HopeWorks

HopeWorks' mission is to guide Memphians in need of a second chance through essential education, counseling, and career development programming to establish a relationship with God while building stability, confidence and a hope-filled future. 

HopeWorks provides support to Memphians in three main categories: 

• Adult Education
  • We help people access essential educational opportunities, including high school equivalency degrees and English as a second Language courses. 
• Employment Services
  • We work to eliminate restrictive barriers and aid Memphians as they pursue viable, passion-filled career opportunities.
• Holistic Reentry
  • We provide life-breathing counseling support, mentorship, technical education and career pathways to Memphians pre- and post-release from prison.

Volunteering at HopeWorks isn't only a way to get service hours or check a box - our volunteers directly impact the lives of students and further our mission of providing second chances. We are always looking for people who are willing to invest their time and energy in our students. Check this list of volunteer opportunities: 

• Faith Encourager - support and care for students as they learn new job skills, finish educational training and are challenged to live Christ-centered lives. Your job is to pray for them and cheer them on as they make difficult changes in their lives.
• Mentor - paired with a student in the Shelby County Division of Corrections during the student’s final months of incarceration. Acts as a faith encourager, but takes the relationship deeper, walking with that student through at least the first year of re-entry.
• Tutor - help Adult Basic Education students prepare for their high school equivalency test in the areas of Reading, Language Arts, Social Studies, Science, Math, and Writing. Education experience is preferred but not required.
• English Conversation Partner - visit with AESL students in an informal setting to help them practice their English.
• Orientation Host - AESL - greet incoming students, offer snacks, smile!
• Classroom Assistant - AESL - attend a (twice) weekly class and support the teacher by handing out materials, modeling conversations, and facilitating small group discussion.
• Career Mentor - AESL - visit with a student in a similar profession from their home country and help them understand how to enter that field in the US.
• Practice Interviewer - ABE/AESL/EE - interview a student who is preparing for a job interview. You will have information about the job and structure for giving feedback.
• Office Help - all programs - may help with data entry, staffing the reception desk, answering the phone, or other general office help.
• Handy Helper - occasional small job repairs and maintenance tasks at any of our sites.
• Commodities and Supplies Provider - bring supplies to donate and help organize recent donations of supplies that help meet the needs of our students and others in the community. 
• Meal Provider/Coordinator - facilitate a group from your church or work providing a meal at one of our locations. 
• Worship Service Coordinator - provide a group from your church to host and lead a Sunday evening service at our Summer Ave. location on a quarterly basis.
• Occasional Projects or Events - help our team to organize, set-up, work, and break down community outreach events, awards ceremonies, graduations, and fundraising events; help with special projects on a one-time or limited basis.