Foundation of HOPE

Economic Development & Empowerment Program

The Foundation of HOPE was founded by Keasha Haythe, CEcD, an economic development veteran who is a certified economic development professional. She continued her passion for economic development by creating the Economic Development and Empowerment Program for girls in rural Easton, Maryland, a town located in Talbot County. 

This program serves girls in the sixth grade attending Easton Middle School. Our mission is to help young girls lead productive lives in their communities by providing cultural, social and educational development. The goal is to encourage them to be viable contributors to the future workforce, help build a stronger community and provide self-sufficiency tools. The program covers topics such as: dealing with low self-esteem, bullying, social media, workforce development, economic and community development, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and much more.

The program is results-oriented and we monitor each individual completing the program thru 12th grade. The outcomes we expect are that the girls will learn soft skills they can use in the real world especially in their community to be great leaders. Additionally, whether or not they are entrepreneurial or intrapreneurial, they will obtain the applicable skills to lead a productive life.  At the end of the entrepreneurship lesson, the girls will have created a business plan to share with family and friends. At this point, they will be able to determine if they would be able to make a profit as an entrepreneur and if they have a market to sell their product or service. 

In the field of economic development, we continue to hear from employers, adults who lack soft skills and are not prepared to be in the workforce. It is our priority to ensure girls who complete the program are prepared when they obtain a job. We have established partnerships and continue to seek more partners and donors so we can continue to deliver a phenomenal program for girls.