CBC Community Profile

Capitol Broadcasting Company believes one of our greatest responsibilities is supporting our community. CBC’s Community Profile is a new monthly feature on the Web – a way to inform our employees and the public about the work of area non-profits, and their volunteer opportunities and needs.

For November 2011, take closer look at the Community HOPE Program of the YMCA.
Community HOPE
Community HOPE weblink

Alexander Family YMCA:
1603 Hillsborough St
Raleigh , NC 27605

Phone: (919) 832-9622

YMCA logo


About Community HOPE:
Community HOPE is an academically structured mentoring and literacy program that addresses the individual learning needs of students living in affordable housing communities here in Raleigh. They rely heavily on volunteers. Each week, the Alexander YMCA needs more than 170 mentors to make this program a success. 

studentCommunity HOPE has been bringing volunteer mentors together with high-risk students in low-income neighborhoods for nine years.

Each year these students have had an average gain in literacy proficiency of more than one grade level. In addition, these children have developed confidence and expanded vision for their future. The reason for this record of success can be found in Community HOPE's underlying philosophy: Relationships change lives, not programs.

The nuts and bolts of Community HOPE are simple.

  • Caring mentors who meet with their students for one hour at the same time each week.
  • A literacy curriculum, HOSTS, with proven and measurable results.
  • Comprehensive assessment and diagnosis of each child's literacy profile.
  • Individualized weekly lesson plans focusing on set goals.
  • Consistent attendance by students and mentors throughout the school year.
  • Training for mentors on the use of the HOSTS program and continued education on the art of mentoring during the year.

How To Help Community HOPE:
teachingVolunteers are needed Monday through Thursday from 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. or from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. during the school year to help with literacy development. Each student is paired with two adult advocates or mentors who strongly support the student for an entire school year and often longer.

Community HOPE is looking for volunteers who can commit just one hour per week for one academic school year or who can volunteer as a substitute mentor when needed.

Contact Barbara.Longobardo@YMCATriangle.org, 582-2236.

POSTED: November 1, 2011