STRAIGHTFORWARD ANSWERS FOR FAMILIES
Questions are welcome here.
Learn where Platform of Hope serves, what participation costs, how coaching works, and what kind of support families receive.
THE SHORT VERSION
Free — There is no cost to families.
Citywide — Families across Washington, DC are welcome.
Family-led — Your goals shape the plan.
Connected — Coaching, resources, and community work together.
01 · START HERE
Location, eligibility, and cost
Do I have to live in Adams Morgan or Ward 1?
No. Platform of Hope serves families from across Washington, DC. While many families currently participating in the program live in Adams Morgan and Ward 1, the services are not limited to those neighborhoods. Families from other parts of DC are also welcome to participate.
Who does Platform of Hope primarily serve?
Platform of Hope is a family-centered program that primarily serves families of color across Washington, DC. The program works alongside families as they define and pursue their own vision of success.
Does it cost anything to participate?
No. There is no cost for families to participate in Platform of Hope.
02 · WORKING TOGETHER
What participation looks like
What do families do in Platform of Hope?
Families identify goals, create action plans, connect to resources, and take steps toward greater stability and opportunity. They also participate in Family Saturdays and other activities designed to strengthen relationships, share useful information, and build community.
Will I have someone helping me?
Yes. Families work with a coach who listens, helps identify goals, supports action planning, and assists with connections to community resources and services.
What are Family Saturdays?
Family Saturdays are family-centered gatherings that may include activities, workshops, shared meals, resource sharing, and opportunities for adults and children to connect with other families.
Who decides what my family should work on?
You do. Each family defines what success means for them. Your coach helps turn those priorities into an action plan, but your family’s goals lead the process.
03 · YOUR PRIORITIES
Goals and resources
What kinds of goals can families work toward?
Goals can involve employment, education, housing, finances, health, family well-being, leadership, or another priority that matters to your family.
What happens if my family’s priorities change?
Plans can evolve. Families and coaches can revisit goals and next steps as circumstances, needs, and opportunities change.
Can Platform of Hope help me find other services?
Yes. Resource connection is an important part of the program. Coaches help families navigate community organizations, services, and opportunities that may support their goals.
04 · AN IMPORTANT DISTINCTION
Financial assistance
Does Platform of Hope provide direct financial assistance?
Platform of Hope is not primarily a direct financial assistance program. Its focus is coaching, goal setting, resource connections, community support, and helping families take steps toward their goals.
Are stipends ever available?
Small stipends may sometimes be available in recognition of progress and completion of certain program commitments or activities. They are not the program’s primary form of support.
05 · YOUR NEXT STEP
Getting started
How do I express interest in joining?
Use the Apply to Join button to complete the interest form. You can also contact the Platform of Hope team if you have questions before taking that step.
What if I am not sure whether the program is right for my family?
It is okay to ask questions first. Contacting the team does not commit your family to participating. A conversation can help you understand the program and decide whether it feels like a good fit.
STILL WONDERING ABOUT SOMETHING?
Talk with a real person.
The Platform of Hope team can help you understand the program before you decide what to do next.