ATLANTA, July 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The AI Ethics Council, founded by Open AI CEO Sam Altman and Operation HOPE CEO John Hope Bryant, held its inaugural meeting on Friday, June 28^th in Atlanta. The group, which evolved out of a listening tour that was initiated last spring at Clark Atlanta University that Mr. Altman and Mr. Bryant conducted together, was formed to ensure that traditionally underrepresented communities would have a voice in the evolution of AI overall— to help frame the human and ethical considerations around the technology, and vast participation in the economic opportunities of artificial intelligence.  The council was announced in December 2023 at the HOPE Global Forums | Annual Meeting in Atlanta.

The AI Ethics Council is an interdisciplinary body of diverse experts designed to become a leading authority in identifying, advising on, and addressing ethical issues related to artificial intelligence and its impact on underserved and historically excluded communities. In addition to Mr. Altman and Mr. Bryant, founding council members include: 

• George T. French, Jr., JD, PhD., President, Clark Atlanta University and Chair of Presidents, United Negro College Fund
• Helene D. Gayle, MD, MPH, President, Spelman College
• Bernice A. King, JD, M. Div, CEO, The King Center
• David A. Thomas, PhD., President, Morehouse College
• Angela F. Williams, JD, M. Div, President and CEO, United Way Worldwide
• Ambassador Andrew J. Young, Chairman, The Andrew J. Young Foundation, former U.N. Ambassador, former Mayor of Atlanta and civil rights icon

Additional members representing the technology and community sectors will be announced in the coming months.

At the inaugural meeting, James Hairston, Open AI’s Head of International Policy and Partnerships, briefed members on the current state of AI, including its challenges and opportunities. Mr. Bryant shared that he will be convening a meeting of tech leaders to advance issues important to the council, and announced the Council website will go live July 1, 2024. “I see this website as our first stake in the ground. Its substance will grow, expand, and deepen over time. Transparency will be a hallmark. I encourage all citizens, here and abroad, to get informed and educated around what AI really is and isn’t,” said Mr. Bryant. “As a council, we aim to focus our attention on the needle we can help move: expanding inclusive opportunity around our shared future, for everyone, as it relates to AI.”

In addition to Mr. Bryant, Operation HOPE was represented by President and CFO Brian Betts and AI Ethics Council Managing Director Eric Kaplan. Topics the Council discussed included:

• The need to focus on technical capacity: How will we develop, grow, evaluate, and test the technical capacity of the system?
• How to evaluate safety, reporting, and the capacity of the law to adapt?
• What are the processes in place to evaluate AI?
• What can be done granularly to get more components of society involved?
• How can we prepare for an uncertain/undetermined future with this new tech?
• How can AI benefit the world? What are the dangers? How to optimize adoption? How do we encourage equitable participation in the economic and societal benefits?

The AI Ethics Council will form a committee framework, with sub-committees and working groups, through which members will help guide ethical principles for AI. The Council will be initially focused on the intersection of technology and humanity for positive, ethical, and transformative impact generally in economic opportunity for all, finance, education, policy, employment, accessibility, health and healthcare, and sustainability.

The AI Ethics Council will undertake a staged approach to the mission, pursuing impact by leveraging enhanced public visibility and influence, deep tech sector expertise, policy-focused advocacy, partnerships, program development, and active engagement with tech, business, community, government, and other stakeholders. Intended outcomes include:

• Establishment of Council and Committees consisting of multidisciplinary experts dedicated to advancing AI ethics, and positive future vision for our world.
• Development and dissemination of AI ethics guidelines and best practices.
• Engagement of education leaders, community leaders, business leaders and entrepreneurs, government, technologists-for-good, and the public, to foster informed discussions and decisions on AI ethics.
• Promotion of ethical AI usage through education and engagement.
• Empowerment, inclusion, economic opportunity, and acting where appropriate and where the Council can add value.

An update on the Council’s first-year activities will be shared at the 2024 HOPE Global Forums | Annual Meeting, December 9-11 in Atlanta.

About Operation HOPE

Since 1992, Operation HOPE has been moving America from civil rights to “silver rights” with the mission of making free enterprise and capitalism work for the underserved—disrupting poverty for millions of low and moderate-income youth and adults across the nation. Through its community uplift model, HOPE Inside, which received the 2016 Innovator of the Year recognition by American Banker magazine, Operation HOPE has served more than 4 million individuals and directed more than $3.2 billion in economic activity into disenfranchised communities—turning check-cashing customers into banking customers, renters into homeowners, small business dreamers into small business owners, minimum wage workers into living wage consumers, and uncertain disaster victims into financially empowered disaster survivors. For more information: OperationHOPE.org. Follow the HOPE conversation on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.
Additional information may be found at www.operationhope.org

Contact Information

Operation HOPE
Kevin Boucher, 213-479-7833
kevin.boucher@operationhope.org

Lalohni Campbell, 404-593-7145
la@persemediagroup.com

SOURCE Operation HOPE, Inc.

