About Us
History
Helping Operations for People Empowerment (H.O.P.E.) is a faith-based 501(c3) organization that was incorporated in July 2006, and received its 501(c3) status in April 2009. The brainchild of the late Rev. Dr. Frederick G. Sampson II, H.O.P.E. serves as an extended hand to the community to meet developmental, social, and spiritual needs.
Mission/Vision/Goals
H.O.P.E. - What We are About
H.O.P.E.'s Mission:
To empower people -- within the Detroit community it serves -- to change from “brokenness” to “wholeness” That through restorative practices we strive to eliminate the barriers that impede the progress of those affected by the injustice of the judicial system in our communities.
H.O.P.E.'s Vision:
We believe that promise and opportunity are transformative. Our objective is to provide clinical transition and community-based social support services to formerly incarcerated Detroit residents that will empower them to positively transform their lives and reduce recidivism.
H.O.P.E.'s Goals:
We. strive to strengthen families through education, and developmental programs and services. We will promote the health and wellness of youth, adults and the elderly, with special attention to at risk populations. To achieve these goals, we will:
- Support families through temporary assistance to enable self-sufficiency.
- Encourage Health and Wellness by enabling mental /physical well-being and healthy lifestyles.
- Support the Formerly Incarcerated by providing an avenue for re-entry to society.
Our Board
Dr. Bakari Wallace
Reverend Samuel Spruill
Reverend Samuel Spruill
Chairman
Dr. Wallace accepted the position as H.O.P.E.’s Chairperson in 2021, as a Pre-Faculty Research Fellow at Wayne State University School of Social Work, he completed his doctorate at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, School of Human Ecology, specializing in community-based research. Dr. Wallace’s teaching and research interests include the effects of mass incarceration on Black Americans (particularly Black men), urban education policy, youth civic participation and African American historical methods of community organizing and development.
Reverend Samuel Spruill
Reverend Samuel Spruill
Reverend Samuel Spruill
President, C.EO - H.O.P.E.
Currently CEO/President of H.O.P.E. I also serve as the Community Outreach Minister for Tabernacle Missionary Baptist church in Detroit, in addition to serving (for the past 30 years) as the Jail and Prison Minister for the church. I am proud to make a impact on the progress of the Formerly Incarcerated by assisting them in their journey back into society.
Pastor Johnny Harrison
Reverend Samuel Spruill
Pastor Johnny Harrison
Vice Chairman
Currently Vice-Chairperson of H.O.P.E. for the past ten years, I have volunteered at H.O.P.E. since its inception as a mentor to the Formerly Incarcerated. Also, I am Pastor at Inkster Springhill Missionary Baptist church in Inkster, MI. I consistently work to implement the mission of the church strategically achieving spiritual and organizational goals. Also, retired from the United States Postal Service after forty years.
Ms. Shirley Tolliver
Mr. Lawrence Washington
Pastor Johnny Harrison
Secretary
Shirley W. Tolliver is Secretary of Helping Operations For People Empowerment H.O.P.E. A longtime Community Activist, Education Advocate, and Social Activist. She is a Precinct Delegate, where she registers people to vote, and keeps them informed of Civic information. She currently holds the position of President of the South Redford Board of Education. Ms. Tolliver has a passion for serving our Children. Her Motto is working Towards a Better Education Today for Brighter Children Tomorrow. She holds an Associate Degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing.
Mr. Lawrence Washington
Mr. Lawrence Washington
Mr. Lawrence Washington
Board Member
A Retired GM Engineer, I have been a H.O.P.E. Board Member for the past ten years, I have brought my gift of working with youth, men and women who deserve that second chance. Also, a Board Member at Berkshire Estates at Heritage Village Condo Assoc. As a Member of Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, I serve in the Bus Ministry, Men & Boys Ministry, and Autumn Fellowship volunteer (deliver meals on wheels for thee elderly).
Ms. Amanda Johnson
Mr. Lawrence Washington
Mr. Lawrence Washington
Treasurer
Amanda Johnson, M.A., CLA, CCHW, is a dynamic educator, writer and community advocate with over 20 years experience advancing effective community partnerships to promote and articulate the goals of disenfranchised and underserved families. Ms. Johnson has served as a coordinating and convening agent in listening sessions and policy dialogues and has assumed an advocacy role in public policy arenas that strengthen community life. She is a professional writer and has published work with Urban Ministries, Moody Publishers and Christianity Today.
Ms. Ethelyn Carroll
Ms. Ethelyn Carroll
Ms. Ethelyn Carroll
Board Member
Ethelyn Carroll has had a long and successful career in the insurance industry and is a passionate community leader in the city of Detroit. Ethelyn Carroll studied at Central Michigan University and earned a master’s degree in Human Resources. Currently, Ethelyn is president of the United Block Club Council which meets monthly to inform seniors, youth, and other residents of resources available in the neighborhoods. As a co-founder member of the Midwest Community Business Association which supports small businesses and entrepreneurs and also a current board member with My Community Speaks which is creating a neighborhood rain garden basin and memorial park