Terrell McDaniel drew more than a few curious glances on the morning of March 11. That’s because his every move - from breakfast at home through first period at MRH High School - was being documented by a videographer for a promotional video by Hope Ignites St. Louis (formerly Boys Hope, Girls Hope).  

Terrell (Class of ‘26) is among 55 young adults receiving services in Hope Ignites’ residential, academic and collegiate programs. Hope Ignites provides dynamic family-like environments, goal setting and mentoring, college and career preparation, life skills, financial literacy, as well as emotional, social, and spiritual support. They emphasize in scholars the value of being a person for others - to serve in their community, to recognize and reflect upon social issues they care deeply about, to believe they can be a changemaker, to lead with confidence, and to pay it forward.

Hope Ignites partners with motivated young people in need and their families. Need can include a variety of factors, such as financial hardship, severe stress on the family, parent/guardian illness and lack of quality educational access. These factors can pose significant barriers to a young person realizing their potential. 

“My impression of the staff is, personally, they are some of the best people I know,” said Terrell. “They let me grow and develop as a young man, to let me know that when I leave the program, I am able to now do things on my own without needing constant support.”

Terrell and other scholars were featured in a video presented at Hope Ignites’ “Celebration of Hope” event on April 3.