New HOPE Center in Easton

EASTON, Md. — The Foundation of HOPE broke ground Thursday morning on a new facility in Easton. Leaders say the space will help expand their mission of empowering young girls and women to become successful leaders.

“Since 2018, this village has empowered young girls and women to be successful leaders. You’ve touched the lives of countless young people, parents, educators, and policymakers,” said Maryland’s First Lady Dawn Moore.

The nonprofit runs a 16-week program for middle school girls, teaching them to become leaders.

“Currently, it’s just one day a week—one in Easton and one in St. Michaels. This will allow us to expand our days, expand our program, and serve more girls,” said HOPE Foundation Founder Keasha Haythe.

The new facility will also allow HOPE to offer workforce development classes for adults and parents, particularly in entrepreneurship and economic development.

“Community members looking to start a business or improve their workforce skills will benefit from these classes,” Haythe said.

The state of Maryland has invested more than $600,000 in the HOPE Foundation’s new home.

“Having a physical home helps the foundation stand out. It creates a space designed specifically for their programming, addressing their unique challenges and better serving their audience,” said Maryland Secretary of Housing and Community Development Jacob Day.

Graduates of the program say it helped them build confidence and develop skills such as financial literacy.

“As a sixth grader, the program helped build my confidence into the person I’m becoming now,” said Maya Hawkins-Bailey, a graduate of HOPE’s first cohort.

Organizers say the new facility will also allow them to branch out to private schools in Talbot County.