On Thursday, October 23rd, a crowd gathered at 52 S. Washington Street in Easton to break ground on the Foundation of HOPE’s upcoming HOPE Center project. When the building is complete, it will become the permanent home for the organization’s Economic Development and Empowerment Program for middle school girls, as well as expanded programming for the whole community.
The HOPE Center, conveniently located within walking distance from Easton Middle School, will contain a host of exciting features, including:
- Dedicated Learning Spaces
- A Teaching Kitchen
- Creative Arts Space
- Outdoor Space
- Multi-Use Space
- A Library
- A Technology Center
- A Community Conference Room
Foundation of HOPE Founder and President Keasha Haythe is looking forward to the program expansion that this new facility will make possible for the organization. “The HOPE Center will allow us to introduce new programs for our girls, including STEAM and mental health and wellness,” she shares. “In addition, we look forward to providing programming for the whole community, including healthy living, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship. We can’t wait to get into our new home and turn these possibilities into realities!”
A crowd of more than 100 Foundation of HOPE supporters and program participants joined state and local dignitaries for the groundbreaking. After giving her opening remarks, Haythe introduced Maryland’s First Lady Dawn Moore, who offered congratulations to the Foundation of HOPE and words of inspiration for the girls in attendance.
“The HOPE Center in Easton will be more than just a facility, but a place where every young girl will know she is brilliant, intelligent, and that she can be anything she wants to be because of the greatness inside of her,” said First Lady Moore. “I am proud that the Moore-Miller administration invested $650 thousand into this project, as we continue to uplift our next generation of leaders and leave no one behind.”
Next, Secretary of Housing and Community Development Jake Day addressed the crowd, expressing his support for the positive impact the Foundation is making in the community.
“Whether it’s financing affordable homes or important community projects, our team at the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development understands the importance of partnership and embraces the power of placemaking. We’re committed to making those places great because great places win,” said Secretary Day. “With their new center, the Foundation of HOPE will have the space to continue their vital, community-enriching work to empower girls and young women. It’s going to be a great place and a great win for the Town of Easton and all of Talbot County.”
Maryland State Senator Johnny Mautz and Talbot County Council President Chuck Callahan, both longtime supporters of the Foundation and its mission, also offered heartfelt remarks to commemorate this momentous occasion in the organization’s history.
After the ceremony, Foundation leadership and participants, as well as the visiting dignitaries, gathered for the official groundbreaking ceremony, followed by refreshments and networking.
The HOPE Center is slated for completion in by the end of 2026.
The Foundation of HOPE helps young girls and women lead productive lives in their communities by providing cultural, social, and educational development. The Foundation relies on the generous financial support of local individuals, businesses, and foundations to help local girls become the leaders of tomorrow, and to fund the HOPE Scholar scholarship program. The new facility was supported by $630,000 in FY24 Congressionally Directed Spending, secured by U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen and former Senator Ben Cardin.
“Foundation of HOPE has shown that when we invest in spaces where girls can learn and grow beyond the classroom, we’re investing in their long-term success. That’s why I worked to secure direct federal funding to support this new facility, which will offer even more students in Easton opportunities to learn and excel,” said Senator Chris Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee who worked to secure a $630,000 direct federal investment in 2024 to support the construction of the new HOPE Center.
To learn more about the Economic Development and Empowerment Program, the HOPE Center, and how you can help, visit foundationofhopemaryland.org or contact Keasha Haythe at [email protected].
Write a Letter to the Editor on this Article
We encourage readers to offer their point of view on this article by submitting the following form. Editing is sometimes necessary and is done at the discretion of the editorial staff.