Executive Director Report
January 2024
Wishing you a Happy and Healthy New Year! We are looking forward to a productive year at HOPES, especially with the success of our 2023 Annual Appeal. Together, we raised over $125,000 to support HOPES after school and parent programs. We also received generous donations of books, educational games and healthy snacks. A successful annual appeal means more STEAM enrichment, more literacy support, and more family field trips. Our students have much to look forward to in 2024!
We have also recently welcomed four new VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) members to the HOPES Team. Mignely Nunez has joined HOPES from Kentland, Indiana as Development Coordinator. She decided to do a year of service with HOPES because of her appreciation for educators who have impacted her life and her desire to pay it forward. Valentina Pulla-Corella joins us as Outreach and Social Media Coordinator from Quito, Ecuador, bringing a unique perspective to our team. She decided to do a year of service with HOPES believing in the transformative power of education for children facing adversity. She sees her year of service as an incredible opportunity to connect with the vibrant city of Chicago. LaFlanicea Branch was an AmeriCorps State member with HOPES before deciding to join us as a VISTA in the role of Family Engagement Coordinator. She is excited about supporting parents and planning family field trips. Kelsey Fuller joins the team from Southern California as Program Coordinator. She joined HOPES because of her passion for working with children and supporting the community. We are thankful for their service and excited to welcome them to HOPES!
Thank you all for your support and commitment to children experiencing homelessness in Chicago.
Best,
Rita Kahn
Executive Director
Chicago HOPES for Kids
We have also recently welcomed four new VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) members to the HOPES Team. Mignely Nunez has joined HOPES from Kentland, Indiana as Development Coordinator. She decided to do a year of service with HOPES because of her appreciation for educators who have impacted her life and her desire to pay it forward. Valentina Pulla-Corella joins us as Outreach and Social Media Coordinator from Quito, Ecuador, bringing a unique perspective to our team. She decided to do a year of service with HOPES believing in the transformative power of education for children facing adversity. She sees her year of service as an incredible opportunity to connect with the vibrant city of Chicago. LaFlanicea Branch was an AmeriCorps State member with HOPES before deciding to join us as a VISTA in the role of Family Engagement Coordinator. She is excited about supporting parents and planning family field trips. Kelsey Fuller joins the team from Southern California as Program Coordinator. She joined HOPES because of her passion for working with children and supporting the community. We are thankful for their service and excited to welcome them to HOPES!
Thank you all for your support and commitment to children experiencing homelessness in Chicago.
Best,
Rita Kahn
Executive Director
Chicago HOPES for Kids
