Hope Services Awarded Grant to Serve Justice-Involved Individuals

Hope Services, Inc. is proud to announce a new grant award from the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay that will empower individuals with justice involvement to gain nationally recognized certifications in Construction and Culinary Arts. This vital funding will expand access to vocational training for those seeking a fresh start and a pathway to sustainable employment.

The grant will enable Hope Services to provide hands-on instruction, professional mentorship, and job placement assistance for individuals ready to break cycles of incarceration and unemployment. Participants in the program will have the opportunity to earn certifications that are highly regarded by employers across Florida and beyond.

“Everyone deserves a second chance,” said David Caldas, Executive Director of Operations at Hope Services. “Thanks to the generosity of the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay, we can offer meaningful training that leads to real careers—careers that restore hope, build confidence, and change lives.”

As part of the Retail Fundamentals Certification program, the Hope Services Life Skills and Vocational Training Center announced the grand opening of its very own school-general store, HOPE-MART!

HOPE-MART is designed to replicate a real general store, complete with a professional logo, a wide variety of merchandise, and a fully functional cash register.

This exciting new venture provides students with hands-on experience in all aspects of retail operations, including inventories, sales, returns, stocking, cash handling, customer service and more. With these tools students develop valuable life skills and vocational training in a realistic and engaging environment!

We are thrilled to present the inaugural class of our Retail Fundamentals Certification program. Twelve individuals with various disabilities participated in this program, and after 50 hours of dedicated effort, they received the Hope Services Life Skills & Vocational Training Center Certificate of Completion. Impressively, 80% of the class passed the final test and earned the nationally recognized Retail Fundamentals Certification, opening doors to better employment opportunities. We are incredibly proud of their achievements.

We were pleased to welcome Wesley Bolin, Community Liaison for Vocational Rehabilitation, at the Hope Services Life Skills and Vocational Rehabilitation Center. During his time with us, Wesley toured the facility, met with staff, and demonstrated his dedication as a true ambassador for Vocational Rehabilitation. He observed a portion of our Retail Certification class and shared thoughtful feedback with Vocational Training Specialist Ayesha Rodriguez and Executive Director Cindy Bray.

We are proud to shine this month’s spotlight on a duo whose hearts are as big as their impact—Bill and Diane Bray!

Not only are they my brother-in-law and sister-in-law, but they are also lifelong friends and some of my biggest cheerleaders. Many of Hope Services’ greatest dreams were born on our patio—during late-night conversations filled with laughter, tears, and inspiration.

From the earliest visions of our Life Skills Training Center to its open-house celebration, Bill and Diane were there every step of the way. Bill’s handyman and electrical talents helped build much of the furniture and equipment we use daily. Diane’s quiet strength and loving support have touched every part of our journey—from events set up to joyful celebration.

Their generous physical, financial, and prayer support have uplifted our mission year after year. Whether working behind the scenes or shining in the spotlight, they bring heart and joy to all they do. This year, Bill brought the energy and fun as Master of Ceremonies at Dance Your Dream, making the night extra special for everyone who attended.

We are deeply grateful to call you family and proud to name you our Volunteers of the Month. Thank you for being a vital part of the Hope Services story.

Now let’s go to Alaska!

With love,
Cindy Bray
Founder & CEO

It’s beginning to look like running! Yes, it’s that time of year again where we invite you to join us, whether as sponsors or participants, or both, for the thrilling and heart-pumping adventure of the Run for Hope... and Your Life! a family friendly zombie 5k and 1k fun run that will put to the test your courage and survival skills. This year the race will take place on October 25 at the Crews Lake Park of Pasco County.  The race is a fundraiser event that supports the Hope Services Life Skills & Vocational Training Center Scholarship Fund.