Seed of Hope Foundation

I've had the opportunity to volunteer and participate in a couple of events. This organization was organized, staff and board members were friendly and relational. Their yearly conference for young girls and now women was AWESOME. It allowed the girls to challenge themselves and it allowed adult women to re-evaluate their purpose and they encouraged connecting with other like minded women. If I had a daughter she would definitely participate in the Seed of Hope.

This organization is doing amazing things to reach not only young ladies but young men as well. I have had the pleasure of attending a few of their events and seeing firsthand how they engage with youth and develop their leadership potential. Seed of Hope is making great strides in the community by helping one young person at a time.

This was a phenomenal event for the young and mature. If you have a young girl in your life, I strongly recommend this conference. If you are a female leader I strongly recommend this conference as well as there was something inspirational for everyone involved. Support this organization, volunteer, and give. I highly recommend this event!

This is an amazing organization ! Many vision & mission statements look "pretty" on paper while lacking in demonstration & provision of services... not so with Seed of Hope Foundation....
Im not sure who was blessed the most, me or my 12 year old granddaughter, from the authentic care & compassion demonstrated by Seed of Hope. I was so impressed I have decided to lend my services & partner with the mission & vision of this life changing organization!!
-Dr. Carolyn Ransom-Champion

Seed of Hope has a passion for helping young people experience success at the highest level! We need more non-profits like them who truly care about at-promise youth and willing to do the work to make huge changes.

Thank you Seed of Hope for being a part of the change in our world!

Seed of Hope Foundation is an organization that is focus on enpowering and enriching the lives of the young ladies that they engage in. The instructors and the staff are truly dedicated to the cause and the purpose of helping to change the mindset of the ladies to help them to know they are of greatness. This organization is well deserved of the recognition.

Seed of Hope is an AMAZING organization that has helped me in both professional and personal ways. I have aqcuired tools from them that usually take an adult YEARS to learn. Seed of Hope is very dear to my heart, and it is a pleasure, honor, and blessing to be a volunteer for them also. Being a volunteer has also added to my communication skills and non-profit/event planning skills. It has also given me an insider look to the way a non-profit organization works and runs......Seed of Hope is truly a dream come true to ANY individual....proffessionals, youg adults, teens, etc. because of its wide range of targeted programs designed to build on the needs of the individual.

I feel that this program is wonderful and is helpful and useful. This program helps me with school, home, and life problems. This girls group helped me learn and grow from my mistakes and choices. This group helped me with making friends and cutting some off, trusting and believing and controlling my feelings and emotions.

I really liked this girls mentoring program and hope they continue to help girls because this is a good start.

I feel like this program is good/awesome because this program is helpful and it can help us get through our problems and make sure we understand how life goes.

This program is a life changing experience and i would love to do this again. Before the program i was not an outspoken person and i had a lot of issues with my mom that was unbelievable. Now I can communicate with people including my mom about stuff I didn't even know i could discuss. Thank you and i hope to see my coaches again next year!

Seed Of Hope is definitely a place where young ladies are empowered to be absolutely amazing at whatever they chose to do. I watched my daughter transform from a shy young lady to a very well-spoken college student, unafraid to speak to crowds of large numbers. Seed of Hope allow their students to be unashamedly FREE2B! If you are looking for a safe place for growth look no further, Seed Of Hope is the place! The facilitators are very professional, but at the same time, very approachable, they love to have fun, and love helping others!

This organization has been a blessings to say the least. I have watched them literally change the lives of many young women. There mentorship is outstanding. Whatever you need them to do they do it without hesitating. The founders are amazing at what they do. This organization was God sent and whatever they touch is change our affected in a positive way. I recommend the Seed of Hope foundation to everyone who has a young lady or a young ladies group. They are very gifted and crafted to teach and reach the minds and hearts of young ladies all over this world.

Seed of Hope Foundation has been working with the youth in the residential program where I'm currently the therapist. These woman came in and helped my girls tap into areas of their life that they hadn't yet discussed during individual therapy. The groups of empowerment and self-worth has been phenomenal! I'm so thankful to have these women work with me to help my girls get to the next phase of their lives, leaving the negativity and baggage behind. I would recommend the Seed of Hope Foundation to assist with any group of girls that are dealing with past hurts, trauma and victimization.

I am very proud to be a part of this organization. Not only is the mission--empowering young women--much needed in our community, but Seed of Hope Foundation is making it a priority to be a model organization for nonprofit best practices. We seek to help young girls learn about themselves and live with integrity--and as an organization we are leading by example.

