TWO STEPS AND YOU’RE UP
A caring relationship, plus a job, lifts a gang member from the streets into transformation, generosity, and belonging.
Caring Relationship
Most men we work with grow up without a father figure, and look to gangs to fill that void. Everyone on staff come from the streets and know first hand what it takes build a new life. We come alongside every man as a friend, mentor, and positive voice for as long as it takes to see real life change.
Good Job
Becoming financially secure addresses the most immediate need men on the streets have. Many men are desperate to support themselves, their spouse, their families, and their kids. We help men overcome their criminal records and equip them with valuable skills employers desire.
Investing In Hard-To-Reach People & Places
Many young men on the streets desire something better, but don’t see any proven path to get there. Most believe that a good life is meant for someone else, not them.
Hope Now exists to change a young man’s destiny. It starts from the inside out – in hearts and minds. We invest with a promise of new opportunities which can lead to new beginnings and bright futures.
We’ve been helping men transform for 30 years, and the results are undeniable and incredible.
Why not get involved? You can support local young men fighting for their lives. You can join a thriving community who are building a lasting legacy that will impact future generations.
How It Works
For over 30 years, this proven path has helped over 2,250 men find the hope they needed to rise from the streets and achieve success financially, recover from childhood trauma, overcome addictions, heal the bonds of family, and build a better future for their communities.
Recruit
Gang members are recruited on the streets by Hope Now Outreach Coordinators and are given a card or flier as a reminder. Hope Now also recieves referrals after release from corrections, jail, or prison. We also network at community events, speak at churches, set up referrals with organizations, and make contacts through friends & family.
Gang Member | Contacts Hope Now, Schedules First Appointment
Hope Now | Makes A Connection, Prays For Specific Individuals To Take Action
Pray
Hope Now Outreach Coordinator prays for the men he met during the recruiting campaign, and were referred to Hope Now from corrections, jail, and prison.
Show Up
This is the first time a gang member walks through our doors. It’s a big deal! This is when the caring relationship starts. Guys are appointed a personal Hope Now counselor who will help the gang member settle in, get acquanted, and know what’s expected of him while he's in the program. The counselor finds out exactly what the young man needs, how to encourage him, then they pray together.
Gang Member | Walks Through The Doors
Hope Now | Gets To Know Gang Member, Builds Relationship & Trust, Offers Encouragement & Prayer
Connect
Relationship begins. Coordinator gathers pertinent information from each man so his needs can be met. Coordinator prays for and encourages him.
Start
Gang member begins the job readiness program. He will graduate in four weeks.
Build
Relationship is strengthened. He attends classes and Bible studies, participates in sports and outdoor activities, gains sobriety, and gets help getting credentials (ID, driver's license, and social security card). Employment Development Director begins search for full-time job openings.
Graduate
After successfully completing the program, we celebrate the first important milestone, and he earns his graduate certificate. He joins the Job Readiness Crew and begins interviewing for full-time employment while working odd jobs and for Hope Now's social enterprise ventures.
Work
Another big milestone - he lands his first full-time job! The excitement of seeing the skills you learned in the program at work and the pride of earning a good, honest income is life-changing.
Provide
If a vehicle is needed, a bicycle is provided (cars are also given in special circumstances). Hope Now Staff make sure he shows up on the first day, and continues to pray for him while offering friendship, guidance, and accountability.
See Hope Now's Impact
Take a deeper look at Hope Now’s impact radiating out through our city. The Impact Report is designed to show you how our work focuses on blazing successful paths for gang members to get jobs, gain skills, and build a future for themselves and their families. Hope Now is changing lives, strengthening families, the places where they work, the churches they attend and serve, the neighborhood where they live, and the city we call home.
Years
Lives Changed
Jobs
%
Success Rate
Mission & Vision
Two steps and you’re up. A job and caring relationships lifts a gang member from the streets and into transformation, belonging and generosity.
Obeying our Lord Jesus Christ, Hope Now envisions a safe, gang-free community in which all young men are offered a hope-filled future based on the opportunity to make good choices and to develop integrity by becoming responsible fathers who achieve their God-given potential in loving and supporting their families.
