Our Program Model
At Platform of Hope (POH), we believe families are the experts in their own lives. Our family-centered model is built on a simple but powerful idea: lasting change happens when families have the support, resources, and community connections they need to achieve the goals they set for themselves.
Through personalized coaching, access to trusted community resources, and meaningful opportunities to connect with others, we partner with DC families to build pathways toward greater stability, economic opportunity, and multigenerational success.
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Our approach is rooted in three core pillars
Family-Centered Coaching
Every family has its own strengths, challenges, and aspirations. Through monthly one-on-one coaching, families identify their priorities, set achievable goals, and develop practical action plans. Whether they are working toward stable housing, employment, education, or personal well-being, our coaches provide encouragement, accountability, and individualized support every step of the way.
Resource Connections
Families should not have to navigate challenges alone. Through our network of trusted community partners, we connect families with services and opportunities that support their goals, from education and workforce development to childcare, housing resources, and wellness programs.
Community Building
We believe strong relationships are essential to lasting success. Through Family Saturdays, interactive workshops, and shared experiences, families build friendships, exchange knowledge, strengthen their support networks, and become part of a community where they feel valued, connected, and empowered.
Our program also encourages families to reflect on their progress, celebrate milestones, and shape the activities and resources offered. By combining individualized support with the strength of community, we help families move forward at their own pace while working together to address the systemic barriers that limit opportunity.
Our Journey
Platform of Hope launched its first year of programming in Fall 2018 with an inaugural cohort of 20 families living in and around Adams Morgan. Since then, more than 200 families have participated in our program. Today, we welcome families from every ward of Washington, DC, bringing families together, strengthening community connections, and creating pathways to lasting, multigenerational success.
2026 Program YearJanuary – December
Flexible Ways to Connect: Families come together for in-person Family Saturdays, participate in engaging virtual and in-person workshops, and receive personalized one-on-one coaching.
What families told us
Source: Platform of Hope 2025 Impact Report
Workshops we have hosted
- Mental Health Workshop with The Women's Center
- Financial Education Series with TD Bank
- Tax Filing Assistance with Mother's Outreach Network
- Trauma-Informed Care with Mary's Center
- Know Your Rights with Legal Aid DC
- Women's Empowerment with Ms. Yira Basilis
- Parenting Class with Ms. Terry Joiner
Have an idea for a workshop you want to host or sponsor?
Partner with usThe Saturday sessions helped our family bond with other families. The one-on-one sessions are great because that is where I assess my goals and we set small tasks to help me achieve the much larger goals. The workshops are great because that is where I get info that I can actually apply to my set goals. Attending all three helps with the overall individual and family goals.
POH Family
See our model in action
Explore the data, stories and lessons from our families in our annual reports.
Learn more about our model by reviewing our annual reports