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HUNTINGTON, W.Va., June 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Operation HOPE, a national nonprofit dedicated to helping low and moderate-income Americans thrive in an ever-changing economy, today announced the expansion of its services into Huntington, West Virginia. With the generous support of the Wing 2 Wing Foundation, founded by esteemed philanthropists Brad D. and Alys Smith, Operation HOPE will introduce a financial coaching program to the community, offering vital financial education and small business coaching to local residents—at no cost.

The Wing 2 Wing Foundation is a Founding Circle member of “The 1865 Project,” an initiative aimed at growing and scaling the impactful work of Operation HOPE in communities across the U.S. As a result of this investment, Operation HOPE is partnering with in providing a dedicated financial wellness coach, who will be deeply embedded in the fabric of the Huntington, West Virginia community. Drawing on his knowledge of local needs and aspirations, the Operation HOPE coach will provide personalized guidance and support to individuals striving to improve their financial health and pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.

John Hope Bryant, Chairman, Founder, and CEO of Operation HOPE, emphasized the organization’s unwavering commitment to serving communities like Huntington. “Operation HOPE is proud to partner with local stakeholders, including the Wing 2 Wing Foundation, to bring essential resources to the hardworking residents of Huntington,” Bryant stated. “Through ‘The 1865 Project,’ we are seeking to grow and scale our efforts finishing the work President Lincoln started with the Freedman’s Bank—to empower individuals and communities with the financial know-how and entrepreneurial acumen needed to thrive.”

“Operation HOPE’s model for uplifting communities and meeting people where they are, regardless of income or circumstance, is both inspiring and a necessary service for the community,” said Alys and Brad D. Smith, co-founders of the Wing 2 Wing Foundation. “We’re excited to welcome a coach who is deeply rooted in the community, which epitomizes our shared dedication to fostering trust and understanding. Together we can empower families who are striving to achieve financial stability and economic independence.”

Nathaniel Petrosky, a seasoned financial coach with over a decade of experience, will spearhead the Huntington-based Operation HOPE team. In addition to offering in-person coaching sessions, the program will feature free virtual workshops and comprehensive online resources, ensuring accessibility for all residents.

Huntington, nestled along the scenic banks of the Ohio River, boasts a rich cultural heritage and a resilient community spirit. Recognized for its vibrant arts scene, outdoor recreational opportunities, and thriving local businesses, Huntington is a city brimming with potential. However, like many communities across the nation, its residents face challenges in accessing the tools and resources needed to achieve financial security and entrepreneurial success.

According to the HOPE Financial Wellness Index, which uses anonymized data to map credit scores nationwide, the average credit score in West Virginia is 680. The expansion of “The 1865 Project” underscores each organization’s broader mission to champion human dignity and financial wellness for all Americans.

About Wing 2 Wing Foundation
Wing 2 Wing Foundation is a philanthropic organization dedicated to empowering communities and fostering positive change by supporting initiatives that promote education, entrepreneurship, and economic empowerment. For more information about Wing 2 Wing Foundation, please visit: Wing 2 Wing Foundation

About Operation HOPE, Inc.
Since 1992, Operation HOPE has been moving America from civil rights to “Silver Rights” with the mission of making free enterprise and capitalism work for the underserved—disrupting poverty for millions of low and moderate-income youth and adults across the nation. Through its award-winning community uplift model, HOPE Inside, which received the Innovator of the Year recognition by American Banker magazine, Operation HOPE has served more than 4 million individuals and directed nearly $4 billion in economic activity into disenfranchised communities—turning check-cashing customers into banking customers, renters into homeowners, small business dreamers into small business owners, minimum wage workers into living wage consumers, and uncertain disaster victims into financially empowered disaster survivors. Operation HOPE recently received Fast Company’s World Changing Ideas Award for driving entrepreneurship as well as its eighth consecutive 4-star charity rating for fiscal management and commitment to transparency and accountability from the prestigious non-profit evaluator, Charity Navigator. This year, HOPE also launched The 1865 Project, an initiative designed to help level the economic playing field for underserved Americans. For more information: OperationHOPE.org. Join the conversation on social media at @operationHOPE.

Media Contacts:
Lalohni Campbell, Per/Se Media Group

Access Brand Communications
AccessWing2Wing@accesstheagency.com 

SOURCE Operation HOPE, Inc.

The post Operation HOPE Partners with Wing 2 Wing Foundation to Provide Free Financial Coaching and Small Business Development Resources to Residents in West Virginia appeared first on Operation HOPE.