Philosophy
The philosophical basis of Hope Now is the Christian ethical value system…because it works! Change in a young person’s life occurs only 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.
&
WHY
Street gangs have been plaguing our city for decades. Young men are turning to gangs out of a need for belonging and a lack of resources.
Hope Now began serving the greater Fresno area in 1993 with a goal of getting young men off the streets and on a path to a life with better outcomes. We help…
- Former and current gang members
- High school dropouts, and
- Men with an arrest record
…get placed into jobs.
Hope Now graduates often progress in their education and training, turning their job into a…
- Career
Tony Pimentel, Fresno City College - Community Benefit Organization:
Oscar Rodriguez, Martin Park - Staff Position:
Paul Varela, Hope Now
HOW
Hope Now’s goal is to inform the citizens of this great city that a resource is available to those that are experiencing a hardship due to gang involvement, having an arrest record, or lacking a high school diploma.
Once a potential client is released from Department of Corrections, county jail, prison… or receives a flyer when we recruit in their neighborhood… they are invited to Hope Now to receive training and coaching for:
• healthy anger release
• how to succeed on-the-job
• strengthening relationships
• overcoming addictions
• Man of Integrity
• Man of Class
• financial stewardship
If they have their ID and Social Security card, they’re on their way to graduating from our training. If they don’t yet have them, we offer guidance to recieving them.
Upon graduation, they interview with our employment developer to be matched for a job. We are an individualized program, and clients can be with us for three weeks, three months, or three years depending on their needs and commitment.
We meet men where they are at. When needs arise that Hope Now is not able to provide (housing, therapy, or addiction recovery to name a few), we gladly refer them to partners or trusted experts in that field. Hope Now’s primary focus is job training, job placement, and life-on-life coaching.
WHAT
Once a parolee is released, they have an immediate accountability system already established with Hope Now. If he wants support for a job, he would be required to attend our Tuesday and Thursday afternoon training.
Because of our relationship with them from the Department of Corrections, depending on their circumstance, he would be able to graduate from our program within the scheduled time frame and then placed in a job.
Our services are free. We have never charged clients for our services. Our main financial resources come from private donors and grant funding.
Meet The Team
Living examples of genuine transformation. They’ve all walked in both worlds, “From the thug life to the good life.”
Everyone on Hope Now’s staff were once gang members, came through Hope Now, turned their lives around, and are living examples of what’s possible when you walk by faith and commit to the process of transformation.
Vanna In
Executive Director
Get To Know Vanna
In 2020-2021, a months-long nationwide search led Hope Now to our own city and to the very person God has been grooming for years to be our next Executive Director.
Vanna is one of Hope Now’s transformed lives. He’s a role model of what Hope Now can do. He is Hope Now. One of the things Vanna appreciates most is that Hope Now was the only place willing to give him a chance. It was the only organization to contact him, and then give him that one job he needed while seeking a new life outside of prison and gangs. He entered the Hope Now program and earned his Certificate of Completion in 2002.
Vanna never forgot the life-changing chance extended by Hope Now. A chance he now wants to see duplicated many times over in lives he comes across in his new role. Much of what Vanna has overcome will now be used by Christ to help other young men overcome similar obstacles.
“My heart is aligned with the mission and vision of Hope Now. My passion is for those with barriers to employment. We can show them that their dream job is still possible, so that they can be the best person that God has called them to be. That includes helping them to grow in capacity as a follower of Jesus, spouse, parent, friend… and whatever they can envision. That has become my life’s work.”
Before coming onboard and serving as Hope Now’s Executive Director, Vanna worked as a Hope Now vocational placement counselor, a church youth pastor, and the Executive Director/Co-Founder of Jobs of Hope in Colorado (which was based on Hope Now’s model).
Though the job titles change, Vanna’s passion to help young men avoid gang life has never wavered. He has also continued his education, and has a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry from Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary.
Rev. Roger Minassian, Founder of Hope Now states, “I would estimate that he’s helped transform the lives of over 150 gang youth. Vanna always had a heart to give back. God had called him to help other homeless, helpless and hopeless youth get off the path of destruction. His Lord Jesus was not going to waste any of Vanna’s painful past, but was going to use what he had learned to lift others up.”
