HOPE NOW INSTRUMENTAL IN FRESNO'S ALL-AMERICA CITY AWARD

In June 2000, an entourage of Hope Now staff and transformed youth travelled across the country to Louisville, Kentucky, to compete for the coveted All-America City Award. This was a sensitive time for the Fresnans whose city had been rated last in desirable places to live.

This year, however, would prove to be different with God's hand upon Hope Now For Youth and the two other non-profit programs joining them, Care Fresno and Oso De Oro.

With judges in tears, two ex-gang youth from Hope Now explained that if not for this program, they would have killed each other. Instead, they astounded the entire panel of judges by embracing in a hug!

In the end, the changed people of our community through these wonderful organizations earned a dream-come-true: Fresno-- one of ten cities chosen out of the entire nation-- was named an All-America City! Praise God!