A smart, dynamic group of women following their passion to empower young women and girls. They give them tools and understanding that will help them succeed in life. I can't think of a more relevant, pitiful and important mission for our world today. I am proud to be a member of their board.

I really don't know how to put into words what took place in the OK2B Me seminar, but it was a for real eye opener for me. It was like I was on the outside looking in at me and what I was seeing was some major things that I really needed to change and how me not being the authentic me, not my perceived me, not only had a negative effect on me and every area of my life but on others as well. It gave me a blue print or map or guide on how to shift my thinking and target the areas that I wanted and needed to change. This is a much need seminar for girls, young ladies, women because when we know who we really are and who we were created to be, it will shift and shape our lives and we will live out our best life and be an asset to ourselves and everyone we encounter and influence.

Seed of Hope has guided my team and i to help transform our organization ( Classy.Refined.Educated.Women) C.R.E.W to become more prepared to expand our horizons and become a club beyond school grounds. I really appreciate their help and can't wait to continue growing with them.

Wow. What can be said about Seed Of Hope Foundation. Let me start off by saying I think everyone behind this foundation is amazing and sent from Heaven. Its one thing with seeing the value in the person but it's another thing with pulling it out. When i first got involve with Seed Of Hope Foundation, I didn't want to take any leadership positions, I just wanted to work. No what a bad choice on my end. Mrs. Gwendolyn Young started pulling and extracting, and getting on my nerves about trying to hide the many gifts that I have. So once she started working with me, she made me uncomfortable which was a great thing. Mrs. Young push me into purpose, dreams, and many tangible things. Seed of Hope Foundation help to reconstruct my organization C.R.E.W (Classy Refine Educated Women) where our motto is Our Expectations Are Higher Than Our Heels. Seed Of Hope Foundation did planning session and help us build sturdy ground. This is a Foundation that is doing an Amazing things for the community. Oh but wait there's more, Mrs. Gwendolyn and I had a conversation about my poems. I mention to her that i wanted to publish a book and she said GET TO WORK, I GIVE YOU A DEADLINE OF 30 DAYS. I feel like it wouldn't be right if i prolong this. One thing i learned from the Seed of Hope Foundation is to GET IT DONE. So with that being said I will be a published author in a couple of weeks. I wrote the book in 10 hours. This is the type of drive Seed of Hope has put in me and I appreciate every bit of it. It has made me see that I can Make my dreams tangible.

Seed of Hope have a wonderful conference that centered around uplifting young women. As a volunteer it was great to be able to sit back and look at the amazing breakthroughs that were happening with these young ladies. One can see that their self esteem and confidence was being risen Also, the young ladies were learning self respect about themselves though valuing their morlals and education. Parsonally, as a 23 year old woman I would have love to have gotten the mentorshio from Seed of Hope. It would have made me realize what's really important in life and how to value myself.

The OK2B Me Conference was absolutely mind altering! I came expecting great things but we received AMAZING. The volunteers, the attendees, & the speakers were motivating, energetic, passionate, & knowledgeable. The keynote was the icing on the cake!!

This type of conference is necessary for young girls who may be struggling with being a teen. I believe people walked away with NEW information & knowing that they are NOT alone!!

I've been to several girls conference but this one ranks at the top!!

Looking forward to 2014 conference.

I really enjoyed my time at the ok2beme conference! I felt that the environment was very welcoming, and I feel that the workshops put together were interesting not only to be but to many teen girls. I think that the workshops about self- esteem, depression, and teen health are issues that teens face in their life or have faced at one point. I loved the fact that the people were real, especially Dr. Pitman, who shared her personal life and gave us advice. Not only was the workshops and lessons given, but there were shirts and many things given to the guests that I found was very considerate. It was a nice experience !

Seed of Hope is doing excellent work with young women in the Greater Chicagoland area. By providing mentoring services, leadership opportunities, and workshops and events, this foundation is really equipping young women with the tools they need to be successful in adulthood. I had the honor to attend their 2013 OK2B Manifesting the Dream Conference with a group of teen girls I mentor, and i was thoroughly impressed with the high quality workshops they provided the girls. I plan to continue working with Seed of Hope to be a part of the awesome work they are doing to help our girls strengthen their self-esteem, leadership skills, and vision for their futures.

I was apart of the first class to graduate from Seed Of Hope program. It was something that I did with great reluctancy but after finishing the course and going through each class session on Saturday I started to want to go to the class. They not only made it a safe haven to talk about whatever you wanted, they also taught you lesson that you wouldn't learn in school. How to set goals, how to make a business plan, how to dress properly for interviews, how to manage your money, and many more valuable lessons. They helped every step of the way! They push you to be your absolute best, they wouldn't let you settle for mere mediocracy. They wanted you to dream and achieve whatever you set your mind out to. Ms. Gwen and Ms. Jacqui also told you that they would never leave you. That they would be there for whenever and for whatever you needed. I can personally say that they still haven't left my side. I have been able to contact both of them over the years and just ask for guidance and just a listening hear when I am having a hard time. These two women have started something that I believe every young lady needs to be apart of. They have changed me and have put a little bit of them inside of me. They are great role models and mentors.