One of Vanna’s most impressive life experiences was the pardon he received from Governor Jerry Brown in 2018. Under threat of deportation to Cambodia for the 1993 felony he’d committed, Vanna sought help from everyone he knew who was willing to vouch for him. Because of his tireless work helping others, his history with Hope Now, and his unwavering faith being put into action – Vanna attached more than 250 letters of support to his application for a full, unconditional pardon. When Vanna holds that thick folder stuffed with letters, it’s easy to see the hand of God on his life. Vanna is looking forward to meeting you and working with you.
Paul Varela
Assistant Executive Director
Get To Know Paul
Paul Varela is an exceptional individual with over twelve years of experience at Hope Now. He began his journey as a Gang Youth Advocate and later became a Vocational Placement Counselor. His passion for teaching others about God’s Word and his deep knowledge of the Bible led to his promotion to Director of Discipleship in 2021. Currently, he serves as Associate Director (2021-current), working alongside the Executive Director to ensure that the organization remains true to its vision.
Paul’s educational achievements are impressive. He received his High School diploma from Clovis Adult School in 2013, where he was awarded a scholarship for academic excellence. He then pursued his education at Moody Bible Institute, where he earned an Associate in Biblical Studies with Honors in 2017. Paul also received a Certificate in Apologetics from Biola University in 2018. In 2022, he graduated from Moody Bible Institute with a Bachelor of Science in Ministry Leadership, achieving High Honors. He is currently pursuing his Master’s in Non-profit Administration and Leadership at Moody Theological Seminary, where he was recognized as SUMMA CUM LAUDE for the University’s 2023 convocation.
Paul’s dedication to ministry is inspiring. He has received ministry training in Teaching Children Effectively (TCE) through Child Evangelism Fellowship and Leadership training in Men in Action (MIA), where he obtained a certificate from Dr. James Cecy. He has been an integral part of Hope Now Bible Church (2011-2018) and Northwest Church (2018-current), where he has led various classes such as Fundamentals of the Faith and Survey of the Old and New Testament. At Hope Now Bible Church, he served as prayer director, organizing a monthly potluck, prayer gathering, and prayer cards within this ministry. Paul and his wife, Yvette, taught the children’s class on Thursday nights (1st-6th Grade) and Preschool-Kindergarten bi-weekly on Sundays. He preached twice quarterly in the leading service and, when needed, drove the church vehicle to assist families to church.
Paul’s dedication to teaching and mentoring goes beyond religion. He is also the Director of Varela Shotokan Karate Dojo, where he uses Karate to teach children various attributes such as discipline, self-control, and perseverance. He holds a Nidan (second-degree) Black Belt in the Japanese art of Shotokan Karate, which he obtained from a prominent instructor, Shihan Michael Finn. Paul has also had the privilege of training with well-known martial artists such as former UFC Champion Lyoto Machida (2009), Chinzo Machida, and Yoshizo Machida. World Kickboxer Benny the Jett Urquidez (67-1) and Master Kanazawa’s sons Koncho Nobuaki (8th Dan) and Fumitoshi (6th Dan) Kanazawa.
Paul’s commitment to his family is admirable. He has been married to Yvette, his long-time sweetheart, for fourteen years and together for twenty-one years. They have five children (Trinity, Dominick, Naomi, Nehemiah, and Gracious). They are also proud grandparents of Zyelle and Zakai. In his free time, he enjoys drinking coffee, reading books, and spending quality time with his children.
Johnny Trujillo
Director of Employment Development
Get To Know Johnny
As the Director of Employment Development for Hope Now, my focus is on placing the men we work with into jobs, providing on-the-job training and discipleship. I am passionate about building relationships with current and new employers, while also sharing the work our Lord is doing through His ministry with others.
In addition to my work, I am a husband of 16 years. My wife Jasbi and I are blessed with five children: Ladaurius, Yasbeth, Kalina, Johnny, and Ya Ya. I am a perpetual learner and enjoy spending time outdoors.
