When Amy steps on stage, her light shines. Whether she’s singing with the New Hope Band, playing piano, or dancing, her passion is undeniable. But her journey with Hope Services isn’t just about music; it’s about discovering her potential, building confidence, and opening doors to new opportunities.

Before Hope, Amy says life sometimes felt isolating. “I was in high school and didn’t have a lot of friends to hang out with,” she recalls. When she discovered Hope, she found a place where her passions could grow and where new opportunities were possible. Her love for the performing arts began early. At five years old she started dancing, and by ten she knew she wanted to sing. Her very first performance was “Jingle Bell Rock.”

Amy wears many hats as a performer. She sings, plays piano, dances, and acts. In July 2023, she auditioned for the New Hope Band, taking a step into something new. Joining the band gave her the chance to share her voice in a bigger way, and she treasures the friendships she has made along the way. This past year, she even performed live at the 2025 In Concert With Hope event in front of hundreds of people.

While Amy is passionate about music, Hope also gave her the chance to explore other career paths she may not have considered before. Through Project SEARCH, she worked with mentors like Zoraida, Nancy, and Susan, completing job rotations that helped her gain new skills and confidence. From serving food to cleaning medical equipment, each role taught her something different. “The first time I worked in different rotations, I learned so much. I’m really happy I had the opportunity to do that,” she says.

Her mentors have seen her growth firsthand. Susan shared, “Amy’s confidence has really blossomed. She motivates others and encourages everyone to follow their dreams.” Zoraida added, “We are all so proud of you. You are always up for a challenge, and you inspire us with your talent.”

Now, at 23, Amy is building on everything she has learned. She is currently training as a front desk receptionist at Whittier, where she answers phones and greets visitors. At the same time, she continues to pursue her dream of singing.

“In the future, I want to use my singing to encourage people, and myself, to not give up. I hope I get the chance to sing in front of more people,” she says.

Her mom, Cindy, has seen the transformation up close. “Before Hope, Amy didn’t know what she could do. But Hope gave her opportunities and showed her that she can make her own decisions, find a job, and follow her dreams. God gave her a gift, and Hope helped her share it.”

For Amy, being part of Hope is about more than programs. It is about belonging. From band rehearsals to conversations about favorite songs (her favorite artist is Ariana Grande), she has found a community that celebrates her talents and lifts her up.

Amy is grateful to the people who have supported her journey. “I want to thank the band, and Netta, our Band President, who gave me the opportunity because it gave me a great start. Thank you Zoraida for telling me I got the part.”

When asked what she would like others to know about Hope, Amy puts it best:
“Hope offers great services and opens so many doors for people of all abilities. They tell you what you CAN do, not what you can’t.”

Donate to Hope Services to help individuals like Amy fulfill their potential.