About the Platform of Hope 
THE PLATFORM OF HOPE was founded as a pilot initiative in 2018 to provide holistic and self-directed support for cohorts of families of color experiencing economic vulnerability in the rapidly gentrifying Adams Morgan neighborhood of Northwest Washington, DC. Our mission is to enhance the ability of families of color to define and pursue success while building community by connecting them with coaching, services and one another. Together, we amplify the experiences of DC area families and address systemic barriers to success.
Our VISION FORWARD Fundraiser honors our past, celebrates the present and looks to our future. POH launched our first year of programming in Fall 2018 with an inaugural cohort of 20 families based in Ward 1 and a vision to serve 100 families over 5 years. Learn about our model here. In 2023 we accomplished this initial milestone and completed a thorough strategic planning process to guide us into Phase II. Our 2023 "Milestones" Annual Report contains more information about our program model and impact: https://www.platformofhopedc.org/annual-report2023
Today we are proud to be in our sixth year as a grassroots organization modeling family-centered practices to support participants in pursuing socio-economic success and building community. In 2024 we’re partnering with 50 active participant families, with almost 50 Alums who have graduated from our program since launching in 2018!
2024 Staff:
Executive Director Judy Estey
Senior Program Manager Pamela Cabrera-Bahay
Program Administrator Sarah Hicks
Program Managers Stephanie Joseph & Allison Wu
Program Assistant Gabriela Fuentes
Intern Melanie Luna
Acknowledging our founding partners and staff:
Founding Partners: Established in 2017 and launched in 2018, POH was stewarded by an alliance of non-profit organizations that are engaged in affordable housing, child development, arts, education, health and wellness for DC-area families. Our four founding partners have deep roots in Ward 1: Jubilee Housing, Jubilee JumpStart, Mary’s Center and Sitar Arts Center.
Founding Staff: Sylvia Stokes, our founding staff member, was the pioneering Family Care Lead from 2018-2020 before her tragic passing from COVID-19 in April 2020. Sylvia’s legacy lives on in our work and we are proud to have named our permanent office in her honor.