My life’s verse is Philippians 3:13-14, which states:
“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
Rudy Marquez
Senior Outreach Coordinator
Get To Know Rudy
Rudy Marquez serves as the Senior Outreach Coordinator at Hope Now. His primary objective is to offer a helping hand to young men who have gone through similar struggles as himself or even worse ones, by providing them with a second chance at life and leading them towards Christ. Rudy has attended ACBC (Biblical Counseling Training) and a leadership course called Men In Action, where he has received a Certificate of Completion from Dr. James Cecy. Rudy has successfully established positive and influential relationships with troubled youth, offering them helpful guidance and resources.
Sam Ban
S.E. Fresno Outreach Coordinator
Get To Know Sam
My life began in a challenging situation when I was born in a refugee camp in Thailand. My family had to flee from Cambodia due to the civil war. My parents were determined to provide a better life for their children, so we migrated to America when I was only a year old. I received my education from Fresno Day School and graduated in 2003.
It was at Hope Now that I found my faith in the Lord. Initially, I started attending Hope Now in 2001, but it was not until 2011 that I gave my life to Jesus Christ. Ever since then, I have been passionate about spreading the word of God and connecting with fellow Christians and people.
After working at Peoples Church, I decided to pursue my passion for ministry and enrolled in SoCal School of Ministry, which awarded me with my certification. During the six years that I was employed at Peoples Church, I served as a groundkeeping and youth pastor for Peoples Church Southeast. I also earned an AA degree from Fresno
City College and am currently studying Liberal Studies at Fresno State.
When I am not busy with work or completing my academic obligations, I enjoy spending quality time with my family. I am happily married to my middle school sweetheart, Sai, and together, we are blessed with five children, namely Rayden, and three others whose names I would love to share with you if you are interested.
Rob Lowe
SW Fresno Outreach Coordinator
Get To Know Rob
Rob’s story…
Richard
Recruiter
Get To Know Richard
Richard’s story coming soon…
Rortinak
Recruiter
Get To Know Rortinak
Rortinak’s story coming soon…
Grecia Hernandez
Volunteer Coordinator
Get To Know Grecia
Grecia’s story coming soon…
Board Of Directors
Hope Now’s board members are as diverse as our supporters and clients. Each a dynamic leader, invested in our community, devoted to elevating Hope Now’s cause, and passionate about seeing real life change in individual’s lives.
Skin Mead
Chairman | President
About Skin
Skin Mead put himself through college in New York by playing the drums (slang: the skins) in a rock and roll band called, “Skinny and the Screamers”… thus, the nickname “Skin”. He graduated with a teaching credential in math, science, and business.
After teaching for 7 years, he became a real estate broker and proceeded to manage some of the largest real estate offices in Fresno. He successfully developed over thirty private limited partnerships investing in diversified Fresno real estate.
After reading “Gangs to Jobs” Skin became interested in the Hope Now program. He wrote and produced the full-length feature film “Finding Hope Now” – a story about how Fresno’s Hope Now non-profit came to be the ministry it is today.
Skin, and his wife Andrea, are members of Peoples Church. He looks forward to his time on Hope Now’s Board of Directors, and contributing to its future growth and vision.
Franklin Spees
Vice Chairman
About Franklin
Franklin Spees has over 15 years of diverse real estate and business experience as an attorney, small business owner, development consultant, city planner, and real estate broker.
Throughout his career he has demonstrated repeated success in both the private and public sectors by providing expert counsel and facilitation as a “creative problem solver” to maximize land, physical improvements, and uses of real property through development, transactions, entitlements, and drafting public policy.
Franklin is a licensed member of the California Bar Association and an accredited LEED, AP through the United States Green Building Council. He holds the designation of Certified California Residential Manager (CCRM) as a member of both the California and Fresno Apartment Associations. Franklin has advised and facilitated real estate transactions as a licensed real estate broker and as a member of the California and Fresno Association of Realtors.
Franklin is currently practicing law as a business and real estate attorney with Lawvex, Inc. in addition to other real estate ventures.
Franklin is married to his wife Lisa and has three children.
Trevor Joy
Treasurer
About Trevor
After nearly 20 years working to help improve Fresno’s air quality; Trevor retired March of 2024 and is happy to have more time to spend serving the people of Fresno, including being more involved at Hope Now.