Seed of Hope has not only changed my life, but its changed the lives of so many in my family and community. It's an honor and privilege to be associated with an organization that has such a lasting impact on young women. The transformations are amazing!

Seed of Hope Is an AMAZING Foundation! They are making a HUGE impact on the lives of those they touch! It is rare to find such a dedicated group of individuals, who sacrifice so much to serve others!
Their desire to lift, inspire, teach and often transform the lives of young people is noteworthy!
Seed of Hope is established on a firm foundation of strong moral and ethical values.
The guiding principles they espouse and wonderful program they have developed, will eventually impact the lives of millions!
As one who has developed a program meant to address many of the concerns of this generation,
I am truly impressed with the incredible results "Seed Of Hope" is having in the lives of young people!

I recently joined the Seed of Hope organization this past January. The founders of this organization are two very passionate and dynamic individual, who practice what they preach. Ms. Barnes and Gwen seed into these young women tools, to help them become outstanding women like themselves. This organization creates an open and friendly atmosphere for not just the young women but also all the members. Seed of Hope gives these young women a place to feel comfortable in a troubled world. It also gives these young women opportunities to tackle some of the issues that the encounter on a daily basis. And to help them believe in themselves so that they can set and accomplish their goals.

I volunteer with this wonderful group of women who are strong leaders and deliver the message of hope to the women of our future

S.O.H – is like no other!! This organization is run by two of the most phenomenal women that give of themselves whole-heartedly. These women truly sow a seed of hope, achievement, ambition, aspiration and confidence. The organization challenges these girls/young ladies on so many levels through workshops, community service activities and open forums. They challenge them to dream and believe. What make this organization stand out from the rest are the tools and resources they give to help them achieve their goals.

My name is Mashelly Lane. I am 17 years old. I started coming to seed of hope last summer. I was invited by my best friend. After coming the first couple times I enjoyed myself. Seed of hope is a great place to attend because you can get so much off of your mind and feel very relieved. Not only will you feel relieved you will not feel judged.

Seed of Hope Foundation is an organization that stands behind its mission statement of empowering individuals to fulfill their potential and destiny through sound leadership principles. These individuals have included some incredible young girls (now young women) who now have a profound destiny and purpose for their lives because of the "culture" of Seed of Hope. From such activities as book clubs, to conferences to servicing the community; their commitment to excellence has remained intact. Any young person struggling with anything, can find a helping hand from the nurturing environment at Seed of Hope.

Donating to this organization makes me feel great because I know they are doing great things for our young woman. Their concept of us all seeding what we can for a brighter tomorrow as a whole is truly amazing. Whether I give of my time, talent or treasures (tangible assets) I know it is an investment that will yield a return. I feel that more people need to know about Seed of Hope so that they can benefit from all that this program has to offer. Their is benefit in sowing our seed into this rich soil. There is a benefit for everyone that encounters this organization. Take a moment to get to know all that are involved or better yet plant your Seed of Hope today.

I am an actual hope girl success story . This organization is very life changing. Before I went to seed of hope, I thought very little of myself and I was struggling with a little bit of everything. I was ready to give up on school ,family, and friends. When i attended my first seed of hope hope girls meeting something spoke to me that day ,it showed me i am going through alot but im not alone. I didnt use to like myself or my body i thought i was never pretty enough for anything. I started getting involved with soh a little more .when you are surrounded by people who constantly tell you how beautiful you are,you are bound to believe it. I was soon put in a magazine for soh and became there glamor girl of the month. Iam now a hope girls vice president and a role model for other young girls I couldnt feel more beautiful .i thank GOD for seed of hope i dont know where i would be without themp

The very words Seed of Hope, carries a powerful messge. As the old saying goes from a tiny acorn comes a mighty Oak. A little seed planted, watered and nurtured can yield a field of harvestable goodness. SOH offers a chance for young ladies to grow into viable, valubale individuals. The success I have had in my life came from seeds(words) of encouragement. My mother always planted seeds of hope in me and my siblings. We have all acomplished greatness in our careers and in life. SOH helps young ladies to see their worth, their strength, their value. This very organization is yielding a field of harvestable "goodness" ready for the picking and spreading their "goodness" into this world.

