It All Started with Hope

We love celebrating all the students during their years at Hope International and we continue cheering for them after graduation. One of those graduates we want to take a moment to recognize and congratulate is 2021 Hope International graduate Joseph Kelvin Macauley.

Joseph continued his professional development through Hope's on-site vocational program Power of Hope. A program that provides students an opportunity to learn practical, employable skills in the electrical field they can use to earn an income, support themselves and their families. And for some, pursue higher education.

That's exactly what Joseph did. Upon his graduation from Power of Hope, Joseph went on to enroll at AlphaTech School of Vocational Studies where he earned a certification in computer studies.

We are so proud of Joseph! His journey started at Hope, and he has continued taking every opportunity and built on it. 

To all of you in our Hope community who gives, attends an event, shares our work, sponsors a student, or simply continues to show up for Hope, thank you! Your partnership helps make education and practical job training available to students like Joseph - and gives them a foundation they can continue building on long after graduation.

Which brings us to an amazing example of this community showing up....

Last Saturday, our friends and longtime Hope supporters Amy and Scott hosted their second annual FlannelFest. It was an evening of friends, live music, food, dancing, and Chicken Sh!t Bingo. The collective generosity shared supports Power of Hope. The vocational program that gives students like Joseph an opportunity to learn employable skills.

Thank you to Amy and Scott for dreaming up FlannelFest, opening their home and pasture to all of us, and putting so much love and hard work into making the evening happen.

Thank you to our amazing sponsors, Jennifer Korfiatis Marketing, Casi Tarr - Realtor, Downtown Kitchen, Jaime Donegan Productions, Greg "The Dude Abides" Kardos. Their generosity helped make it possible for so much of what was shared to go directly toward our work in Liberia.

And thank you, our Hope community, who shows up each and every day making so much possible.

Smiles for Miles with Smith

For 9 full days, this community of Hope welcomed Smith Samah, Hope International graduate, to Washington state for a whirlwind trek to meet as many of you as possible. The trip culminated in Wenatchee giving our east of the mountains community a chance to meet Smith as well. As his official driver, I witnessed the many "smiles across the miles" that Smith received, along with all the ones he left with others.

Smith was able to spend time with many of you who have shared gifts over the years and made his educational journey possible. Some of the highlights include:

Being hosted in Bellingham. Jenny and Joyce invited friends over and made him a wonderful welcome meal. Smith also worked on cars with Kevin. 

Witnessing Smith and Malia meeting for the first time. Malia, a Leavenworth high school teacher who, along with her AVID college-readiness class, facilitated fundraising efforts and paid for two years of Smith's undergraduate degree. Tears were definitely shed.

Dave taking Smith for his first ever river swim. With his confidence quickly growing, he was then ready to go paddleboarding with Bettina...and if that weren't enough, Dave took him rock climbing for the first time. Smith's wife Anita called and asked, "who thought this was a good idea?"

Sit-downs with Alida and Chris, Sally and Jim, and surprising Tina at her West African restaurant, Gold Coast Kitchen. Michelle and Jim sharing their home with us.

Smith's first ferry ride to Whidbey Island to visit with Nancy and Duane and Heather. He also got to ride in Duane's Corvette.

Joleen hosting a dinner and game night. Getting to see Elijah and Smith meet for the first time. Elijah, who while serving in the U.S. Navy at 20, paid for nearly two years of Smith's university tuition.

Our Supper with Smith gathering in Wenatchee where Sandi made an incredible meal, Barb shared her beautiful space, and friends old and new learned from Smith under the twinkling lights and night sky. So much sweetness.

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Thank you for being the kind of community of Hope that gives and receives in such beautiful ways. This whole journey made clear once again how we are better together.
Jackie Frazier | Co-Executive Director

Hoping for the Chance

Registration for Hope International is underway for the 2026-2027 school year. Students are joined by their families during the registration process. First priority is returning students, followed by hundreds and hundreds of those hoping to attend. The school year is scheduled to begin September 21st.

Hope is entering 19 years of education. Thank you for your generosity and partnership in creating educational opportunities and building a school where so many students long to be.