Sadie is the daughter of a Dominican-American small business owner, running a small daycare owner and mother of three. A few years ago, Sadie’s mother expressed that she could help run the business. She successfully made the move, but shortly after arriving, she realized that she felt called to start her own business and build a future for herself and her children.

Before moving to the South, Sadie had developed her skills as a professional cleaner, having a little more than five years’ experience under her belt. She knew that starting a business wouldn’t be easy, but she found the ability to regain control of her time and have a more flexible schedule for her kids and family to be a significant draw.

Inspired by her courage to venture into entrepreneurship after a monumental move, her mother introduced her to someone capable, willing, and ready to help her gain the tools and knowledge needed to launch a new venture successfully. She introduced her to HOPE Inside Truist Raleigh financial wellbeing coach Rose Thomason. After a brief introduction, Sadie and Rose got to work, putting pen to paper and laying the foundation to make a vision come to life.

Rose helped Sadie get started with the small business essentials like getting her business registered, strategies for launching a new company with limited capital, and methods to gaining her first set of clients in a positive, confident way. In seemingly no time, Sadie landed two contracts for cleaning services and was well on her way. Over time, she became more adept at networking and marketing her business services, getting acquainted with other business owners and other potential clientele.

“I had the experience,” Sadie said. “And I’ve seen a lot of other people do it. So, I said to myself, ‘If they can, I can do it as well.’” Throughout the process, Sadie has realized how resilient she truly is and has grown to love the process of growth, learning, and development as an entrepreneur.

More than anything, however, she is excited about the new level of freedom she has gained and the strong example she’s leaving for her kids. “I want them to see that their mom was a business owner, and so was their grandmother,” she said. “Seeing me go through this process opens their minds to thinking of ways that they can start their own projects knowing that they’ll always have my support.”

As the proud owner of Maid to Glitter Cleaning Services, Sadie is working toward purchasing a home that she and her family can enjoy. She looks forward to the day that she can pass it on to her children to decide how to best use it for their financial futures. She believes surrounding her children with the concept of “ownership” cements in their minds that it’s not just available to them, but it’s what’s expected of them.

Thinking of her Dominican heritage, Sadie finds the strength to continue aiming for excellence. “It makes me push harder and go harder for my culture,” she said. “But in doing so, I believe that it helps us all be stronger as a national and global community. We should all be strong together because that’s what brings about progress. And that, I believe, is my biggest motivation.”

The post Sadie’s “Maid”-to-Order Dream Comes to Life appeared first on Operation HOPE.

Rachel Young-Didier, founder of the The Pink and Diamonds Collective, LLC, joined the Operation HOPE with a thorough understanding of how to create a business plan, the four P’s of marketing, and other business knowledge essentials. But she still felt that something was missing in her small business journey. She was looking for something with depth, meaning, and connectivity, especially during a time where genuine human interactions were extremely limited. In her search she uncovered Juan Anes‘ virtual ETP class through Cross River Bank in Brooklyn, New York.

Much to her surprise and delight, Rachel found exactly what she was looking for! She found herself developing bonds and friendships with other entrepreneurs who had big dreams, just like she had. Not only did they learn together, but they learned from each other. Rachel was able to offer insights and knowledge from her experiences and she received the same from others. Most importantly, she found a positive, safe environment where she could be challenged to put her knowledge, both new and old, into action, and begin fully pursuing her dreams.

Through the course of the program, Rachel completed her business plan, which had been a long time goal of hers. Now, she’s looking to gain even more knowledge and put it all into action in another area of her life: her finances. As Rachel graduated from the ETP course she enrolled into Juan’s Credit and Money Management sessions.

You can find community among other aspiring and existing small business leaders, too, when you join the next HOPE Entrepreneurial Training Program cohort nearest you, or when you join the 1 Million Black Businesses initiative.

The post Rachel Finds a Sense of Community Among Fellow Entrepreneurs appeared first on Operation HOPE.

This 5’3”, grandmother of four is a giant in her own right with a tremendous story to tell. Overcoming incredible odds to become the woman she is today, she hopes that her story and example can encourage others, men and women alike, to hold on to their dreams until they begin to realize a portion of their full potential.

No one ever really expected Cora to reach the level of accomplishment that she enjoys today. Her journey towards financial independence began when she was just a little girl, admiring the successes of her uncle. She remembers seeing him be his own man, make his own plans, and earn honest money working for himself. She saw something in him that she wanted for herself — an authentic sense of self-determination.

At 15 years old, however, a sophomore in high school, she had her first child. A year later, she gave birth again, to a set of twin girls, and then one more after high school. Despite her perceived setbacks, she never lost sight of her vision for the future.

