House of Peace & Education, HOPE (Inc.), Gardner, Massachusetts

The House of Peace & Education, Inc. was founded in 1996 in response to high levels of poverty and a growing trend of violence in the greater Gardner area of Massachusetts. HOPE is committed to counteracting violence and promoting peace. HOPE staff and volunteers provide programs of education, support, and job-skill training for women and children in the Greater Gardner area. Founded as a non-profit 501(c) organization HOPE offers services free of charge to eligible participants. Services are funded chiefly through grants, fundraising, and private donations that are tax deductible. HOPE consists of four programs; HOPE for women, which includes a job-training and computer skills class, PALS which is a K-2nd grade children program Wednesday afternoons and Saturday mornings, HOPE After School which serves 3-6th grade children Monday-Thursday from 2.30pm-5pm, and Teen HOPE which runs at the same time as HOPE After School but for students in grades 7-12th.

Mission Statement: HOPE is committed to countering violence and promoting peace through education, support, leadership development, job skills training, and mentoring to help at risk children and women reclaim their futures.