What We Do

Our Services
Founded in 1977 by Father Paul Sheridan, S.J., Boys Hope Girls Hope is a privately funded, non-profit multi-denominational organization that provides at-risk children with a stable home, positive parenting, high quality education, and the support needed to reach their full potential.  Many of our children come from home environments marked by drug abuse, poverty or neglect, while others come from caring families unable to meet the child’s needs.

We use a holistic approach with the children in our care and provide them with the necessary education and life skills to be productive members of the community.  We work to positively impact the community through participation in community service days each month, as well as asking scholars to become involved with a non-profit of their choice. Typically, each scholar completes about 100 hours of community service annually, spending time helping such entities as the Maryland Food Bank, Johns Hopkins’ Children’s House, Food for Thought, Student Sharing Coalition and East Rosemont Neighborhood Association. 

The approach utilized by Boys Hope Girls Hope has several unique elements which make it the only program of its kind in the country:

• Residential Services:  scholars enter our program between the ages of 10 and 14, and live in our residence through graduation from high school.  Placement into our residential program is voluntary on behalf of the child and his/her parent(s) or guardian.  This program offers education in first rate schools, a family style home focused on personal development, live-in counselors who provide structure, guidance, and nurturing, room, board, tuition, and a personal allowance, medical services, summer athletic and enrichment programs, and professional counseling. 

• Partners In Parenting:  we work hand in hand with the scholar’s parents, strongly encouraging and valuing their involvement in the BHGH program.  Parent participation in their child’s activities and program events, and support of goals and values ensures the best possible experiences for the scholars.  Parents maintain custody of their child and BHGH maintains regular contact with parents via scheduled visits and phone calls. Parents are encouraged to attend parent teacher conferences and stay actively involved with the child’s educational development. Students typically visit their homes at least once per month and extended visits occur during holidays and summer months.  There are no restrictions against parental contact by phone, letter, or e-mail.

• College Support and After Care:  all scholars admitted into the program receive after-care services to meet their individual needs.  This is typically enacted at the time of high school graduation.  These services include:  financial assistance for college tuition, room, board, and books, emotional support and mentoring while on campus, temporary housing at BHGH residence during college breaks, assistance in securing internships and employment, follow-up to asses a scholar’s reintegration into the family and community, support and guidance for scholar caregivers, and extension of counseling services.

 
Emphasis on Education
BHGH provides its scholars the opportunity to attend first-rate local schools. 

In addition to their educational demands, all scholars participate in cultural and enrichment activities.  Attaining a college education is a priority for the scholars and the BHGH program provides financial assistance to those who wish to pursue further education.

Value-Centered Homes
Our scholars reside in neighborhood environments with caring, supportive counselors who act as role models and confidants.  Respect for all individuals is the philosophy of BHGH residences.  Scholars pitch in on daily living responsibilities and learn the importance of cooperation and teamwork.

Extra Curricular Activities
Scholars participate in a variety of activities within the community and their educational institutions.  These activities enrich their lives and teach valuable life lessons, including leadership, sportsmanship, loyalty, and responsibility.  During Summer months, scholars attend enrichment and sports camps such as Center for Talented Youth, Teton Science School, and Camp Miniwanca a four year leadership camp.  Scholars older than 16, work part time during the school year and are actively engaged in visiting colleges.

Laying a Moral Framework
Faith and spirituality are two important components of personal development.  BHGH scholars are encouraged to explore their faith and understand God’s purpose in their lives.  Scholars are required to follow their family’s faith tradition and participate in weekly worship.  Positive moral values are exemplified in BHGH residences in hopes the scholars will adopt these principals and enact them in their daily lives.

Our Success

Since 1991, 100% of U.S. Scholars who gratuated high school in our care have gone on th college. The Baltimore program was ranked #1 in cumulative GPA out of 19 boys Hope Girls Hope programs internatinoally.

Baltimore program scholars have attended or are attending:

Archbishop Borders School

Archbishop Curley High Schoo

Boys Latin School of Maryland

Cristo Rey Jesuit High School

Loyola Blakefield

Mother Seton Academy

Mt. St. Joseph High School

Our Lady of Mount Carmel

St. Frances Academy

St. Ignatius Loyola Academy

St. James and John School

St. Katharines's School

St. Mary of the Assumption

St. Michaels the Archangel School

Boys Hope Girls Hope of Baltimore is actively working to establish partnerships with many other fine private schools in the Baltimore area.