Defying the odds and pushing boundaries for what’s possible, Cora accepted the added responsibilities of life as a young mother to the plans she had already set for herself. While raising her four girls, and later a baby boy, Cora became a career woman, working in various jobs collecting experience, advancing her skills, and refining her dreams of business ownership.

She recalls, “I always knew that I would own my own business. I just didn’t know how or when, but I knew within myself that I would.” Speaking of her source of inspiration she says, “I always wanted to give my children something to be proud of, something that they could aspire to be.”

With a downward spiraling economy, the trucking business Cora worked for went under. Despite the misfortune, she seized the opportunity and transformed it into a moment of destiny. With exposure to the business, she decided to shake things up a bit, pick up where her old company left off, and enter the commercial trucking industry.

To prepare herself, she attended trucking school, earned her Commercial Driver’s License, and began traveling the country driving 18-wheelers. Through the late nights and early mornings, the perpetual lack of privacy and comfort, and the loss of love and fractured relationships, she persisted. With each passing month, every paycheck earned and every penny saved went towards her family and the development of her budding business, C & M Trucking. She continued to save, with a strong sense of discipline and purpose, until she was finally able to purchase her first truck and major business assets.

Then, she did it again and bought two more trucks.

And again, purchasing three additional trucks.

She continued this cycle of saving and investing while working as a truck driver until she owned a total of six dump trucks, making her a strong contender in the market. Today, Cora has a fleet of trucks working around the clock in the city of Memphis and surrounding areas. Through her hard work, tireless resolve, and the relentless pursuit of her dreams, she is living out what she envisioned as a young woman — owning her own business while making her family proud and to making a difference in the lives of others.

Cora came to Operation HOPE eager to expand and continue the success that she had been enjoying for six years. “I came to Operation HOPE so that I could take my business to the next level. When I started attending the seminars with HOPE financial wellbeing coach Ms. Trudy Morrison I was already a business owner, but I wanted to learn more about business credit and how to acquire it. I’m working out of my home right now, but I’m ready for a new office space. I want my office to reflect where the company is headed.”

After attending business credit and money management courses at Mason Temple Church of God in Christ, through HOPE’s partnership with First Tennessee Bank and the COGIC Urban Initiative, Cora successfully acquired the business credit that she sought after. Now she has plans to scale her business to new heights and expand her business offerings.

She has inspired the women in her community to reach beyond their circumstances and chase after their goals. Even more, she has set an example of what mental and spiritual fortitude and dedication looks like for her family. Two of her daughters are now embracing their mother’s entrepreneurial spirit, and her grandson recently landed a multimillion dollar licensing deal with the NBA through his company, Mo’s Bows.

Cora’s story demonstrates that with discipline, guidance, and an unshakable sense of purpose any one can turn their vision into reality. Operation HOPE was happy to walk alongside Cora through her journey towards “better”, as we have for nearly 30 years with thousands of others. Your story of success and inspiration can start today, too. Just reach out to your local HOPE Inside coach and begin the journey. Click here to find the financial wellbeing coach nearest you.

The post The Little Lady Driving Big Success appeared first on Operation HOPE.

ATLANTA – February 2, 2023 – Operation HOPE, Inc., the nation’s largest non-profit dedicated to financial empowerment for underserved communities, joined Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens to launch “Year of the Youth,” which included a highlight of the City’s pilot Child Savings Account (CSA) Initiative.  In partnership with Citibank, the program was established in 2021 to provide savings accounts for qualifying kindergarteners enrolled in Title I Atlanta Public Schools. The kick-off event was hosted at the Atlanta City Hall Atrium and attended by a diverse group of youth partners, community stakeholders and business leaders.

To date, more than $264,000 of deposits have been made by Operation HOPE, with a total of 5,760 total new accounts established. The first two cohorts of young scholars account for more than 10% of all APS students.

“Through this groundbreaking partnership, we are providing financial wellness education and creating pathways to success that allow Atlanta’s youth to thrive,” said John Hope Bryant, Founder Chairman and CEO of Operation HOPE. “Together we will ensure that Atlanta’s children – many of whom are at the lowest income spectrum –  have all of the resources necessary to achieve their full potential. Our investment is intentional and will undoubtedly create new opportunities that can change lives.”

During the event, Bryant also highlighted data from the HOPE Financial Wellness Index, which reveals the disparities of families living in low credit score neighborhoods. By cultivating financial education early, Operation HOPE seeks to improve the overall financial health of underserved neighborhoods and increase their ability to build generational wealth.

In addition to administering the child savings accounts, Operation HOPE has provided financial literacy education to parents and caregivers at no cost. This includes hands-on coaching and access to resources that help increase savings, lower debt, improve credit scores and establish a path to homeownership. Now in its second year, the CSA program will continue to support Atlanta’s “Year of the Youth” and provide financial literacy to more adolescents and families throughout 2023.

