Inspiring underserved DC Youth to take control of their Lives Future Careers Community
Our Mission
Our Mission is to provide at-risk DC youth pathways to employment in the construction and IT industries.
Jose Ortiz
Honoring Our Founder's Legacy
Run Hope Work was founded in 2014 by Jose Ortiz, who has since passed away. Jose had modeled the program after his own path to success, after he struggled with addiction and homelessness. He received a second chance from a mentor who taught him the trade of flooring, and friends who introduced him to running.
Running and meditation saved him from a life of hardship. Jose became the proud owner of Allstate Floors, a community leader, and a decorated triathlete. With a heart full of compassion, Jose had created Run Hope Work in hopes of helping others like him achieve wellness and career stability.
The Run Hope Work story
Run Hope Work (RHW) was founded in 2014 to provide a pathway out of financial poverty and reduce post-traumatic stress (PTS) in high-risk youth populations. The intervention was designed to holistically reduce the number of unemployed young adult DC residents by providing employable skills training and certification.
The three words in our name, Run Hope Work, describes a holistic and developmentally appropriate intervention designed to train the next generation of business and social leaders by putting their future back in their own capable hands.
Our tagline is “Whose Life Is It?” which references the accountability our program seeks to inspire in participants. Our program content has been designed with the support of skilled professionals, formerly incarcerated, homeless, single parent, and runaway professionals who have made positive changes in their own lives.
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DC YOUTH NOT WORKING OR IN SCHOOL
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DC YOUTH TRAINED /YEAR
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DC YOUTH PLACED /YEAR
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AIMING TO SERVE /YEAR
Whose Life Is It?
RHW aims to be the District of Columbia’s premier nonprofit changing the lives of young adults ages 16-24, through an intentional process based around the transformation of running, mindfulness, and workforce development.
Holistic Approach
RHW utilizes a holistic approach that combines physical, mental and vocational training to promote overall well-being and empower youth for long-term employment.
Physical and Mental Health
RHW’s program develops physical and mental well-being through structured run training and deliberate meditation, and prepares youth for work via life skills and work-readiness classes along with trade certifications.
Employment Support
RHW youth receive stipends during the six month program along with professional mentoring and daily programming. Upon graduation, RHW youth earn job placement and ongoing employment support.
Leadership Team
Meet the team that makes Run Hope Work… Work!
Testimonials
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