DECEMBER 2025
Dear Friends of Hope Ignites Chicago,
As we head into the bustle of the holidays, our Scholars are busy with playoffs, holiday concerts, and of course, studying for finals! With all the “busy” surrounding us, it is always wonderful to get to sit down with a Scholar to hear more about their story, which I was able to do with Jovani (“JoJo”), a sophomore Scholar. We have had quite a few Scholars who are being raised by older siblings in our history, and JoJo is one of them. His older brother, Christian, is his guardian and joined us as we chatted about how JoJo came to be in our program.
Both JoJo and Christian, along with their sister, Farenica, lost their mom about five years ago. Their mom was a hard-working nurse who took care of them and everyone else. She had been struggling with illness for a few years when she came home from work, exhausted from a 16-hour shift. She laid down to rest, and sadly, never woke up due to an undetected blood clot.
JoJo at 8th grade graduation with siblings
Christian stepped up and took responsibility for his younger siblings, becoming their guardian. When I asked Christian and JoJo to describe their mom, they both agreed that the most accurate word was “joyful.” This was amazing to learn as our staff would describe JoJo with the exact same word! Christian has always marveled that for all JoJo has been through with losing his mom at a young age, he has always maintained his joy. What a lovely way to honor his mom’s legacy!
JoJo’s mom always prioritized education, and his siblings have maintained this priority. JoJo attended St. Thomas of Canterbury School, graduating from 8th grade. The school’s principal suggested JoJo apply to Hope Ignites Chicago, and his siblings supported JoJo in this process. Thankfully, JoJo did well throughout the many application steps and was admitted!
When asked what JoJo loves most about Hope Ignites, he states four highlights:
- Community of Scholars
- Exposure to many activities
- Opportunity to go to college
- “And the food! I eat a lot!!!”
His big brother’s list was the same (minus the food) with some elaboration. He cited community and opportunity as well, but he also added that he was especially grateful for extra-curricular opportunities. When Christian was in high school, he could never participate in activities. He had to get home and help out with his siblings. He really wanted JoJo to have the full high school experience of being a part of teams and clubs. JoJo plays football, runs track, and belongs to AAYG (African American Youth Group).
A young JoJo with his mom & sister
When asked about his greatest challenge in the program, JoJo said he misses not seeing his big brother and sister as often as he did in grade school. Scholars have to be very courageous to be in our program. It is not easy to leave home as young as middle school or high school to pursue a rigorous academic pathway to your future.
When I asked JoJo what he’d like to share with supporters, he had this to say:
- We’re nice kids!
- We’re very grateful for your support!!
- We promise to make the most of what you have provided!!!
Christian wanted to add his gratitude and share that, “The gifts you provide are even more impactful than you realize. You’re creating generational change.”
Please consider a life-changing gift to Hope Ignites Chicago to help our Scholars thrive from the gift of home, community, structure, JOY and HOPE.
There are strategies to optimize your 2025 tax planning. Year-end gifts, including cash, stock, or donor-advised fund distributions, can offer advantages when completed by December 31. We would be honored to be part of your year-end giving.
We are grateful to have you in the Hope Ignites Chicago family!
Best wishes for a joyful and bright holiday season,
Karen P. Croteau
President
Boys Hope Girls Hope of Illinois