ABOUT US

A caring relationship, plus a job…

Achievementlifts a gang member from the streets into a life of hope and success. Hope Now For Youth is a local nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, endorsed by the Fresno Business Council and civic leaders, whose purpose is to bring youth out of gangs into a productive life through loving and caring relationships and jobs.

Hope Now For Youth employs former Hope Now youth whose lives have changed to serve as both role models and vocational placement counselors who find gainful employment for disadvantaged young men involved in gangs, ages 16 to 39. Since 1993 we have placed more than 2,300 youth, most of whom are gang members with criminal records, in first-time jobs. Almost all of these young men are on parole or probation, and a large majority did not finish high school. No fees are paid by businesses or the youths for our service. More than 300 Fresno-area employers have hired a Hope Now youth. We estimate that about 85% of the young men who complete the Hope Now program retain their jobs.

Hope Now For Youth is a cost-effective response to juvenile crime and repeat contact with the justice system. Public cost studies often cite figures near $95,000 per year to prosecute and incarcerate a youth. By contrast, Hope Now invests just over $6,000 per participant in relationship-building, mentoring, job readiness training, job development, placement, and follow-up to help an at-risk young man move from the streets into steady work. Marriage and family classes are offered to further stabilize the youth and his loved ones. The ministry is funded by hundreds of individuals, churches, businesses, foundations, and service organizations.

Our Philosophy

Water Volleyball at Rev Minassian'sThe philosophical basis of Hope Now is the Christian ethical value system, because it works. Change in a young person’s life occurs through a long-term relationship of love, help, and understanding. Hope for a better future comes from faith in a loving God who holds the future in his hands. As a Christian organization, we believe that spiritual hope offered through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is essential to long-term personal change.

What the work looks like week to week

Counselors stay in touch between job leads. That means phone calls, visits, and honest conversation when life gets messy again. A young man might need help with a resume one month and help showing up on time the next. Employers get a single point of contact at Hope Now, clear expectations, and follow-up after a placement. Participants are expected to work, tell the truth, and stay accountable to the team walking with them. The goal is not a single hire on paper, but a pattern of showing up, earning a paycheck, and building trust at home and on the job.

There is HOPE NOW

These young men desire and need to start believing they have a good future and the opportunity is there to work toward that future in a job. The best way to protect your investment in this community is by investing in these youth. Will you help?

Hope Now Graduate
Valentino Valero

  • “We support Hope Now for Youth because they truly provide what their name says. They are on the streets of Fresno providing hope to young men who desperately need hope. And they are doing it in the name of Jesus. We all know that without a job it is almost impossible to feel self-worth and dignity. And we know how hard it is to get a job. So having Hope Now stand shoulder to shoulder with young men to train them, encourage them and pick them up when they need it is invaluable to our community.”

    J. and C. Tienken
    -Fresno, CA

  • “I’ve had a great experience working with Hope Now For Youth. The organization is a helpful resource that we can turn to when we are looking for candidates for employment. We have found employees hired through Hope Now have a good attitude, are respectful and grateful for the opportunity.”

    Jared Medaris
    President, Expo Party Rentals

  • “My Hope Now For Youth counselor was a significant part of my change. I can’t emphasize that enough. He was always there for me and always on me when I felt like giving up. I remember him coming to my house and bringing quilts. My girlfriend and I were blown away how much he cared about us. We weren’t used to that kind of love.”

    -Gilbert R.
    Program Graduate