We are Hope Ignites Northeastern Ohio
We believe that everyone has the potential to be successful, and
Hope Ignites creates the opportunity.
For nearly four decades, we have pioneered best-in-class programming for young people from under-resourced communities in Cleveland and Akron. We offer the consistent, loving support they need to grow into successful, thriving adults.
The youth we serve, Scholars, have an intense desire to learn and succeed, yet face barriers outside of their control. Committing to their journey from middle school through post–secondary education and beyond, we provide a stable, nurturing community as well as the foundation they need to reach their goals.
Hope Ignites Northeastern Ohio is a proud member of the Hope Ignites Network. Our Network Headquarters, located in St. Louis, Missouri, connects, provides leadership, and offers signature college-preparatory programming to affiliates across the United States, Mexico, and Guatemala. Each affiliate is independently incorporated, governed by its own board of directors, and responsible for its own fundraising. Affiliation and services agreements link the Network to ensure mission and brand fidelity, quality operations, maximum functional capacity, consistency in training, programmatic standards, and best practices.
OUR MISSION
To nurture and guide motivated young people in need to become well-educated,
career-ready men and women for others.
OUR PILLARS
The fundamental and distinctive characteristics of our organization:
Academic Focus
We believe in the transformative power of education to develop lifelong learners.
Career-Connected
We believe in creating the solid foundation needed to drive economic and social mobility.
Civic Engagement
We believe in the value-centered hallmark of building a “person for others”.
Personal Support
We believe an enduring relationship with youth attains positive outcomes.
Social Capital
We believe in cultivating a team of professionals dedicated to our mission and youth.
OUR HISTORY
1986
Boys Hope Girls Hope of Northeastern Ohio Established
An affiliate of Boys Hope Girls Hope is formed in Northeastern Ohio and is formally incorporated into the larger Boys Hope Girls Hope Network, which began in 1977.
1989
Doors Open in Cuyahoga Falls
Boys Hope Girls Hope opens its first residential home on the campus of Walsh Jesuit High School in Cuyahoga Falls. This location was able to provide five boys—all students of the school—a structured, nurturing home during their high school career.
2000
Hope Finds a New Home
The home for boys moves from its Cuyahoga Falls location to its current location in Garfield Heights.
2003
Roots and Wings
The goals we set out to accomplish with our 1999 ‘Roots and Wings’ Campaign came to fruition. Boys Hope Girls Hope of Northeastern Ohio opened its first girls’ home on a century-old family estate in Garfield Heights, Ohio.
2008
Hope Prep
Our Board’s commitment to extending programming beyond our residential program was actualized with the creation of our Hope Prep program.
2009
Our Campus of Hope
The dedication of our seventh building—the O’Neill Center—marked the accomplishment of former Executive Director, Anne O’Donnell’s vision to reunify the five homes that formerly made up the Round Family estate, and transform the property into a centralized, first-class campus.
2014
Growing Hope
Based on the strong outcomes of our Scholars, our Board unanimously agrees to launch a five-year capacity-building initiative that will secure the organization’s future through a $10-million-dollar endowment campaign and allow us to increase capacity to serve 200 Scholars by 2020.
2018
Our Hope of the Future
Focus intensifies on expanding facilities in order to meet the needs of our existing program, while also allowing us to grow to make holistic and intensive programming available to more than 200 Scholars by 2020. In June, we broke ground on the Rajan Academy Center—a critical step toward achieving our goal.
2019
Rajan Academy Center
The Rajan Academy Center opened its doors in June. This construction project will be an addition to an acquired gymnasium adjacent to the northern border of our Campus of Hope. This space has an art room, science labs, college preparatory tutoring, study spaces, counseling areas, and open spaces which allows more than 200 Scholars to participate in our programming.
2025
Same Spark, Brighter Than Ever
Boys Hope Girls Hope is officially Hope Ignites. This rebrand captured the heart of our work – igniting hope, fueling potential, and sparking lifelong change – while maintaining the same mission.
FUTURE
Be A Part of Our Story!
Join Hope Ignites Northeastern Ohio as we move into an exciting future!
Title
LOCAL IMPACT
OUR TEAM
Our team of dedicated professionals truly embodies the mission of Hope Ignites. Regardless of the task at hand,
each member of our team is committed to creating best-in-class opportunities for the Scholars we serve.
Every “Agent of Hope” embraces each of our internal core values – Innovation, Respect, Wellness, Results, and Professional Growth.
To join our team, visit our career opportunities page for current open positions.
Sol Smith
Overnight Residential Specialist
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CHAIR
Andrew W. Moock
VICE CHAIR
Andrew Eich
TREASURER
Douglas E. Wells
SECRETARY
Nancy C. Benacci