About Operation HOPE, Inc.

Since 1992, Operation HOPE has been moving America from civil rights to “silver rights” with the mission of making free enterprise and capitalism work for the underserved—disrupting poverty for millions of low and moderate-income youth and adults across the nation. Through its community uplift model, HOPE Inside, which received the 2016 Innovator of the Year recognition by American Banker magazine, Operation HOPE has served more than 4 million individuals and directed more than $3.2 billion in economic activity into disenfranchised communities—turning check-cashing customers into banking customers, renters into homeowners, small business dreamers into small business owners, minimum wage workers into living wage consumers, and uncertain disaster victims into financially empowered disaster survivors. Operation HOPE recently received its eighth consecutive 4-star charity rating for fiscal management and commitment to transparency and accountability from the prestigious non-profit evaluator, Charity Navigator. For more information: OperationHOPE.org. Join the conversation on social media at @operationhope.

For more information about the City of Atlanta, please visit www.atlantaga.gov or watch City Channel 26. Follow the City of Atlanta on Facebook and Twitter @CityofAtlanta.

Media Contact

Lalohni Campbell

Per/Se Media Group, for Operation HOPE

la@persemediagroup.com

The post Operation HOPE and City of Atlanta Highlight Innovative Child Savings Program During ‘Year of the Youth’ Initiative appeared first on Operation HOPE.

Lancaster, Pa. & Atlanta, Ga. (January 23, 2023) – Operation HOPE recently recognized Fulton Bank, a subsidiary of Fulton Financial Corporation (NASDAQ: FULT), for providing nearly
$1 billion in loans to low- and moderate-income homebuyers over the past seven years.

“We’re pleased to partner with organizations like Fulton Bank that understand the importance of home ownership in empowering our communities,” said John Hope Bryant, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Operation HOPE. “We honored Fulton Bank for their commitment to increasing social mobility at our recent HOPE Global Forum, the largest gathering of its kind, dedicated to expanding financial inclusion for everyone.”

In 2016, Fulton Bank began collaborating with Operation HOPE, a leading non-profit focused on financial literacy and economic inclusion. Fulton Bank participates in the Closing Cost Assistance Program, which provides grants to buyers to help with the up-front costs of purchasing a home. Fulton also sponsors Operation HOPE financial wellness coaches in six cities throughout its footprint. The coaches provide free education to consumers, focusing on improving their credit and preparing them for the financial aspects of home ownership.

Fulton Bank has helped facilitate more than $968 million in loans to more than 5,700 homebuyers under the Closing Cost Assistance Program, and that cumulative total is on track to hit $1 billion in loans in 2023. In addition to homebuyer loans, the bank has donated more than $8 million in grants to make purchasing a home more affordable for low and moderate-income buyers.

“Fulton Bank’s purpose is to change lives for the better, and one of the best ways we can do that is by helping people achieve the dream of homeownership,” said William “Smokey” Glover, Executive Vice President and Director of Fair and Responsible Banking for Fulton Bank. “We are grateful for our collaboration with Operation HOPE, which enables us to provide valuable financial education along with financing. Both elements are critical to set homebuyers on a path to success.”

Operation HOPE recognized Fulton Bank for their ongoing collaboration at the 9^th Annual HOPE Global Forums in Atlanta in December, which included nearly 5,000 delegates and attained more than 1 million views online.

About Operation HOPE, Inc.

Since 1992, Operation HOPE has been moving America from civil rights to “silver rights” with the mission of making free enterprise and capitalism work for the underserved—disrupting poverty for millions of low and moderate-income youth and adults across the nation. Through its community uplift model, HOPE Inside, which received the 2016 Innovator of the Year recognition by American Banker magazine, Operation HOPE has served more than 4 million individuals and directed more than $3.2 billion in economic activity into disenfranchised communities—turning check-cashing customers into banking customers, renters into homeowners, small business dreamers into small business owners, minimum wage workers into living wage consumers, and uncertain disaster victims into financially empowered disaster survivors. For more information: OperationHOPE.org. Follow the HOPE conversation on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

About Fulton Bank, N.A.
Headquartered in Lancaster, Pa., Fulton Bank is a premier community bank in the Mid-Atlantic region. As a subsidiary of Fulton Financial Corporation, a $26 billion financial services holding company, Fulton Bank offers a broad array of products and services at more than 200 financial centers across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia. At Fulton Bank, we seek to change lives for the better by building strong customer relationships, providing significant community support and empowering more than 3,300 employees to do the same. Through the Fulton Forward® initiative, we’re helping build vibrant communities. Learn more at www.FultonBank.com. Fulton Bank, N.A., Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender.

