HOPE BUILDERS BLOG

Guiding Hope: Hope Builders’ Executive Committee

Hope Builders’ Executive Committee provides visionary leadership and strategic oversight to advance the organization’s mission to empower young adults to build pathways to prosperity. Comprised of community and industry leaders, the committee ensures strong governance, fiscal responsibility, and mission alignment. Their commitment drives innovation in how Hope Builders delivers impact across Orange County, bridging the…

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Michael and Pauline Smith: Investing in the Next Generation

Hope Builders is deeply grateful for the generous support of Michael and Pauline Smith. Introduced to the organization by their daughter Jan-a social worker at CHOC Children’s Hospital who recognized that her parents would value a program offering comprehensive services-Michael and Pauline have been loyal supporters for five years. Their generosity empowers young people, like…

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Unlocking Greatness: FY25 Impact

Hope Builders is dedicated to unlocking the full potential of young adults in our community. In FY25 (July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025), Hope Builders achieved the following milestones for each stage of the Student Journey, pictured above: Applicant: During the first stage of the Student Journey, Hope Builders carefully screens and assesses each…

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U.S. Bank Builds Brighter Futures for Young Adults

U.S. Bank shares Hope Builders’ commitment to supporting workforce education and building pathways to prosperity. Its generous 2025 contribution allows Hope Builders to provide access to opportunity for young people, like Mia. From the age of 15, Mia worked low-wage jobs to help her family stay afloat. She had a deep love for learning, but…

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The Sun Family Foundation: Creating a World Where Everyone Has the Opportunity to Thrive

Hope Builders is deeply grateful to The Sun Family Foundation for its generous multi-year grant in support of our workforce development programs. Founded in 1999 by co-founder of Kingston Technology, David Sun, and his wife Diana, The Sun Family Foundation envisions a world where all individuals and communities have access to meaningful opportunities. The Sun…

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Breaking Down Barriers: How One Young Mother Transformed Her Life at Hope Builders

Through mentorship, life skills and job skills training, Hope Builders opens doors and creates opportunity for hundreds of young adults each year. Sabrinna, a 19-year-old single mother, is one of the recent graduates who has found a pathway to success at Hope Builders. Sabrinna left high school with dreams of building a better life through…

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Hope Builders’ Board of Directors Welcomes Three New Members 

Hope Builders is pleased to welcome three exceptional leaders to its board of directors this year: Elizabeth Mirza, Annette Morgan, and Ed Rodriguez. Each brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective that will help guide our mission and strategic vision forward. ELIZABETH MIRZA, Philanthropist Elizabeth Mirza is a former financial markets executive specializing…

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2025 Builder’s Luncheon Highlights

On May 21st, Clark Construction Group, DPR Construction, and McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. hosted the annual Builder’s Luncheon at Hope Builders, raising more than $245,000 to help young adults launch careers in construction. Nearly 100 industry leaders gathered to network, celebrate Hope Builders’ 30 years of impact in the community, and support the agency’s work…

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Stronger Together Women’s Event Inspires Passion and Purpose Through Philanthropy

On the morning of May 14th, Hope Builders welcomed 37 women leaders from across Orange County to Shady Canyon Country Club for an engaging discussion about finding passion and purpose through philanthropy. The event served as both a celebration of female leadership and a powerful call to action to support young people seeking opportunity who…

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State Farm Helps Young Adults Realize Their Dreams

Hope Builders is grateful for State Farm’s commitment to creating pathways to prosperity for Orange County’s youth and their 2025 grant. Their generous support empowers trainees with the training, mentorship and resources needed to launch upwardly-mobile careers. This grant will create opportunities for young people, like Bianca, to realize their dreams. At age 23, Bianca…

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