We are Boys Hope Girls Hope
We believe every young person should have hope for the future and believe they can make a difference in the world.
Sometimes, the challenges young people and their families are facing—economic, systemic, or circumstantial barriers—get in the way, and it can seem like their possibilities are limited. Still, they put one foot in front of the other, go to school, work hard, and do their best. They want more.
That’s where Boys Hope Girls Hope comes in.
Our dedicated team spends many hours per week, year after year, with our young people, who are selected for their motivation and determination and called Boys Hope Girls Hope scholars. Together, we navigate each step in their journey of education, experiences, activities, skill-building, personal growth, leadership, and service. Once in the Boys Hope Girls Hope family, they have lifelong relationships, a network of support into career launch, and a supportive community throughout their adulthood as alumni.
OUR MISSION
To nurture and guide motivated young people in need to become well-educated, career-ready men and women for others.
OUR DNA
These are the fundamental and distinctive characteristics of our organization.
Academic Focus
We believe in the transformative power of education to develop lifelong learners.
Service and Community Engagement
We believe in the Jesuit-inspired, values-centered hallmark of building “persons for others.”
Family-like Settings to Create a Sense of Belonging
We believe youth derive their energy and sustenance from exposure to nurturing environments.
Long-Term and Comprehensive Commitment
We believe an enduring relationship with youth holds the most promise for attaining positive outcomes.
Faith-Based Values
We believe that a loving God cares about the life of every individual and we manifest this belief.
Voluntary Participant Commitment
We believe in the motivational power of self-selection into the Boys Hope Girls Hope program.
WHERE WE WORK
OUR NETWORKOur partners and contributors help us make round-the-clock investments in young people’s lives, educations, and futures.
OUR PLAN
Boys Hope Girls Hope is a learning and growing organization. We don’t rest on hope alone, but we roll up our sleeves as a Network and have courageous discussions about how we can improve and scale to serve more young people in need. We welcome you to be a part of our growth!
OUR PLAN
Boys Hope Girls Hope is a learning and growing organization. We don’t rest on hope alone, but we roll up our sleeves as a Network and have courageous discussions about how we can improve and scale to serve more young people in need. We welcome you to be a part of our growth!

TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY
You want to invest in a nonprofit you can trust. Be confident knowing that we have been independently evaluated and that your donation gets used in an effective and responsible way. View our financials and see how your donation makes a difference.

ANNUAL REPORTS
AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
990s
Our icon has deep meaning for our scholars, collegians, alumni, and team members. It represents our diverse community coming together with our incredible scholars at the heart of everything we do.

OUR HISTORY
For 45 years, Boys Hope Girls Hope has helped young people leverage their strengths by providing access to education and opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have. With their motivation and determination, and Boys Hope Girls Hope’s high expectations and nurturing environments, our alumni have been given the tools they need to build their own success stories.
1977
Boys Hope Girls Hope Founded
Rev. Paul Sheridan, SJ, a Jesuit priest, and the first board of directors welcomed the inaugural class of scholars into its first residential site for eight boys in St. Louis, Missouri, known as “The Jesuit Program of Living and Learning.”
1979
Replication Begins
Residential sites are established in New York and Chicago, starting the growth that has culminated in affiliate sites across the United States.
1984
First College Graduate
The program celebrates its first college graduate in the U.S.!
1987
Going International
The program takes root abroad, expanding into Latin America.
1991
Began Serving Girls
The Pittsburgh affiliate opens a home for girls, and the organization is renamed Boys Hope Girls Hope! The program reaches a milestone of 100 scholars in college.
2004
Academy Pathway Launched
The Arizona affiliate launches the first Academy to provide holistic programming and services to young people who can live at home. The Academy pathway has since been implemented in other affiliates.
2017
40 Years!
Boys Hope Girls Hope celebrates its 40th anniversary!
Future
Five-Year Strategic Plan
Boys Hope Girls Hope is setting a bold and ambitious course for the future!
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OUR TEAM
Boys Hope Girls Hope is made up of incredible people. Our Network Headquarters team and Network Board of Directors collaborate with affiliate teams and boards to ensure mission fidelity, financial stewardship, and transparency. We are committed to continuous learning, effective programming, diversity, inclusion, and improvement through impact evaluation and innovation.

Kristin Ostby de Barillas

Judy Horrell

Melanie Burden

Bill Fronczak

Brian Hipp

James Williams
& STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS

Laura Stevens

Erin Beezley

Vivian Mendoza

Pete Schweiss

Noël Schiber

Caleb Chapman
SPECIALIST

Lynn Trieschmann

Aly Marin

Martin Totland

Debbie Shelton

River Wild

Jenn Garris

Gigi Burgos

Linda Buffa

Luther Cameron

Julie Fabian

Stephanie Cabrera
BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Joe Koenig
Dr. Edward Anderson
Retired Cardiologist
Steve Carani
Principal
Edward Jones
Dave Conway
Executive Advisor
Intellex Talent
Ben Davis
CEO
Phizzle
Mike de Graffenried
Retired Business Executive
Kristin Embury
Director, Global Customer Service
Netflix
Palmina Fava
Partner, Co-Head of White Collar Defense & Government Investigations
Vinson & Elkins
Lisa Flavin, Secretary
VP, Audit & Chief Compliance Officer
Emerson
Anissa Gilbert
Digital Project Manager
PNC
Pamela Giss
Managing Principal
Launch Development Finance Advisors
Ken Goebel, Affiliate Director
Director
West Monroe Partners
Rosa Maria Gramajo, Affiliate Director
Architect
AICSA
Christopher Growe
CFO
Advantage Solutions
Gregg Kirchhoefer, Counsel (Ex-Officio)
Partner
Kirkland & Ellis
Dr. Clarence Lee, Jr.
CEO
CMLEEJR Co
Rob Lloyd, Vice Chair
Owner
American Ultimate Disc League
Karen Loiterstein, Affiliate Director
VP, Sales Enablement
TierPoint
Paul Minorini
Retired Nonprofit Executive
Brian Moore
President
Systems Graphics, Inc.
Rev. Ronny O’Dwyer, SJ
President
DeSmet Jesuit High School
Kristin Ostby de Barillas
President and CEO
Boys Hope Girls Hope
Jason Pernell
Worldwide VP Go-to-Market Sales Operations
Cisco
Tom Santel
Retired Business Executive
Anja Schmelter
Marketing Consultant
Rob Sprague
President
KC Property & Casualty
Greg Scruggs, Alumni
Retired, National Football League
Defensive Line Coach
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Rev. Paul G. Sheridan, S.J.
Founder
Boys Hope Girls Hope
Thomas Stanley
Business Executive
Jeff Taylor
Senior VP
Pega
Karl Thomsen
Business Executive
Mark Wilhelm
Executive Chairman
Safety National Casualty Corporation
John Wunderlich, Treasurer
Business Consultant
John C. Vatterott, Emeritus
Retired Business Executive
CONTACT US
Please fill out the contact form below and a member of our team will respond as soon as possible.
Or contact our office:
Boys Hope Girls Hope
5257 Shaw Avenue
St. Louis, MO 63110
314.298.1250
hope@bhgh.org
HERE IS HOW YOU CAN PROVIDE HOPE

Working to nurture and guide motivated
young people in need to become well-educated,
career-ready men and women for others