How long have you been with/supported Hope Now?
I have known about Hope Now for 20 years and have been involved in efforts to help improve downtown Fresno. But it was just 2 years ago that I responded to an invitation to join Hope Nows board.
What surprised you the most about Hope Now when you first came onboard?
How many hurdles confront gang members looking to get out of gangs and into a job. I grew up in West Los Angeles and had a ton of support navigating school and work. I can’t imagine what I would have done if I didn’t know my social security number and didn’t have a single family member to tell me.
Why do you serve and support Hope Now’s ministry?
I have gotten to know various guys involved in gangs and heard the stories of brokenness. Some of these guys were really wanting change, really wanting to put in the hard work to improve their life and the life of their family. It is fun to be able to help out and see lives improve. As a follower of Christ I also feel called to be an instrument of change in my community. I feel like the gifts I have are a good fit for helping with Hope Now.
In your words describe Hope Now’s impact…
Hope now helps to keep Fresno residents out of jail, it helps to get them into a job. And a job pays for all the things: housing, car …
And being out of jail and into a job goes way beyond just the paycheck. For a family to be living in the house together, and driving around town in the car together. Hope Now influences generations of Fresnans for the better.
What memory/story about Hope Now stands out the most to you?
I was hanging out with a Hope Now member and his wife and kids. The family stepped away and we ended up talking about the things that he had done to cause him to be put in prison and away from the family for years. And then he shares how much he loves his family and doesn’t want jail to again separate him from his family. It was a story that spoke so deeply of love and consequences.
What is a Bible passage that always speaks to you?
“A man’s heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.”
Proverbs 16:9
In the next five years you hope to accomplish what at Hope Now?
I’m the treasurer and the accounts need to be taken care of but that is boring. But I have opportunities to connect with Hope Now members and take them hiking. Whether its a short drive to the San Joaquin River trails or a longer drive to the mountains, I look forward to connecting those involved in Hope Now and introduce them to nature.
Jolene Thiessen
Secretary
About Jolene
How long have you been with/supported Hope Now?
My husband and I were first introduced to Hope Now by a former staff member over 20 years ago, the late John Raymond, who attended our church. My relationship with Hope Now became much more personal when one of my former FCC students, Vanna In, was named CEO.
What surprised you the most about Hope Now when you first came onboard?
How open and friendly the staff and young men are.
Why do you serve and support Hope Now’s ministry?
I believe in the ministry of helping young men get out of the gangs.
In your words, how does Hope Now impact Fresno for good?
Our city needs the hope that this organization brings to change lives and help end generational cycles of destruction.
What memory/story about Hope Now stands out the most to you?
Vanna’s life and many others who have gone through Hope Now are a
true testimony to the power of Christ to change lives.
How does it show Hope Now’s value in our community?
Fresno is fortunate to have this organization and Vanna working in our city, helping young men get out of the gangs.
What is a scripture from the Bible that always speaks to you?
Proverbs 3:5-6. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.
What is a word from the streets that you think everyone should know?
Hope
What does it mean?
Every person can have hope and value when they accept Christ.
In the next five years you hope to accomplish what at Hope Now?
I hope to see the work of the micro-businesses expand to help more
Hope Now men gain work experience to provide for their families.
Carol MacNeill
Director
About Carol
After such diverse occupations as commercial fisherman, mom, librarian, and elementary school teacher, Carol now finds great fulfillment as a realtor. Her passion for helping people extends to the clients she serves, who come from all walks of life and have different areas of need. Carol also finds great joy in spending time with her children and grandchildren.
How long have you been with/supported Hope Now?
I first learned about Hope Now shortly after we moved to Fresno in 2000. I became more involved after teaching in a school in a community that Hope Now serves.
What surprised you the most about Hope Now when you first came onboard?
How much the organization accomplishes in what seems an effortless way. Of course, it’s not effortless. The accomplishments are from the Lord, and his power, plan, and provision are very evident in this organization!
Why do you serve and support Hope Now’s ministry?
