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November 7, 2023 — The Omega Community Development Corporation (CDC) hosted its first Hope Zone Honors at The Hope Lives Here Gala, on November 6 to an audience of 450. The event, with a fundraising goal of $1.6 million to support efforts to increase self-sufficiency and stability for thousands of families, took place at Sinclair Community College. The HOPE LIVES HERE Gala celebrated Omega CDC’s most recent success in expanding services across 17 neighborhoods in northwest Dayton. This success comes because of being awarded a U.S. Department of Education grant for the Hope Zone Promise Neighborhood. And, while the Promise Neighborhood dollars, the first awarded in the State of Ohio, will enable Omega CDC to scale their cradle-to-career work to reach more children and families, the restrictions of the grant leave gaps in funding to ensure support for every Hope Zone child’s cradle-to-career Journey.
The Hope Lives Here Gala began with an impactful video about the work of Omega CDC followed by the welcome and occasion from Vanessa Ward, President of Omega CDC. Mistress of Ceremonies, Sade Dike, author, entrepreneur, and motivator delivered the spoken word “Present”. Dr. Alonzo Patterson, Darius Beckham, Gala Honorary Co-chairs thanked the many sponsors, donors, and table hosts who supported the event. The audience was entertained by live music by Vibe5 and was stirred to a standing ovation following the musical Selection, “Home”, from the Omega CDC Scholars of H.O.P.E.
Rachel Ward, Director of Operations and Strategic Initiatives, Omega CDC presented the Hope Zone Honors recognizing students, individuals, and families who have overcome insurmountable challenges and organizations contributing to their work. The Student Awards were presented to Gabriel Gantt, Fairview Elementary School, and Maria Allegra, Thurgood Marshall High School. The Family Award was given to Marianna Ramos and the Trinidad-Perez Household, the Resident Award went to Pam Wilson and the Community Organization Award to Miami Valley Meals. Vanessa Ward presented a special Omega CDC Champion Award to Rick Stover, treasurer of the Omega CDC Board of Trustees who has tirelessly supported the mission and vision of the organization.
The Gala ended with keynote speaker, Hasan Davis, Founder/CEO of Hasan Davis Solutions, LLC, a self-proclaimed Hope Dealer, who has dedicated his career to advocating for youth justice and empowerment improving the lives of young people wherever they encounter government and social systems. Mr. Davis delivered a compelling message that inspired Hope as he used his own experiences growing up in poverty and navigating the juvenile justice system. As a passionate advocate for infusing Humanity, Optimism, Perspective, and Empathy (H.O.P.E.) into the justice and youth empowerment system, Mr. Davis said, “Hope is a seed planted in rocky soil; with no knowledge, of how deep its roots will reach or how many its fruit will feed. But we must prepare and plant and see.”"
The Omega Community Development Corporation (CDC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established by the Omega Baptist Church in 1997. With over 26 years of active involvement in the community, they have begun a journey to Inspire Hope in the lives of 6,700 children and 3,400 families living within “The Hope Zone’, delivering literacy-focused educational programs, individualized success planning navigation, and wrap-around services throughout 17 neighborhoods over the next five years. Goals that are focused on the academic achievement, health, and social well-being of all who live within the Hope Zone. For more information on the Omega CDC and how you can support this Journey of Hope go to omega-cdc.org.