The Village of H.O.P.E. Foundation, Inc.™
An Economic Equity Empowerment
Our Name. Our Mission.
What Does H.O.P.E.™ Mean?
H.O.P.E.™ — Helping Others Pursue Entrepreneurship™
At The Village of H.O.P.E. Foundation, Inc.™, every letter carries a purpose. H.O.P.E.™ is more than a word — it is a framework for transformation, designed to equip African American boys with the tools, mindset, and community they need to build a future defined by possibility.
Helping
We show up for one another. Helping is the foundation of community — it means investing your time, talent, and presence into the lives of young men who need guidance, encouragement, and a steady hand.
Others
Our mission is outward-facing. We believe that when we pour into others — especially those who have been overlooked — we strengthen the entire village. No young man should have to navigate life alone.
Pursue
We challenge every young man to pursue — to chase their dreams with intention and refuse to let their circumstances write their story. Pursuit requires courage, and we walk alongside them every step of the way.
Entrepreneurship™
Entrepreneurship™ is the vehicle for economic equity. We teach young men to think like owners, build like leaders, and create wealth that uplifts their families and communities for generations to come.
How We Serve
The VOH 5-Point Model
A Framework for Whole-Person Empowerment
The Village of H.O.P.E. Foundation, Inc.™ operates through a proven 5-Point Model that addresses every dimension of a young man's development. This holistic approach ensures that no area of growth is left behind.
Mentorship
Connecting young men with positive male role models and surrogate father figures who provide consistent guidance, accountability, and lived wisdom. Mentorship is the heartbeat of the village.
Education
Equipping young men with academic support, life skills, and critical thinking tools that prepare them for success in school, career, and community leadership.
Entrepreneurship™
Teaching business principles, financial literacy, and venture development through our Young Entrepreneurs Club — a 12-month after-school curriculum that transforms ideas into opportunity.
Identity & Purpose
Helping young men discover who they are — their gifts, their uniqueness, and their God-given purpose — so they can stand confident in their identity and resist the pull of self-defeating beliefs.
Community & Healing
Building a safe, affirming village where young men can process pain, experience belonging, and grow alongside peers who share their journey. Healing happens in community.
Founder/President & Vice President
Raymond Smith & Janelle Greene Smith
Founder and President Raymond Smith and Vice President Janelle Greene Smith lead The Village of H.O.P.E. Foundation, Inc.™ with a shared commitment to empowering African American boys growing up without the care of their fathers. Together, they work to break cycles of self-defeating beliefs and help young people discover that their circumstances do not define their future. Through mentorship, education, and entrepreneurship, they champion a path toward hope, confidence, and lasting opportunity.
The Book
Studies suggest, African American boys being raised in homes where their fathers are absent, are more likely to use drugs, drop out of school, or commit a crime, than boys being raised in homes where their fathers are present. Therefore, the demand for solid role models, mentors and surrogate fathers is vital to the survival of children and teens who are being affected by fatherlessness. In his first volume, 'Bring It Out: It's In You' (30 Affirmations for African American Boys Growing up without Their Fathers), Raymond Smith addresses the problem, and answers the call to create a difference in the lives of black boys, who are forced to grow up without the love and guardianship of their fathers. You'll see forgiveness and healing expressed through spoken word, short stories and weekly challenges on every page.
Phase 1: Video Message
Created by FHS for "Bring It Out — It's in You" · An Economic Movement Awakens
Copyright © 2026 The Village of H.O.P.E. Foundation, Inc.™ and Bring It Out Global Empowerment™. All Rights Reserved.
Introducing Our First Initiative – Bring It Out Global Empowerment™ Mission – Phase II
We empower African American boys growing up without their fathers through mentoring, education & entrepreneurship.
Purpose
- Develop business principles and ventures into entrepreneurship opportunities
- Generate wealth creations with financial literacy maintenance
- Inspire H.O.P.E.™ to Take Action! (12-Month Curriculum for Young Entrepreneurs Club – an after-school program)
Passion
- LOVE to Encourage others and yourselves
- To help young people to discover themselves…finding their niche and uniqueness
- Global Empowerment – Reassure the Importance to KNOW their identity, gifts and purpose
Bring It Out Global Empowerment™ Program Interest Sign-Up
Enrollment interest is open for boys ages 8 to 18. Parents and guardians can complete this form so we can share future program updates and communication.
Bring It Out Global Empowerment™ Mission
We empower African American boys growing up without their fathers through mentoring, education & entrepreneurship.
Get the Book
Bring It Out: It's In You
30 Affirmations for African American Boys Growing Up Without Their Fathers
Available now on Amazon and Kindle. A powerful resource for mentors, educators, parents, and young men ready to discover the strength within.
Available in Paperback & Kindle
Welcome to The Village of H.O.P.E. Foundation, Inc.™ Your Business Initiative Solution – creating and building H.O.P.E.™
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