As a teacher in downtown Fresno, I saw firsthand the brokenness that gang involvement and addictions brings to families. Each person who leaves that lifestyle changes the trajectory of many, many future lives. Hope Now’s ministry is transformational to so many people.
In your words, how does Hope Now impact Fresno for good?
Every person whose life is transformed touches many other lives…so, one changed life has a ripple effect in the community, creating significant change.
What memory/story about Hope Now stands out the most to you?
Each story I hear of a transformed life touches me deeply.
How does it show Hope Now’s value in our community?
Each person in our community has the opportunity to experience the life-changing power of Christ. Everyone who believes in Him has the promise of a hope and a future greater than we can imagine.
What is a scripture from the Bible that always speaks to you?
Proverbs 16:9 (NKJV) – A man’s heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.
In the next five years you hope to accomplish what at Hope Now?
I hope to assist with creating an active prayer ministry, expand Hope Now’s social enterprise endeavors, and assist with launching a program for Hope Now women.
Dewayne J.R. Coleman
Director
About J.R.
Dewayne “JR” Coleman, Sr., originally from Los Angeles, California, is the esteemed founder of The Word Community Church in Fresno. He has been happily married to Deidre Coleman for over 37 years, with whom he has a son, a daughter, and a cherished granddaughter. His journey began with a promising athletic career; after playing baseball at Southern University on a scholarship, he was drafted by the Minnesota Twins and later played for the Chicago Cubs.
Transitioning from athletics to focusing on community and spiritual leadership, Pastor “JR” has held several significant roles in community churches and Christian organizations. In 2006, he realized his long-standing vision by establishing The Word Community Church, which has grown from a small group in his home to a vibrant community of over 350 weekly attendees.
Educationally, Pastor “JR” has pursued extensive theological studies, earning his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees in Theology from Full Gospel Bible College in Texarkana, Arkansas. As a bishop, he now oversees an international network of over 130 churches across the Caribbean and has founded an educational institution in India.
Bishop Coleman is a devoted leader who is passionate about community
service, education, and global outreach. He dedicates his life to fostering
unity and education through various ministries. His work extends beyond the pulpit as he engages in numerous initiatives that promote community well-being and global understanding.
How long have you been with or supported Hope Now?
10 years
What surprised you the most about Hope Now when you first came onboard?
The great staff and the vision.
Why do you serve & support Hope Now's ministry?
I believe Hope Now is giving men a second chance if they’re willing to grow and be stretched.
In your words, how does Hope Now impact Fresno for good?
Hope Now is helping men to turn their lives around which in turn helps to impact or community for the better.
What memory or story about Hope Now stands out the most to
you? How does it show Hope Now’s value in our community?
The banquet does it for me because of the great testimonies that are being shared.
What is a scripture from the Bible that always speaks to you?
Romans 1:16
What is a word from the streets that you think everyone should know?
Drip” meaning my clothes look good.
What does it mean?
In a sentence: My drip is fly today.
In the next five years you hope to accomplish what at Hope Now?
I would like to help How Now reach ore men and see them grow there reach with women.
Oscar Rodriguez
Director
About Oscar
How long have you been with/supported Hope Now?
I have been a part of Hope Now for Youth since I was 18 years old, and I’m 47 now. So, it’s been nearly 30 years of being involved with and supporting this incredible ministry.
What surprised you the most about Hope Now when you first came onboard?
When I was asked to join the board, I was truly honored. Coming from Hope Now as a beneficiary and now having the opportunity to contribute to its stewardship and guidance was a profound experience. It’s an amazing full-circle moment to be able to give back to the organization that played such a significant role in shaping my life.
Why do you serve & support Hope Now’s ministry? In your words, how does Hope Now impact Fresno for good?
I serve and support Hope Now because it’s a place where individuals find a mold for a positive identity, which, in turn, helps them shape a better future for themselves and our city. Hope Now brings out the inner beauty in the forgotten areas of our community, providing the tools and support needed to create lasting change.
What memory/story about Hope Now stands out the most to you? How does it show Hope Now’s value in our community?
One memory that stands out is seeing the impact of the new era of staff under the guidance of Vanna. We’re witnessing doors open for future generational change, which truly showcases Hope Now’s enduring value in our community. It’s inspiring to see how the organization continues to evolve and make a positive impact, paving the way for the next generation.
