Page 28 - 2025 February report

Site visit report – Boys Hope Girls Hope (2)
We had an opportunity to talk one-on one with a graduate of the residential program, Ken Stable, a young man in his early 30’s who faced homelessness and had bounced around to 17 different schools by the age of 15. He recounted for us how BHGH provided a stable environment and turned his life around. He is now a recent graduate of Washington University Law School.
The President and CEO of BHGH, Kristin Ostby de Barillas, met with us via Zoom. She answered our questions and spoke about the mission of BHGH. She talked about the ongoing $25 million dollar campaign to grow and expand impact, one part of which is to raise $6.5 million for scholarships. She explained one of the reasons why the organization needs to grow. Some of the affiliates serve only a handful of students. The numbers of students served are too small to attract big donor support; growing the number of students served will attract more donor dollars.
We also had the opportunity to visit a residential home for BHGH students. We met students, young and old. We chatted with a young woman about to enroll in college, and she told us about how consequential her residential experience has been. The home was beautiful, and the employees were impressive individuals. One of the employees has been working for BHGH for 12 years. We also met and spoke to a psychologist who provides counselling for the students on an ongoing basis.
All in all, it was a most profitable visit. In my view, no other organization we fund provides this kind of sustained and intensive support to their students. In addition, it was evident that BHGH is a well-run operation, data driven and guided by a commitment to embodying best practices.
David, Bobby & Lisa visit with residential students in St. Louis.
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