Bands of Hope

Bands of Hope is a U.S. non-profit organization based in Richardson, Texas, with a focus on providing social and financial support to disadvantaged single women with children. It was founded in 2011 by Gilda Smith and Debra London, who were motivated by their personal experiences as mothers and grandmothers to address the challenges faced by single mothers.

Mission and Activities

The primary mission of Bands of Hope is to positively impact the lives of disadvantaged children by offering social services, educational programs, and financial resources. The organization aims to empower both youth and their parents to become self-motivated, resourceful, and successful. Their activities are designed to improve the quality of life and promote self-empowerment among single-parent families and children.

Key Programs

• Teen Summit #whataboutme: A day-long event held before school starts each year, targeting teens aged 13-18. It features critical thinking activities, life skills discussions, sessions on scholarships and money management, panel discussions on authority and drug prevention, and an art therapy session.
• Angel Tree and Thanksgiving Table Programs: These programs provide support to single-parent families during holidays, such as Christmas and Thanksgiving. In recent years, over 50 single-parent families and 175 children have benefited from these initiatives.
• Scholarship Fund and Educational Programs: Bands of Hope supports ongoing educational programs and provides scholarships to aid in the personal growth and financial stability of disadvantaged families.

Impact and Achievements

Since its inception, Bands of Hope has disseminated over $50,000 to support various causes, including programs for pregnant and parenting teens, services for special needs children, social initiatives for children in homeless shelters, and financial assistance for single-parent families. The organization celebrated its twelfth year of operations in May 2024, marking significant progress in achieving its mission.

Annual Events

Bands of Hope hosts an Annual Charity Gala, which is its signature fundraising event. This gala benefits the organization's educational programs, scholarship fund, and other non-profits aligned with its mission. It serves as a pivotal moment for celebrating community support and the spirit of giving.

Recognition

In 2022, Bands of Hope received the Community Service of the Year Award from the Greater North Dallas Business and Professional Women's Club, acknowledging its dedication to community service.

[1] https://bandsofhope.org/about.html [2] https://www.bandofthestrong.org [3] https://bandsofhope.org [4] https://www.headbandsofhope.com [5] https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/463661254