By Tanya Paperny
I first heard of Academy of Hope (AoH) in 2016 from the article “When Low-Income Parents Go Back to School.” Washington, DC was starting to feel like home after living here for nine years, so I committed to finding local volunteer opportunities and deepening my connections in Ward 5. From just one conversation with Mary Cabriele, AoH’s volunteer coordinator at the time, I could tell the school understood the factors that led people to stop out of their education — and the barriers that made it hard to return. I could also tell that AoH never defined a person by the systemic failures that affected them, nor did AoH give up on anyone. Every staff person I met, regardless of their title, was part of a caring network that surrounded all who walked through the school’s doors.
Not long after my meeting with Mary, I started volunteering as an evening teaching assistant. My first day in a reading classroom, we worked on “short i” sounds, like pig, big and sit. It was humbling to coach adults at the beginning of their literacy journey. Adult learners came to class after a long day at work, or a long time away from schooling altogether. Many learners were there because they made promises to their kids — or to themselves. Everyone had full lives and had accomplished a lot but were coming back to get an education. They moved forward without shame because their teachers supported them without stigma.
Since then, I’ve become a sort of regular in the halls of the Ward 5 campus. When I heard AoH was launching the Leaders of Hope Council, I enthusiastically raised my hand, maybe even impatiently emailing twice about joining. This group of DC-area young professionals recruited supporters and donors through live and virtual events: who remembers A Comedy of Hope, Tech Takeover or HOPE & SEEK?
The adult learners I’ve supported, primarily beginning readers, have shown the most extraordinary commitment. Even when I’m running late, they’re always on time. Even when I’m in a heavy mood, they are energized for their evening tutoring sessions. There is a warmth in this school that lights people up, day in and day out. The learners I work with keep me accountable, whether they know it or not. They remind me to never define myself by my worst moments, and that the pursuit of educational and racial justice begins by just putting one foot in front of the other.
Mary has been at Academy of Hope for 13 years, and she’s now the Director of Career and Workforce Services. Lecester Johnson, Academy of Hope’s CEO, has been with the organization for almost 20 years. Seeing this kind of longevity tells me that AoH treats people with dignity and respect. As I come up on a decade of involvement with Academy of Hope, I can truly say that this place is special. I look forward to whatever comes next — whether it’s more ways to engage with AoH’s mission or finding new learners to support.
This Volunteer Appreciation Week, I’m especially proud to be part of the AoH community. It’s a time to recognize every person who has shown up with compassion, patience and purpose. Volunteers are an essential thread in the fabric of this organization, and I’m honored to stand among them.
If you’re ready to resume your education or advance professionally, no matter what skills you already bring to the table, Academy of Hope has room and resources for you.