The post <strong>OPERATION HOPE AND FULTON BANK PARTNERSHIP GENERATES NEARLY<br>$1 BILLION IN LOANS TO LOW- AND MODERATE-INCOME HOMEBUYERS</strong> appeared first on Operation HOPE.

“Our partnership with VineBrook Homes, like our other partners in the single family rental industry, has empowered residents across the U.S. with the knowledge and tools they need to strengthen their financial foundation – and their future,” said John Hope Bryant, Founder, Chairman and CEO of

Operation HOPE. “Expanding this partnership will provide additional coaches so that residents can deepen their engagement with the resources and curriculum that, in turn, can help them build generational wealth.”

“When I first met John and learned about Operation HOPE, I was inspired and wanted to incorporate it into the offering we provide VineBrook residents,” said Dana Sprong, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of VineBrook Homes. “I’ve been impressed by the successful results we have achieved together, see tremendous potential to assist even more people going forward, and am thrilled to announce this expanded partnership.”

VineBrook’s partnership with Operation HOPE seeks to help residents attain financial wellbeing by providing access to the tools they need to achieve their financial goals, whether that means improving their credit, starting a business, saving for retirement, or becoming homeowners. Since the partnership’s launch, Operation HOPE has worked with more than 200 VineBrook residents, resulting in all participants improving their credit scores, increasing their savings and reducing household debt by nearly $500 per month.

“Resident satisfaction and support are top priorities at VineBrook, and the programs we offer in partnership with Operation HOPE are consistently among the most popular benefits we provide,” said Ryan McGarry, Chief Operating Officer of VineBrook Homes. “VineBrook’s homes for lease are some of the most affordable homes within our markets, are well-within GSE guidelines for affordability, and align with resident budgets as one of their single largest expenses. Our partnership with the purpose-driven Operation HOPE team and their commitment to financial literacy is a powerful combination that will further aid our communities in achieving their diverse financial goals.”

About VineBrook Homes, LLC

VineBrook Homes is an internally managed real estate company specializing in acquiring, renovating and leasing single family homes. Unlike other providers, VineBrook takes a different approach in the growing Single Family Rental Home industry, focusing on affordability and value for our residents. Since our commencement in 2007, we have quickly become one of the largest providers of quality homes with a variety of housing options offered.

Our highly trained and experienced staff is dedicated to providing the best experience to current and future residents, while being a good citizen in our communities. Our core values of hard work, integrity, communication and execution have helped build a recognized brand known for quality and long-term resident satisfaction.

We are proud to provide the many benefits of single-family home living in great neighborhoods, with ample space, storage, yards, privacy, security, and professional management at a reasonable price. Most importantly, our success in the single-family rental home business would be nothing if it weren’t for our fantastic residents, and we work every day to provide the best service possible to meet their needs. For more information, please visit www.VineBrookHomes.com.

About Operation HOPE, Inc.

Since 1992, Operation HOPE has been moving America from civil rights to “silver rights” with the mission of making free enterprise and capitalism work for the underserved—disrupting poverty for millions of low- and moderate-income youth and adults across the nation. Through its community uplift model, HOPE Inside, which received the 2016 Innovator of the Year recognition by American Banker magazine, Operation HOPE has served more than 4 million individuals and directed more than $3.2 billion in economic activity into disenfranchised communities—turning check-cashing customers into banking customers, renters into homeowners, small business dreamers into small business owners, minimum wage workers into living wage consumers, and uncertain disaster victims into financially empowered disaster survivors. For more information: OperationHOPE.org. Follow the HOPE conversation on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Media Contacts:

Matthew Beck, for VineBrook Homes            Lalohni Campbell, for Operation HOPE mbeck@prosek.com                                                                        LA@persemediagroup.com

The post VineBrook Homes Commits $1 Million to Expand Successful Partnership with Operation HOPE appeared first on Operation HOPE.

The event also marks HOPE’s 30^th Anniversary and was hosted in the same historic ballroom where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. launched his final campaign with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in 1967. The mission over 50 years ago aligns with HGF’s focus today – creating economic empowerment for all. The Forum’s agenda included four program tracks: Bridging: The Wealth Divide, Bridging: The Cultural Disconnect, Bridging: The Opportunity Gap, Bridging: The Wellbeing Deficiency. 

“The room was electric. You could feel the attendees’ high energy and every speaker enlightened, inspired and informed,” said John Hope Bryant, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Operation HOPE.  “HOPE Global Forums is the only event where you can find such a diverse mix of dynamic leaders and influencers. We have created a unique experience that lives at the intersection of community, ideas and action.”

