Hope Ignites Northeastern Ohio

10/09/2026

Sometimes, something as simple as learning how to give a handshake can make a lasting difference in a young person's life.

Meet Terrence Decatur, a Hope Ignites Post-Secondary Scholar whose journey reflects the power of mentorship, education, and community support.

We're proud to support Terrence as he begins the next chapter of his journey!

Thank you@wkyc3 and our community of volunteers, donors, and staff for making moments like this possible.

Help ignite the potential of Northeast Ohio's youth! Learn how to enroll a Scholar or become a volunteer at hopeignitesneo.org.

Watch Terrence's story below!

Terrence Decatur joined Hope Ignites Northeastern Ohio in sixth grade. As it marks 40 years, he and its executive director reflect on what made the difference.

10/02/2026

The Pillar of Hope Honoree Kenneth Amos exemplifies perseverance, creativity, and continued personal growth.

A Hope Ignites Northeastern Ohio Class of 2019 alumnus, former Academic Honor Roll recipient, and Marietta College graduate, Kenneth has built a career in Customer Solutions and Claims at Nestlé while continuing to pursue his passion for graphic design. His journey reflects the lasting impact of opportunity, determination, and a supportive community.

Join us at the 2026 Evening of Hope as we celebrate Kenneth and 40 years of empowering Scholars to build bright futures. Purchase a ticket, donate, or learn more about Evening of Hope at https://lnkd.in/g6sUsrdb

10/01/2026

Thank you to Rory Fitzpatrick and ._ignatius_wildcats for inviting our Scholars to the St. Ignatius vs. St. Edward football game this Friday at 7 p.m. With Scholars attending both schools, we’re rooting for both teams and all the Scholars participating!

09/28/2026

Congratulations to Hope Ignites Northeast Ohio's Emeritus Board member Brian Brennan on being inducted into the Cleveland Browns Legends Class of 2026!

Brian’s legacy of leadership and service continues to make an impact both on and off the field. We’re proud to celebrate this well deserved honor and all that he continues to give back to our community.

Congratulations, Brian Brennan and go Cleveland Browns! Read more by visiting https://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/browns-induct-brian-brennan-alex-mack-and-lou-rymkus-to-browns-legends

09/17/2026

Want to support more scholars like John? Attend our largest annual fundraiser Evening of Hope on Thursday October 8th. Register or donate using this link https://hopeignitesneo.org/evening-of-hope/

For John, Hope Ignites is a place filled with friendship, community, and new experiences a safe space where he can play, learn, and spend time with friends.

For 40 years, we’ve created spaces where young people feel supported, connected, and inspired to grow.

09/15/2026

Join us at the 2026 Evening of Hope as we honor our Heart of Service Honoree CiCi Riley. Cici has helped advance our mission and vision at Hope Ignites.

Cici’s support of Hope Ignites spans more than 30 years. As a friend of Anne O’Donnell longtime champion of our Drive Fore Hope Golf Classic, she has played an important role in raising funds to expand our reach and campus, helping us better serve Scholars and families throughout Northeast Ohio. Her dedication reflects a longstanding commitment to Hope Ignites and the broader community.

Celebrate CiCi, Ken, and 40 years of impact with us.

Purchase a ticket, donate, or learn more:
https://hopeignitesneo.org/evening-of-hope/

09/10/2026

Join us Thursday, October 8, for Evening of Hope as we celebrate the Scholars, alumni, families, and supporters who bring our mission to life.

Reserve your place using the link in our bio, or make a gift through this fundraiser to help ignite what’s possible for the next generation.

08/24/2026

As students across Northeast Ohio head back to the classroom, Hope Ignites is celebrating a special milestone: 40 years of first days for Scholars across our partner schools.

For four decades, we’ve had the privilege of walking alongside young people as they begin new school years, take on new challenges, discover their potential, and move closer to their goals.

This fall, join us at our Evening of Hope as we celebrate 40 years of impact alongside the Scholars, families, supporters, and community partners who make this work possible. Your support helps us create more programs, resources, and opportunities for Northeast Ohio youth and many more first days to come.

Celebrate with us or make a gift:
https://hopeignitesneo.org/evening-of-hope/

08/06/2026

For our 40 Stories for 40 Years campaign, we are proud to spotlight Bishop Jennings, a Hope Ignites Northeastern Ohio Collegian whose journey embodies family, opportunity, service, and legacy.

Bishop joined our Academy program in fifth grade after deciding with the guidance of his father and grandparents to embrace a new opportunity. With his family providing a strong foundation and Hope Ignites building alongside them, Bishop attended St. Edward High School before serving five years as a U.S. Navy aviation technician. Today, he studies environmental science at Cleveland State University and plans to use his education to help grow the Jenning’s family HVAC business which also celebrates 45 years.

Bishop’s story reflects what becomes possible when a young person, their family, and a community of support work together. Now, he is carrying that partnership forward by mentoring younger Hope Ignites Scholars and encouraging them to recognize the options available for their futures.

Read Bishop’s full story here: https://hopeignites.org/2026/07/28/built-by-hand-bishop-jennings/

07/29/2026

Today, Bishop is carrying his family’s legacy into a new generation while helping other Hope Ignites scholars recognize the possibilities ahead of them.

We are proud to remain partners with Bishop and his family as he continues building a future grounded in service, leadership and legacy.

Read Bishop’s full story: https://hopeignites.org/2026/07/28/built-by-hand-bishop-jennings/