The Mission.
Charleston Hope is an organization incorporated to develop programs, solicit donations, and rally volunteers in order to inspire hope to the next generation through various programs that promote positive living and intentional interaction.
More than every 1 in 3 people in the state of South Carolina live in high poverty areas.
A Title 1 school is a federally funded school that is eligible for funds if 40% or more of the student population is on free and reduced lunch.
A family of two adults and two children fall under the poverty line if their annual income is at or below $23,500.
Students are elible for free and reduced lunch if their household annual income is at or below 130% of the federal poverty line.
4 out of 5 our partnered schools are 97% free and reduced lunch.
Our Schools.
Burns Elementary
Mitchell Elementary
Cainhoy Elementary
Sanders Clyde Elementary
Charleston Progressive Academy
Emily and friends with their first classroom in 2011.
The Story.
Adopt A Classroom was originally started in 2011 as an outreach by Emily Hoisington as a high school senior. She was burdened by the stories that she heard from her sister, a teacher at a local Title 1 school: Charleston Progressive Academy, of some students who did not expereince the joy of opening Christmas presents. This inspired her to start Adopt A Classroom. She and her high school classmates adopted two classrooms that year (40 students). They gathered the presents, wrapped them and threw a Christmas party for the students which included a hot meal that was provided by a local restaurant.
A year later, Emily was discouraged as a freshman at the College of Chalreston about continuing Adopt A Classroom. However, God kept laying it on her heart to continue this work. She began emailing different organizations in the community such as the College of Charleston, Charleston Southern University,the Citadel andother businesses in the area. Soon Adopt A Classroom had enough support to adopt two schools, Charleston Progressive Academy and Burns Elementary. That year over 900 Title 1 students received a Christmas present, a hot meal, dessert, and spent the day with loving volunteers. Emily hosted a wrapping with theWell of SeaCoast Church, a college and twenties ministry, where over 100 students and community members gathered together and wrapped over 700 presents.
Because Adopt A Classroom became so successful in 2012, Emily reconized that this project was going to continue to grow in the future and in the community. She believed Christmas should not be the only time that these students encounter the community. This inspired the creation of Charleston Hope and the establishment of it as an official 501c3 non profit.