During the Forum’s opening plenary, Kristy Fercho, Wells Fargo Head of Diverse Segments, Representation and Inclusion, committed to 120 new HOPE Inside locations, providing no-charge financial education services to communities. The Operation HOPE program offers in-person financial coaching sessions to help individuals build savings, improve FICO (credit) scores, and decrease debt. The result helps to convert renters into homeowners, credit invisibles into credit-worthy individuals and small business dreamers into thriving entrepreneurs.

Other commitments announced include a $4 million partnership extension from Bank of America to increase their portfolio of HOPE programming. This includes offering free financial counseling in 180 financial centers in 17 U.S. markets starting in 2023. Vinebrook Homes, a leading provider of single-family rental homes, also made a five-year, $1 million commitment to provide its residents across the U.S. with resources and programs to help achieve financial freedom.

Speakers included a veritable who’s who in banking and finance, business, government, media, real estate, sports & entertainment and technology. This year’s speaker lineup featured Walmart CEO Doug McMillon, PayPal CEO Dan Schulman, Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian, Bishop T.D. Jakes, NASCAR President Steve Phelps, Pfizer Chairman and CEO Dr. Albert Bourla, Artist, Entrepreneur & Activist Tip “T.I.” Harris, U.S. Senator Hon. Raphael Warnock, MSNBC President Rashida Jones, and the 27th Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration Isabella Casillas Guzman, among others.

Notably, the Forum also featured the second annual One Million Black Businesses Initiative (1MBB) Pitch Competition. Four innovative Black entrepreneurs shared their personal stories and business journeys for the opportunity to win a total of $50,000. The competition was powered by Operation HOPE and Shopify, with PayPal serving as the title sponsor.

Following a nationwide competition, the 2^nd annual 1MBB pitch finalists were:

• Kalene McElveen, owner of Tastefull Vegan Frozen Desserts, won the Pitch Competition, a $2,500 grant from Shopify and $15,000 from PayPal
• Jazmin Richards, founder and CE) of BLK Sunflower, won a $2,500 grant from Shopify and $10,000 from PayPal
• Joshua Dixon, founder and designer of Admire Wear , won a $2,500 grant from Shopify and $8,000 from PayPal
• Stacy Howell, owner of Woodhouse Spa, won a $2,500 grant from Shopify and $7,000 from PayPal.

“The HOPE Global Forums has emerged as a people-driven movement with the goal of changing how we all view the world,” Bryant added. “This is part of what I call the ‘Third Reconstruction,’ which is about transitioning from civil rights in the streets… to silver dollars in the suites. I’m grateful to every employee, attendee, partner, culture creator, and thought leader who helped make this year’s event a success. Together, we can reset everything and re-imagine a future that truly bridges the divide.”

HOPE Global Forums’ sponsors include Wells Fargo, Truist, and Huntington Bank, among others. Full video replays of each session are available on the HOPE Global Forums website, YouTube and Facebook. Short session highlights are available on Instagram.

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About Operation HOPE, Inc.

Since 1992, Operation HOPE has been moving America from civil rights to “silver rights” with the mission of making free enterprise and capitalism work for the underserved—disrupting poverty for millions of low and moderate-income youth and adults across the nation. Through its community uplift model, HOPE Inside, which received the 2016 Innovator of the Year recognition by American Banker magazine, Operation HOPE has served more than 4 million individuals and directed more than $3.2 billion in economic activity into disenfranchised communities—turning check-cashing customers into banking customers, renters into homeowners, small business dreamers into small business owners, minimum wage workers into living wage consumers, and uncertain disaster victims into financially empowered disaster survivors. For more information: www.OperationHOPE.org. Follow the HOPE conversation on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Media Contact:                                HOPE Forums Contact:                   
Lalohni Campbell, for HOPE                     Kevin Boucher
404-593-7145                                         (404) 941-2919
la@persemediagroup.com                        hopeforumsdirector@operationhope.org

The post OPERATION HOPE MAKES HISTORY AT 9TH ANNUAL HOPE GLOBAL FORUMS WITH NEW PARTNER COMMITMENT appeared first on Operation HOPE.

Innovative program continues to create new entrepreneurs by providing tools and resources in historically underserved communities

ATLANTA (DECEMBER 13, 2022) – Operation HOPE, the nation’s leading non-profit dedicated to financial empowerment for underserved communities, today announced that its groundbreaking 1 Million Black Business (1MBB) initiative has supported more than 155,000 unique businesses to date through its HOPE Inside network and 1MBB partners. According to the 1MBB 2022 Impact Report, which will be released in Q1 2023, this accounts for approximately 5% of all Black-owned businesses in the U.S.

