Dear Mission of Hope Friends;

It\’s hard to believe it…but the following is a real life scenario for many we serve in rural Appalachia:

You\’ve grown up poor…perhaps even very poor. You\’ve watched family member after family member become discouraged; drop out of school and lose sight and all hope of a better future.  But you\’ve decided you\’re not going to continue that trend. Deep within your heart there\’s a flame.  You\’re determined to not follow in the footsteps of those in your family before you. You\’ve worked hard at everything you do. You try to be the best you can be at everything you attempt. You\’re determined to be that first person in your family to finish High School. In fact; you have even boldly dared to be that first person in your family to go to and graduate from College. But there\’s only one small problem…you desperately need help and someone to believe in you.

My dear friends; the just mentioned scenario is a real life situation and day to day anxiety for countless numbers of Students that are dreaming for a better future and just need a little help; so their Hope can be fulfilled. At the Mission of Hope, we try to help these Students who desire a better life and want to better themselves. We have decided that the only true way to break the cycle of poverty is through education. Students have to graduate! Students have to obtain skills!! And these Students have to be uplifted and encouraged, so that they can graduate and succeed in life!!! What motivates a Student in a depressed environment and a hopeless situation to keep going? I would offer to you that it is simply HOPE – The Confident Expectation of Good.

The Mission of Hope Scholarship Program is trying to help those that dare to dream. One of our Mission of Hope Scholarship Endowments is at Alice Lloyd College in Pippa Passes, KY; in honor of the Bill Williams family. Our other Mission of Hope Scholarship Endowment is at Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, TN; in honor of the Andrew Courtney family. We also are giving High School Seniors Scholarships, valued at $2,500 each; at 12 High Schools in the Communities where we are serving 27 Elementary Schools. Last year we assisted 5 College Juniors, 11 College Sophomores and 12 College Freshmen with awesome Scholarships. And now we want to award 12 NEW graduating High School Seniors with Scholarships.

They are just your typical High School Awards Programs…that is until the names of the Scholarship Winners are announced…and then it becomes than just a Program…they become incredible moments of accomplishments recognized; of hard work rewarded; and the moment that DREAMS come true.

WE NEED YOUR HELP. I know through our appeals over the years we have been blessed when Mission of Hope friends have stepped up and helped us fulfill our visions for how we truly make a difference in the lives of those we are so privileged to serve. Would you please help us extend The Hope through Education and give Students that still DARE TO DREAM a chance? I humbly and sincerely thank you from the heart, on behalf of all of us here at The Hope for your friendship and support.

Sincerest Regards,
Emmette Thompson, Executive Director – Mission of Hope

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