Annual Report 2023
hollamentors.org
NOTE FROM ERIC KNOX Founder & Executive Director of HOLLA
Dear HOLLA Family, HOLLA is making a difference, and we are being made different, by being present with and attentive to our youth and families, and to ourselves. Our clarion call is to match youth with mentors who look like them, and who share similar lived experiences. We believe that kids cannot be what they cannot see, and HOLLA mentors act as windows for Black and Brown youth to see their own power and potential. As you look through our 2022-2023 Annual Report you will see the stabilization of HOLLA as we laid a sturdy foundation for our upcoming growth trajectory. This sturdy foundation is reflected in both our programming and staffing strategies last year which allow us to respond expeditiously to the needs of our community. HOLLA is growing - not for the community, but from the community - by allowing the sundry of voices to determine best practices that personify the richness of our community and culture. I cannot thank you enough for your support of HOLLA! Much love, Eric Knox Founder & Executive Director
WHO WE ARE
Mission HOLLA exists to change the narrative of youth of color through culturally specific relationships.
Values Joy: Looks like passion, creativity, celebration, vision, hope.
Authenticity: Looks like identity, a culturally honoring approach, and a deep belief that how we do the work is equally important to what we do.
Relationships: Looks
like presence, connection, community partnerships, depth, trust, and 360 degree mentorship.
Growth: Looks like opportunity, goal setting, mindset, beliefs, grit, reflection, adventure and exploration.
Program Overview Mentorship is the heart of HOLLA. HOLLA works with schools, post-secondary institutions, nonprofits, and families to match mentors with school age students ages 5 – 18. HOLLA mentors engage relationally with students both in and out of school. Relationships with our mentors are equally important, we spend time in on-going leadership development and community with mentors throughout the year. HOLLA Scholars The HOLLA Scholars program amplifies our impact by engaging first generation undergraduate college students of color as mentors. College students who are in the HOLLA Scholars program are mentored by HOLLA in their own growth. 1:1 Community Based Mentoring HOLLA’s 1:1 mentoring program matches youth with community volunteers. We provide opportunities for representation and enrichment through arts, aviation, outdoors activities, and college preparation. Campus Based Mentoring HOLLA Campus Mentors are assigned to specific school campuses to provide mentorship and representation in schools in East Portland. Campus Mentors work with a cohort of students in 1:1, small group, and inclass settings. FUBU Newberg FUBU works in partnership with HOLLA to support Black youth in Newberg, Oregon through the creation of spaces and programs that connect the Black community, center Black identity, and affirm Black experiences. HOLLA Hoops HOLLA Hoops offers Black and Brown girls mentorship and scholarship opportunities through Benson Girls Basketball where Eric Knox is the Head Coach.
OUR IMPACT
Demographic Information 1:1 Community Mentor Demographics Total: 40 Mentors
Black (19%) Latinx (33%) AAPI (5%) Multi-Racial (10%) White (33%)
1:1 Community Mentee Demographics Total: 39 Mentees
Black (44%) Latinx (46%) AAPI (5%) Multi-Racial 3%) White (3%)
Campus Mentor Program
In addition to our 1:1 Community Mentees, the HOLLA Campus Mentor Program served 32 Students at Alder Elementarty, Reynolds Middle School, Reynolds High School and Benson Polytechnic High School.
Event Information
23
total mentor and mentee events
331
total event participation
5 Survey Results
90%
of students said they have a strong relationship with their mentor
100%
of students said their mentor made them feel hopeful about the future
95%
of students said their mentor made them feel proud of their identity
mentor specific events & trainings
Financial Information Expenses
Programs (57%) Adminstrative (17%) Fundraising (26%)
Our program expenses include funding HOLLA Scholars, 1:1 Community Based Mentorship, Campus Based Mentorship, FUBU Newberg, and HOLLA Hoops.
Revenue
Grants (53%) Donations (41%) Contracts (5%) Apparel Sales (1%)
OUR STORIES
Q: What’s the best part about having a mentor/being in HOLLA? A: Having a mentor AND being a part of HOLLA has given us even more opportunities to meet with one another and do something together. :) -Mentee Q: What has been a highlight of this year? A: Seeing my mentee start opening up to me about things that he doesn’t talk to anyone else about. It’s been cool to see how meaningful our time together has become. -Mentor
Q: What’s the best part about having a mentor/being in HOLLA? A: I like all the activities we do together and meeting new people. -Mentee Q: What has been a highlight of this year? A: My mentee and I have pushed each other to try new things this last year. That has been a cool experience both of us learning and trying things together! -Mentor
Thank You Our work at HOLLA is not done alone, but with our community. In 2022-2023, over 300 individuals, families, foundations, and corporate partners invested in changing the narrative of youth of color through giving to HOLLA. To each of our donors and sponsors, thank you for your belief in the power and potential of Black and Brown youth and for your generosity that helps bring our mission to life. Thank you!
Our Board Alisha Howard Alex Coffee Amani Austin Dr. Marty Palacios Eric Knox
Keela Tillery Kelly Knox- Board Treasurer Luis Sanchez-Vera Patricia Williams- Board Chair Eric Winquist
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