As a benefactor of mentoring I can attest to the power of "the village". SOH's commitment to young women is a contribution to the community and ultimately the world. Gwendolyn started out as a co-worker and has bececome a friend, sister and inspiration. From the time Gwen told me about SOH, until this very day, I knew that she would be successful because her heart and soul was involved. It was Gwen's passion and vision that made me answer the call. I am a proud supporter of SOH because I know their work is positive and comes from a place of love. SOH is more than mentoring, it is a ministry.

I started out at SOH as a board member, but due to personal illness I had to resign. I now volunteer when I'm able just to have some small part in this organization's mission, growth and success. In my experience, it's fairly rare to find organization leadership that sweats, bleeds, breathes and lives its mission every single day. I've watched them grow and evolve over the past year and the impact they've had in the lives of young women is amazing. They are planting, growing and harvesting seeds in the lives of their constituents that is and will continue to pay back dividends into local communities as these young women gain career guidance, entrepreneurial confidence and other life skills. I hope this review helps give this organization the visibility it needs to go to take its mission to the next level--if anyone can do it, this group can!

I have never seen a non-profit as well organized and structured as SOH. The level of professionalism and commitment that they display sets a great example for the girls that they service. They have meticulously created a nurturing environment in which the girls feel safe and secure. They are able to open up and share as well as receive instruction and empowerment. I have witnessed first hand the impact that this organization is making and am very grateful for them.

S.O.H. Is an organization I would refer to ladies/women of all ages. Momma Jackee (founder) & my lovely Sister Gwendolyn (Executive Director) are 2 aspiring women, using their personal life experiences, to bring out the best in people and inspire to chase their dream. These ladies lead by example to young women and girls. S.O.H. is known for their mentoring, encouragement, guidance, and much more. This organization teaches girls how to be young respectable young ladies, how to love themselves and others, helps one to enhance their professionalism, and how to balance work/life issues. The only reason I rated this organization as a 4 star is because they have more in store and being a 5 could mean they have nothing more to give & have reached the top but S.O.H. will always have something to give and I know they will start touching young ladies all over the WORLD.

I am very grateful and honored to have met Gwendolyn Young. Since the day we met, she has been a pleasure to speak,work, and laugh with. I have always relied on the inspiring words of Gwen to get me motivated. She has helped me tremendously with struggles that I have encountered on a daily basis. I can say that I have gained more confidence since meeting this wonderful woman. I love her to pieces, and I will always be indebted to her for keeping me grounded and determined. :-)

Seed of Hope has provided a two-fold connection. They have mentored my daughter in which she was one of the first young ladies that had the opportunity to be apart of their program. Secondly, their organization volunteers to plant positive seeds at our organization at our yearly teenage girl conference. Their willingness to impart knowledge and to inspire young ladies to move ahead with their dreams and goals in life is superb. I am grateful of their generosity of our their time, talents, and treasures as it exempliefies the true meaning of giving. I applaud Jacquelyne Barnes and Gwendolyn Young for showing our young girls that they can do and be whatever they choose to be!

The women of SOH have not only changed the life of my daughter but mine as well. Gwen and her team get's down to the root of the issue and help you make the necessary changes in order to help you CHANGE YOU LIFE FOR GOOD! My daughter's self esteem has sky rocketed thanks to Seed of Hope! I'm truly blessed to have such an amazing program added to our lives!

I love what Seed of Hope represents. They take pride in teaching leadership and the importance of excelling. Through this program so many lives are being changed in our community and culture. Due to the negative forces that'presented in our world, we need more programs such as this. Seed of Hope also places a high value on self-esteem, which allows teens and young adults the privilege of being in an environment that's going to encourage them to feel good about themselves.

It's a good experiance for eveyone that is involved.

First off, I wasn't sure I would enjoy the experience that Seed of Hope would provide. I didn't like the fact that I would have to give up my days to go and do homework and what not but in the end it turned out to be one of the best things I have done. It has helped me grow as a person spiritually and mentally. It helped me grow more responsible, and I started getting my school work complete, which was one of the biggest struggles for me. It is great for everyone and more people should become involved with this organization! You will see instant change in your personality and the way you behave and the mindset you pick up. This is an organization filled with positive influences and great people! 5 star organization.

this is a excellent program for young women!! I pray that one day u guys become nation wide!!

Seed of Hope is great for young women...they have help my daughter with a bunch of issues. I'm grateful to have met Gwen. She had been an inspiration in my life as well as my daughter. Keep up the good work.

Seed of hope is a great organization. Just the thought of knowing how much I love my daughter and want the best for her as well as great role modles makes me feel good to see a organization full of so much love and inspiration. Such a caring and motivating organization!!!!! Love it!!!!!

