The HOPE Program celebrated its 40th Anniversary on April 29, 2025 with a landmark gala at Cipriani Broadway, raising $880,000 to continue the organization’s mission of preparing New Yorkers from marginalized communities for meaningful careers in the emerging green economy.
The evening brought together program supporters, including elected officials, community leaders and corporate partners, to honor four decades of HOPE’s work, which has connected over 8,000 New Yorkers to economic opportunities across the five boroughs. The programs from the Brooklyn-based nonprofit focuses on targeting specific industries, like green infrastructure and horticulture.
Under Executive Director Tracey Capers's leadership, HOPE recently launched a new strategic plan focused on deepening HOPE's impact in underinvested communities most affected by climate change, including in Brownsville.
Deborah Antoine, who founded HOPE in a church basement with a small group of volunteers 40 years ago, was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for her visionary leadership; Christina Horner and her family received the HOPE Family Award for their intergenerational commitment to advancing The HOPE Program; and Paul Lipson, co-principal of Barretto Bay Strategies and former Chief of Staff to Rep. José E. Serrano, received the Community Champion Award for his work integrating HOPE’s Sustainable South Bronx (SSBx) from an independent nonprofit to a key channel of HOPE’s impact.
“This milestone gala was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when New York invests in its people and communities,” said Capers. “For 40 years, HOPE has opened pathways to new opportunities and stable careers for New Yorkers from marginalized communities, and we’re just getting started. With our new strategic plan, we’re deepening our impact in the underinvested neighborhoods most affected by climate change and equipping New Yorkers with the tools they need to achieve economic mobility through the growing green economy. Our efforts go beyond the participants engaged in our programs – HOPE’s work impacts families who can look to the future with greater HOPE and their communities, who reap the benefits of healthier homes and neighborhoods."
Notable attendees included Brooklyn Council Member Lincoln Restler, Bronx Assemblymember Amanda Septimo, and representatives for Public Advocate Jumaane Williams and Council Member Amanda Farias.
The evening reflected HOPE’s unwavering commitment to lifting up low-income New Yorkers with job training, wraparound support, and career pathways in growing sectors, including green infrastructure, building efficiency and clean energy.
“HOPE has changed my life,” said Zarravon Quarry, a graduate of The HOPE Program who attended the gala. “The training, support, and kindness I received allowed me to start a career in the green transit industry and gave me the confidence to reimagine my future and take full advantage of the opportunities ahead. I have made life-long connections, and thanks to the HOPE for Life model, I know I’ll always have a home with HOPE.”