Will MacNeill
Director
About Will
How long have you been with/supported Hope Now?
I was first involved in 2004, but I have consistently supported Hope Now since 2014.
What surprised you the most about Hope Now when you first came onboard?
The selfless nature of the staff and how successful they have been at breaking the cycle of gangs and violence one youth at a time.
Why do you serve and support Hope Now’s ministry?
For the generational change Hope Now brings to the youth of Fresno.
What memory/story about Hope Now stands out the most to you?
Helping babysit kids at the hope now staff Christmas parties when I was in high school was a lot of fun and now as a parent I realize how helpful that was to the staff!
What is a scripture from the Bible that always speaks to you?
We urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone. See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people. Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5: 14-18
In the next five years you hope to accomplish what at Hope Now?
I want to see Hope Now become a household name among professionals in Fresno.
Andrew McFadden, CFP
Director
About Andrew
How long have you been with or supported Hope Now?
I’ve been a Board member since January 2024, and a supporter since June 2022.
What surprised you the most about Hope Now when you first came onboard?
I was surprised/amazed at how people who seemed void of hope were given hope through the gospel and a way to earn a living and support their families.
Why do you serve & support Hope Now’s ministry?
I support Hope Now because I want to see lives changed for the better, through hope in Christ and His body at work.
In your words, how does Hope Now impact Fresno for good?
Hope Now impacts Fresno for good by loving on people who have had a rough upbringing or faced difficult life experiences that have eventually led to regrettable life choices. By providing a path to redemption, through hope in Christ and a job.
What memory or story about Hope Now stands out the most to you? How does it show Hope Now’s value in our community?
They’re all amazing. I especially love the stories of our amazing staff who have been saved from a life on the streets to a life of service helping others.
What is a scripture from the Bible that always speaks to you?
Matthew 4:19 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said.
Michelle Ogawa
Director
About Michelle
How long have you been with/supported Hope Now?
I was voted in as a Hope Now Board Member on March 20, 2024.
What surprised you the most about Hope Now when you first came onboard?
I was surprised to realize that, despite being an educator at Alice M. Worsley School for 25 years, serving students experiencing incarceration, I was not aware of the Hope Now organization. A former student invited several of his former teachers, including myself, to attend the Hope Now Banquet. It was there that I learned about the organization and the meaningful opportunities it provides for young people who are struggling to find their way in life. I feel like God brought our paths together because there is great work we can do in partnership to serve students and graduates who are enrolled at or have exited the Juvenile Justice Campus.
Why do you serve & support Hope Now’s ministry? In your words, how does Hope Now impact Fresno for good?
Having worked with incarcerated students for multiple generations, I have seen the negative impact of sending kids back to the environments that led them to incarceration in the first place. I am always seeking alternatives for students who lack the support and resources needed to be successful once they exit the Juvenile Justice Campus Program. While there are many opportunities for students to get back on track personally, academically, and socially/emotionally while they are within our care, these opportunities become less accessible, if not unattainable once they leave our program.
Hope Now impacts the Fresno community for good by providing a faith-based resource for young people, surrounding them with positive influences and helping them gain the skills and self-confidence necessary to succeed in life and look forward to a bright future. What most impresses me about the Hope Now organization is that it meets young people where they are and never turns them away when they are ready to get back on track. My former student has had numerous opportunities to return to the program even when he had previously fallen behind, demonstrating the organization’s commitment to supporting individuals through their challenges and setbacks.
What memory/story about Hope Now stands out the most to you? How does it show Hope Now’s value in our community?
While I do not have a longstanding history with Hope Now, my greatest memory to date is getting an invitation from a former student to attend the Hope Now Banquet and being introduced to this amazing organization with such a service heart to the struggling young people in our great community.
What is a scripture from the Bible that always speaks to you?
Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
This Bible verse speaks to me profoundly because it is my son’s favorite. It serves as a daily reminder that we are never alone. By placing our faith in God, we are guided and strengthened in all that we do.
What is a word from the streets that you think everyone should know? What does it mean?