I have known Gwen for at least ten years now. She is one of the most supportive and inspirational women I know. She is a positive role model for not only the youth she serves, but for all lives she touches!!!

I love Seed of Hope and the work they are doing with the young ladies involved!

love this organization, my child needed it, they are real people that care about real people.

This is a very needed organization with proven Christian leadership for our youth. Our youth are in desperate need of positive role models who share the Gospel and who are willing to listen to their concerns while giving them guidance. My prayers are with the Seed of Hope Foundation and may God continue to give them strength through this challenge and journey for our young people.

This is a wonderful organiztion that supports young people and encourages them to reach for the BEST and make a difference. I love them and what they are all about and I am honored to participate in any way I can. GOD BLESS U SEED OF HOPE!!!!

well seed of hope is a great place to go if you ever wanna figure out what you want to do with your life. In 2009 i was a member of seed of hope and they've helped me realize what i really want to do in life and with that said I've been writing skits for school,church, my friends, and just for fun. I'm really happy that i did seed of hope because if it wasn't for them with there classes and tips to run a successful business. i would still be at home wondering what i want to do with my life. so thank you to the soh foundation.

Seed of Hope is a wonderful organization that is dedicated and committed to sowing positive attributes in our youth. They are truly making a genuine investment in the lives of others. Their outreach is heartfelt, sincere and impactful. It is so refreshing to find an organization that dedicated to people and not politics. Seed of Hope definitely inspires hope in outreach and is redefining how non profits should provide service. They are truly producing a harvest of GOOD:-) Andrea

Seed of Hope is a wonderful organization, I am impressed by the dedication and time that is invested. Each event has a purpose and a meaning, Seep of Hope is what our children need, SOH is dedicated to making a difference and I will continue to support and do whatever I can do to help this organization.

This group is so much fun. This group means a safe haven for me. A place for me to be myself and be as honset as possible. All the girls in the group were so loving and caring even though they just met me. Even though I really am just getting to me everyone I feel like I've met them all before . I just wish that we had more time in the group to talk snd everything. But, overall I'm going to try my best to come to all events since I had so much fun.

My experience in Seed of Hope has been something that i have long needed for many years. I feel safe, like i will not be judge and that i feel empowered and so much better about myself. Since coming to The book club, i have been able to be more open to people and accepting of myself. I have been able to talk to my parents and have a bettter relationship, a more honest relationship and i don't think it would be possible without the group.

I have watched Seed of Hope help girls figure out what they love to do! I have seen them touch lives of those who didn't believe in theirsleves.. Seed of Hope has even helped me in many ways! They gave me a safe place to come and talk and be myself and on top of that I have made some great friends that I know I can depend on and will always be there for me. My cousins and I were in the same Dreams & Visions workshop together, one of my cousins wanted to be a pastry chef, but after a few weeks with the help of those from Seed of Hope she figured out that her passion was not in baking, it was actually in dancing!
It also brought us close together. We were not very close before Seed of Hope's Dreams and Visions Workshop. Now all four of us are together almost every weekend! Seed of Hope has renewed relationships, brought on new friendships, and the most important given confidence into girls that they CAN do whatever they put their minds to!

The dedication and passion that SOH's staff exhibit for the youth they serve is unmatched. And what's more, they deliver results.

Seed of Hope is like no other organization i've ever come across. The passion, the dedication for exellence of this organization is amazing! I love helping with Seed of Hope. The people are nice and invite you in with open arms. Plus they're always there to lend a helping hand when you may need it. I'm very happy to be a part of something great!!

-Excellent and very professional to work with
-Very passionate and serious about what they do
-They go hard for our youth
-One of the driving forces behind me being able to live out the dream God gave me
-Well educated
-And they're making a difference in this world!!!!
-I love them
-I love their passion and drive

Seed of Hope was the answer to my prayers, literally. I was seeking a Mentor for my 15 year old God-Daughter. After asking around I finally found them.
Even during the first contact in trying to make the meeting with all parties, there was opposition from God-Daughter. Although I was trying to make things happen, SOH remained positive and encouraging to let me know that when she is ready they will be there. ...and they were and now over a year later they have not left!

Everyone needs to know that SOH will make a diifference in your child, and the parents too!

SOH is a wonderful organization “Developing Dreams & Vision Fulfilling Purpose” is such a profound statement. I love being a part of their wonderful activities. SOH is going places and I am glad to know there are people willing to go the extra mile to support our young youth. I thank you SOH for all you do to make dreams happen for young men & women. GOD bless you!