Hopework focuses on skill development, real-world job experience, and trauma-informed care (Source: Sekinah Brodie, Hopeworks).
"With a focus on skill development, real-world job experience, and trauma-informed care, Hopeworks propels young adults into long-term living wage careers that put them on the path to healing and financial stability,” Dan Rhoton, CEO of Hopeworks told Fideri News Network.
“On average, over 99% of young adults (aged 17-26) entering Hopeworks are unemployed, making less than $400 annually. Young adults completing the Hopeworks program make, on average, over $43,000 annually, with over 90% 12-month retention rate in their jobs. That is the Hopeworks difference.”
He explained, “It starts with self-paced, paid technical training in front-end web development, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), data visualization, and revenue cycle management, which are high-demand skills that companies need.”
To provide a real-world experience, Hopeworks. which has locations in Camden and Kensington, runs three social enterprises focused on web design, revenue cycle management and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
“Our businesses provide technology solutions that help clients not only achieve their goals but also train and employ young adults in high-demand, high-wage careers. While gaining experience through our paid internships, they are also learning professional development skills that help them stand out in the competitive job market. In the last 12 months, our social enterprises paid over $1.65M in wages to our participants,” Rhoton said.
“Technical training is important. Even more important, however, is helping our young adults develop the social and emotional skills to not just get high-wage jobs but keep them. Throughout their training, young adults experience a unique combination of career readiness coaching, academic success support, and a strong community committed to building resilience that puts them on the path to healing and financial stability.”
On the biggest challenges, the nonprofit faces, he said, “Addressing systemic barriers faced by our participants, such as poverty, unstable housing, mental health challenges, and limited educational opportunities is, of course, critical to our success.
In addition, we must always be focused on helping young adults overcome the chronic stress and trauma from which many are healing.”
He added, “Finally, and perhaps most unusually, Sales! For us to sell more services we need to sell more web design, RCM, and GIS services in the market. Right now, sales is the biggest limiter to our growth -- and we have a waiting list of over 350 folks ready to start!
On what he enjoys most about the work he does, he said, “What I love most about my job is the people I get to work with every single day.
Every day, I have the privilege of working alongside young adults who are doing the bravest thing anyone can do — choosing to change their lives, often in ways no one in their families or communities ever has before. I get to work with staff who could succeed anywhere, in any industry, but instead choose to pour their talent and energy into Camden and Kensington, because they know what a difference it makes. And I get to collaborate with donors and supporters who could be anywhere in the world, doing anything they want, but who instead choose to invest in changing the lives of others.”
Upcoming Events
On November 22, 2025, a Pitch Competition will be held at Rutgers Camden Campus Center, 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., followed by the Holiday Bazaar.
Hopeworks trainees, interns, and alumni will pitch their business ideas and services in front of a panel of judges for the opportunity to win cash prizes and funding for their entrepreneurial endeavors.
At 12:30 p.m., there will also be a Holiday Bazaar, where vendors from the Hopeworks entrepreneurship program will be selling their goods and services. Get more information here.
How can the community get involved ?
Email [email protected] to come in for a tour and check it out! After that, Hopework has so many ways to get involved, from mentoring to mock interviews to so much more.
Learn more about volunteer options here.
