Our Mission
HFO is actively empowering a movement of hope—focused on community development through educational support, neighborhood outreach, and intentional relationships—grounded in the truth that love changes everything.
Our Programs
It is hard to describe what intentional one-on-one relationships look like in a series of intertwined programs. But, our whole family support coalesces with these programs, our talented staff, and the truth that Love Changes Everything!
TUTORING
One-hundred 1st through 12th graders are tutored, held accountable and enriched by our staff 4 days a week after school.
ADVENTURE
Our high school students’ leadership skills are developed through our high adventure outdoor program.
ENRICHMENT
Outside of the classroom, a big world with events, activities and experiences is available to our kids.
FAMILY SUPPORT
Parent-focused support, classes and community opportunities ensure that the whole family is enriched by the HFO experience.
Our People
The HFO family is led by our staff. The team is comprised of dedicated full time and part time individuals work work day in and day out directly with our kids, their parents, their teachers and the community-at-large to ensure that each child in our program has an integrated circle of support in their life.
Our Impact
Hope for Opelousas’ impact is hard to measure. We have chosen to take the deep and long route, investing in children’s lives from 1st through 12th grade and beyond. Through this journey we have grown, as have our kids, and we look forward to what the future holds!
15+
YEARS SERVING COMMUNITIES
In 2008, HFO started in one house, with one staff member and 12 kids. Twelve years later we have graduates, staff, homes and full-fledged programs beyond our initial vision and we aren’t stopping now!
100
CHILDREN EAch Year + THEIR FAMILIES
We wish we could provide mentorship, tutoring and love to every child who wanted to join HFO, but in order to deeply commit to each child and their families we limit our program to 100 kids each year.
500+
ADVENTURE MILES TRAVELED
Whether canoeing, kayaking or hiking, our Adventure Crew has expanded its limits crossing the Grand Canyon, hiking the Appalachian trail and taking on the Atchafalaya Basin.
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2019/2020 Report card
The city of Opelousas is a beacon of light in Louisiana because of the radiant hope at the intersection of Madison and Walnut Streets. There is still ‘Hope for Opelousas’.
Chief Martin McLendon | Opelousas Chief of Police & Former HFO Parent
Get Involved
Join us. we want you to be a part of the HFO FAMILY.
SIGN UP FOR OUR PROGRAM
Do you know a child that would benefit from our program? If so, use this link to learn more…
Volunteer opportunities
We love when we can find creative ways for YOU to share how your love changes everything!
Make a Donation
Your gifts, large and small, make a difference every day in the lives of our kids and families.