’s resolutions are not simply aspirations, but intentional commitments to building long-term stability and opportunity. For Emily, completing the Clinical Medical Assisting Program at the end of 2025 marked a major milestone, but her vision reaches even further. “I would like to be financially independent without relying on anyone for…

Hope Builders recently hosted its Annual Investor’s Breakfast—an inspiring morning celebrating the impact of our work today and the vision guiding our future. Executive Director Shawna Smith shared an update on how Hope Builders is advancing its mission by accomplishing the following over the most recently completed fiscal year: Transformations that Inspire Martha, Carlos and…

Hope Builders is grateful to the Ceres Foundation. Their grant support helps drive real impact and encourages continuous improvement of our training model. With their partnership, we are strengthening our framework to ensure trainee completion rates continue to rise and that more graduates secure and retain employment in career pathways that offer long-term economic mobility….

Corporate volunteers play an important role at Hope Builders, preparing young adults to step confidently into the workforce through mock interviews and speed networking sessions. By sharing their real-world expertise and offering constructive feedback, volunteers help trainees refine their communication, strengthen their professional presence, and build the connections that open doors to career-launching opportunities. Their…

Hope Builders is honored to recognize Banc of California for their dedication to empowering young adults. For more than a decade, their partnership with Hope Builders has created opportunities for success for young people who are disconnected from the workforce, helping them gain the tools and confidence to build meaningful careers and achieve financial stability….

Turner Construction Company recently hosted our Construction Training Program trainees at the Cal OES job site in Costa Mesa, where they toured the new project currently being graded and prepped for construction. Trainees learned firsthand about the extensive work involved in starting a project—from design approval, permitting, demolition, hazardous-materials abatement, land preparation, grading and more….

Hope Builders is deeply grateful to The Palmer Family Foundation for their continued support. Since 2001, Greg and Sally Palmer have championed Hope Builders, inspired by the resilience of the young adults the organization serves. They continue to raise awareness and funds so hundreds of Orange County young adults can find direction and build stable…