Launched in October 2020, Operation HOPE and lead partner Shopify established 1MBB to help create and support up to one million new Black-owned businesses by 2030.  Shopify committed resources to the initiative valued at approximately $130 million. In addition, Operation HOPE has signed a coalition of more than 60 other corporate, governmental and private partners that have committed to support the effort. This includes the U.S. Small Business Administration, Truist, First Horizon, Wells Fargo, the NFL, MasterCard, Comcast, iHeart Radio, Aprio, Clark Atlanta University, New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, Reid AME Community Development Corporation, Fraternities Kappa Alpha Psi, Phi Beta Sigma and municipality partners including the cities of Birmingham, Memphis, Jackson, St. Louis, Los Angeles, Kansas City, Charlotte, Salisbury and Montgomery, among others.

The no-cost program helps Black entrepreneurs acquire the knowledge, skills and access to resources required to start, scale and grow their businesses. Through 1MBB, Black business owners have the opportunity to sign up for Operation HOPE’s award-winning model of community uplift, financial literacy and education – HOPE Inside – and upon graduation, Shopify has committed to providing aspiring Black entrepreneurs education, programming and resources to help launch or expand their businesses. Other 1MBB partners have also committed to providing in-kind services and support for these business owners.

“I have consistently espoused that ‘silver rights’ is the ‘civil rights’ issue of this generation. Operation HOPE’s bold 1MBB initiative is equipping entrepreneurs with what they need to create and sustain a viable business,” said John Hope Bryant, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Operation HOPE.  “1MBB offers a real, actionable approach to tackling financial disparities and building stronger communities. The data shows that we are having a true impact and empowering Black businesses.”

“Operation HOPE, 1MBB, and Shopify gave me the ability to build and launch a beautiful, easy-to-manage website with no prior experience along with the capital from my first loan to acquire the things I needed to continue to grow my business,” said Jazmin Richards, Founder & CEO, BlkSunflower.com. “Operation HOPE and 1MBB also provided me with amazing coaches and resources that help set BlkSunflower up for success. With the resources and coaching, especially access to funding, and business development tools, I now know that I am supported and the sky is the limit.”

To date, 1MBB has achieved the following results:

• Onboarded more than 30,000 hours of professional services including accounting, legal, e-commerce strategy and marketing advice services from 1MBB partners to support Black business owners.
• Established a strategic alliance with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), which includes the support of municipal partners and civic and community leaders in more than 200 U.S. cities, to help raise awareness of tools and resources available to underserved communities through the SBA.
• Activated nearly 100 certified financial wellness and small business coaches to provide one-on-one sessions to source, train, certify and support program participants via virtual webinars and in-person events.
• Expanded national efforts to recruit new small business owners through various business trade groups, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), as well as members of the ‘Divine 9’ National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC).

Research from the latest HOPE Minority Small Business Index reveals that Black entrepreneurs remain optimistic despite recent inflation, hikes in interest rates, and supply chain disruptions. Through the 1MBB initiative, removing barriers to business success such as mentorship, risk tolerance, lack of technological innovation, digital strategies and limited access to capital can help improve outcomes.

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About 1MBB

Launched in October 2020 with founding partner Shopify, 1MBB aims to remove traditional hurdles to Black entrepreneurship and encourage more aspiring Black business owners to start – and scale – by providing them with the tools, resources, and education needed to succeed. To level the playing field, 1MBB will focus on critical tools for business growth such as technology and resources, educational programs, and the opportunity to access capital. Through this program, Black business owners can sign up for Operation HOPE’s award-winning model of community uplift, financial literacy and education, with access to tailored tools and resources upon graduation. To learn more about 1MBB or to get your business started, visit HOPE1mbb.org.

About Operation HOPE, Inc.

Since 1992, Operation HOPE has been moving America from civil rights to “silver rights” with the mission of making free enterprise and capitalism work for the underserved—disrupting poverty for millions of low and moderate-income youth and adults across the nation. Through our community uplift model, HOPE Inside, which received the 2016 Innovator of the Year recognition by American Banker magazine, Operation HOPE has served more than 4 million individuals and directed more than $3.2 billion in economic activity into disenfranchised communities—turning check-cashing customers into banking customers, renters into homeowners, small business dreamers into small business owners, minimum wage workers into living wage consumers, and uncertain disaster victims into financially empowered disaster survivors. For more information: OperationHOPE.org. Follow the HOPE conversation on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Media Contact:                                                                            1MBB Program Contact:

Lalohni Campbell, for Operation HOPE                               Lance W. Triggs

(404) 593-7145                                                                        (404) 941-2919

LA@persemediagroup.com                                                     lance.triggs@operationhope.org

The post OPERATION HOPE’S 1 MILLION BLACK BUSINESS INITIATIVE HAS SUPPORTED MORE THAN 155,000 BLACK BUSINESSES TO DATE appeared first on Operation HOPE.