The Making Hope Happen Foundation is creating lasting change in San Bernardino, CA. In 2021, the San Bernardino City Unified School District embraced the research of Gallup senior scientist Shane J. Lopez, who identified hope as a powerful force for community transformation. Hope allows people to envision a better future, design a path toward it, and take purposeful steps to make it real. That belief is central to MHHF’s work. In communities like Waterman and Baseline – where residents face high rates of asthma, heart disease, and cancer from freight and industrial pollution, compounded by poverty and limited services – the foundation responds with practical solutions rooted in local voices. Job training in green and technology-focused careers is just one of many efforts aimed at helping youth build meaningful futures while addressing long-standing environmental and social challenges. Through strong partnerships and a deep commitment to lifelong learning, MHHF works to ensure that every child and family has the opportunity to thrive.
Deeply connected to the community, MHHF is a Black and woman-led organization composed of 22 San Bernardino natives and long-time residents united in support of students and families through four key pillars.The Uplift San Bernardino initiative focuses on the Waterman & Baseline communities where much of the city’s low-income families reside. Projects support education, home ownership and career development. The Karnig Infant Toddler Success Program equips parents to maximize their child’s brain development before entering school, offering 16 hours of classes to low-income parents. More than 100 parents and caregivers have taken classes. Innovation In Education supports programs like the San Andreas High School Growing Hope Fund that teaches urban farming and entrepreneurship, and the Mentor Supported Scholarships program provides $3,000 and a paid mentor for students during their first two years of post-secondary education. MHHF has given more than $500 thousand in scholarships and support to local students in each of the last 3 years.