A word from the streets (aka the streets of Juvenile Hall) that I think everyone should know is “HOPE.” It means holding on to the belief that, regardless of the circumstances, there is always a possibility for a better future. The message I remind students of daily is that no matter what challenges they face, there is always hope and the potential for positive change. I believe the essence of “HOPE” is what fuels the mission of the Hope Now Organization and serves as a guiding beacon for all those engaged in the organization’s endeavors.
In the next five years what do you want to accomplish at Hope Now?
In the next five years, I hope to continue building relationships, connections, and partnerships among all stakeholders dedicated to supporting youth and young adults experiencing incarceration and beyond. These young lives need hope, guidance, structure, and access to resources, as well as advocates who believe in them and champion their journey toward successful and productive lives. As I prepare to retire in the next several years from my 25-year career as a teacher and teacher librarian at Alice M. Worsley School, serving incarcerated youth, I aim to continue serving young people in need of support. The Hope Now organization allows me to explore other opportunities to advocate for and empower these young lives who deserve guidance, resources, and opportunities to thrive beyond their circumstances.
Don Eskes
Director
About Don
How long have you been with or supported Hope Now?
I was involved with Hope Now when it first was started by Roger Minassian.
Why do you serve & support Hope Now’s ministry?
I am committed to helping those in need in our community (Isaiah 58:6-12 is my guide) and these young, misdirected gang members certainly are in need. Gangs become “family” for many young men who have no direction because of fatherlessness in our society.
In your words, how does Hope Now impact Fresno for good?
Fatherless homes in the US is at 23% while the world average is 7%. In the US, black communities, children suffer a 47% fatherlessness rate. Hope Now provides an alternative to young men giving them a new direction with a Christ-led life.
What is a scripture from the Bible that always speaks to you?
Hope Now is a “Repairer of broken walls and restorer of streets with dwellings” (Isaiah 58:12)
Community Means Standing Together
Individuals & Foundations
Central Valley Community Foundation
Commonwealth Charitable Fund
Eaton Foundation
Gary & Barbara Marsella Family Foundation
SG Foundation
Businesses
True Organic
Derrel’s Mini Storage
J.P. Lamborn Company
JD Food
Fresno Plumbing and Heating
Tender Lovin Care
StoryLand
RM King
Hedrick's Chevrolet
John Rich & Company
Reptile Ron Animal Presentations
Row 10 Design
Zenith Insurance Company
Churches
Biola Congregational Church
Campus Bible Church
Easton Presbyterian Church
First Armenian Presbyterian Church
Fowler Presbyterian Church
Friendship Church
Sanger Community Church
Organizations
The California Endowment
Community Justice Center
Center for Community Transformation | Fresno Pacific University
Martin Park | Lowell & Webster Neighborhoods
Valley Teen Ranch | Madera, CA
Central Valley Teen Challenge
California GO-BIZ | Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development
Board of State and Community Corrections
FAQ
I'm looking for a job... How do I sign up?
If you’re a man, and are between the ages of 16-39, give us a call/text at: (559) 237-7215 or email us at: info@hopenow.org.
Make sure to give your name, phone number and email address.
I know someone who could benefit from your services... How can I connect you?
Have them call/text Hope Now at: (559) 237-7215 or email us at: info@hopenow.org
Men who are in need of a job are more likely to take the initiative and contact us. In our experience, if we have to pursue them, then we wind up wanting them to succeed more than they do and nobody really wins. Not the employer, not Hope Now, and not even the client.
I want to hire someone from Hope Now... How do I do that?
Send us an email at: info@hopenow.org.
This is the best way to inquire about partnering with us.
How can I get involved with Hope Now?
Send us an email at: info@hopenow.org.
Hope Now is always in need of:
- Volunteers
- Mentors
- Employers
- Odd Jobs
- In-kind Donations such as:
- Dental Procedures
- Medical Care
- Legal Services
- Cars, Trucks, Vans
- Equipment
We’re able to provide a tax-deductible receipt for those items or services.
I want to give to Hope Now beyond immediate finances such as a trust, will, donor-advised fund, real estate, crops, stocks, or other assets... How do I go about that?
