10 Stories of HOPE: Brooke’s Story

February 21, 2023

Brooke is currently the Finance and Administrative Specialist at HOPE 4 Youth. Her journey with HOPE 4 Youth started in 2014 when she began to hear rumblings of a new non-profit that was working with homeless youth. She explained, “I was at a point in my life where I wanted to give back to the community and I have always felt the desire to help young people.” After attending an orientation led by Brian Swanson, the founder, she was hooked on HOPE 4 Youth’s mission to provide pathways to end youth homelessness. Brooke started as a Donations Volunteer and gradually became more involved. After a year of working in Donations, she became a mentor at the Drop-In Center. She joined as a staff member in an Administrative Staff Support position, transitioned into the role of Development Assistant, and in October 2021 accepted her current position.

Brooke is constantly encouraged by the positive impact HOPE 4 Youth has on many youths’ lives. Her variety of positions has helped her to understand the youth we serve from multiple perspectives. She appreciates the way HOPE 4 Youth walks alongside youth to help them succeed and thrive. Every day she witnesses the genuine connections between the youth and staff. Brooke said, “Although I don’t have as much direct contact with youth in my position, I see the work our Program Staff is doing, and it reaffirms the reasons I am here.”

One of the biggest things Brooke has learned being a part of HOPE 4 Youth is “every interaction counts”. She stated,

“I have become more conscious of how I treat others and how I perceive others. We don’t always get updates from the youth we serve, so we don’t always know the impact we make in someone’s life. We simply have to believe we made a difference and that is what truly matters.”

Brooke strongly values the commitment HOPE 4 Youth has of ending youth homelessness. She said, “We are always trying to find a better way. We as an organization have the opportunity to make the world a better place for everyone”. Her passion and commitment to HOPE 4 Youth spurs solely from wanting to make a difference in the lives of others. We are thankful to have a team member who has a heart for our Program and aligns with our Mission and Core Values.